Investing for US Expats
We help you navigate the complexity to comply with the investment landscape and tax codes of two countries simultaneously.
Specialist Expertise
Investments Across Borders
The United States is one of the few countries that base tax obligations on citizenship status rather than residency. We specialise in helping US expats navigate the risks and complexities associated with managing investments across two tax jurisdictions.
Cambridge Partners has been in business since 1994, and has over 15 years of experience working with American citizens living in New Zealand and overseas. We want to ensure your financial transition to New Zealand is as smooth as possible and provide clarity and confidence about your financial future.
Creating Certainty
How we help
Our first step is to develop a financial plan that provides recommendations for efficiently structuring and managing your financial affairs going forward. We then partner with you to implement the recommendations, provide ongoing advice support, and regular reviews of your financial plan.
Common pain points for US citizens include:
- Access to investment accounts after leaving the United States.
- Access to, and ongoing management of, US retirement accounts, including 401Ks, and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA’s).
- Optimal draw-down strategies for retirement savings.
- How to invest without being captured by the punitive US Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules.
- Understanding the interaction between US Social Security and NZ Super and how to maximise lifetime benefits.
- The implications of joining KiwiSaver as a US citizen and the options available to minimise tax and compliance costs.
We also work alongside other professionals, such as tax accountants and lawyers, where required.
Cambridge Partners does not provide NZ or US tax advice or file NZ or US tax returns. Where required, we work in partnership with our network of US-NZ accountants and US-NZ legal advisers to ensure the holistic requirements of our clients are met.
- Asset Allocation Approach: We assess each client’s risk and return objectives to determine the most appropriate balance between growth assets and defensive assets.
- Tax efficient portfolios: Our US client portfolios are designed to manage the US PFIC and capital gains regimes, while also managing NZ tax obligations, particularly with regard to NZ FIFs (Foreign Investment Funds).
- ESG investing: We offer portfolio options that consider Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors so clients can invest in line with their values and preferences.
Cambridge Partners provides a premium wealth management service to our US clients.
Meetings can be conducted in person, or via video call using Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
As an American living in New Zealand you cannot simply ‘set and forget’ your financial affairs. Each stage of life can bring events that add layers of complexity to financial planning and require careful consideration. Common examples include:
- Purchasing property.
- Saving for children’s education.
- Inheriting assets in the US.
- Involvement in a NZ company or Trust.
- Going through a separation or divorce.
- Green Card implications.
Our US Expat Financial Adviser team works in with our well-established network of US-NZ accountants and US-NZ legal advisers to ensure the best outcomes for you.
This collaborative approach ensures that we deliver the best outcomes for you, addressing your unique financial needs and providing expert guidance throughout your journey.
