Financial Advisor in the Philippines for Expats: Which Firms Can Help?

An expat financial advisor in the Philippines helps foreign residents manage investments, retirement income, and wealth across borders.

The right adviser can help identify gaps between existing financial arrangements and the realities of living in the Philippines, particularly when overseas pensions, investment accounts, and tax obligations remain tied to another country.

Options include international wealth managers such as Adam Fayed and Global Investments, regional advisory firms such as PS & Partners, and specialist providers such as International Asset Management (IAM), which focuses on Americans living abroad.

Key Takeaways

• Expats need financial advice that accounts for Philippine tax rules and overseas assets.
• Adviser options range from international financial firms to specialist wealth managers.
• HNWIs may benefit from coordinated investment, tax, retirement, and estate planning.
• Verify an adviser's regulatory permissions, total fees, and eligibility to serve Philippine residents before committing to a financial arrangement.

My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp ‪+44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.

The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

Financial planning for expats living in the Philippines

Expats in the Philippines must navigate local tax rules, restrictions on foreign land ownership, and financial arrangements that may remain tied to their home countries.

For HNWIs, these factors can affect investment decisions, retirement income, and how assets are structured for inheritance.

Philippine Tax Rules for Foreign Residents

Foreign nationals are generally taxed on Philippine-source income, while resident Filipino citizens are generally subject to tax on worldwide income.

An expat earning a local salary, receiving Philippine rental income, or drawing an overseas pension may therefore face different tax considerations for each income stream.

Tax treaties and home-country rules can also affect the outcome.

Currency Exposure and International Investments

Expats often fund their Philippine living expenses in pesos while holding investments or receiving pensions in US dollars, pounds, or euros.

Exchange rate movements can change how much overseas income covers local expenses.

Financial planning should account for currency exposure, investment access for Philippine residents, and the costs of converting funds.

Retirement Planning and Pension Transfers

Foreign retirees need to consider how overseas pensions can be paid and accessed while living in the Philippines, including applicable tax rules and withdrawal restrictions.

Transferring a pension may involve substantial charges or the loss of valuable guarantees, so the existing arrangement should be compared with any proposed alternative before making changes.

Foreign Property Ownership and Inheritance

Foreign nationals generally cannot directly own private land in the Philippines, although condominium ownership is possible within applicable foreign ownership limits.

These ownership rules can affect how expats purchase property and arrange for its eventual inheritance.

Expats with assets in multiple countries should also coordinate Philippine succession requirements with their home-country estate plans.

Financial Planning for Future Relocation

Expats who later move away from the Philippines may encounter restrictions on existing investment accounts, insurance products, or advisory services.

Checking whether financial arrangements remain accessible after relocation can help avoid unexpected costs and disruption.

Expat financial advice in the Philippines: Options to consider

Expats and HNWIs in the Philippines can consider international wealth advisers such as Adam Fayed, cross-border financial planning firms, and specialists serving clients with overseas investments and pensions.

The following firms are examples of providers that may be relevant to expats in the Philippines, rather than a ranking or endorsement.

The right fit depends on nationality, investable assets, financial targets, and whether the provider can legally serve Philippine residents.

1. Adam Fayed

Adam Fayed works with expats, HNWIs and internationally active business owners through a brokerage and international advisory model, connecting eligible clients with global investment solutions through licensed partners, regulated advisers and investment platforms. 

The approach covers international and offshore investments, wealth structuring, retirement planning, asset protection and long-term wealth management. For business owners, this may include coordinating personal investments with business wealth, succession objectives and wider financial arrangements.

Where specialist tax or legal advice is required, introductions to appropriately qualified professionals can also be facilitated. 

This model may suit foreign residents in the Philippines who hold substantial overseas assets and need to coordinate investments and financial arrangements across jurisdictions. 

• Minimum investment: US$200,000 for global wealth structuring.
• Fees: Standalone consultations start at US$1,500; investment-related costs vary by arrangement.
• Eligibility:  Expats HNWIs residing in the Philippines may be eligible for services arranged through Adam Fayed's international network. Services are available in many jurisdictions, subject to client eligibility and applicable restrictions.
• Regulatory considerations:  The international advisory model operates outside the UK FCA and MiFID regulatory frameworks. Regulated services are provided through the relevant licensed businesses, partners, or advisers, with applicable permissions depending on the entity, service and client's jurisdiction.

2. PS & Partners

PS & Partners is an international financial advice firm serving expats in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.

Its services include investment planning, retirement and pension reviews, insurance, and estate planning.

The firm may suit expats seeking ongoing financial planning for themselves and their families, including reviews of existing pension and investment arrangements.

It advertises a complimentary initial consultation.

• Minimum investment: Not publicly disclosed.
• Fees: Initial consultation is free; ongoing advisory and product-related fees are not publicly specified.
• Eligibility: Serves expats across Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. No specific nationality exclusions are publicly stated.
• Regulatory considerations: The firm describes its advisers as licensed and highlights international licenses and partnerships. The specific authorizations applicable to Philippine-resident clients are not clearly identified in its public website information.

3. International Asset Management (IAM)

International Asset Management (IAM) specializes in financial planning and investment management for Americans living abroad, including US expats in the Philippines.

Its services address cross-border investment management, retirement accounts, currency exposure, and financial planning for Americans managing wealth overseas.

• Minimum investment: US$400,000 preferred for portfolio management and portfolio advisory services. Financial planning and portfolio analysis have no minimum account requirement.
• Fees: Portfolio management fees start at 1.5% annually for the first US$500,000 under management, with lower rates for larger portfolios. Portfolio analysis costs US$500–US$2,000, depending on complexity.
• Eligibility: Particularly relevant to US citizens living in the Philippines. IAM also serves non-US citizens living or investing in the US; eligibility for other nationalities residing in the Philippines is not explicitly established.
• Regulatory considerations: IAM is registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an investment adviser and specializes in financial services for expatriates.

4. Global Investments

Global Investments is an international wealth management firm with a Manila office serving expats and investors in the Philippines.

Its services cover international investments, retirement and pension planning, estate and succession planning, and cross-border financial advice.

The firm offers a complimentary initial consultation and provides advice through different regulated entities according to the service and jurisdiction.

• Minimum investment: No minimum publicly stated on its main services pages.
• Fees: The initial consultation is free. Subsequent fees are agreed individually; commissions may apply to certain products.
• Eligibility: Serves expats and HNWIs in the Philippines and other markets, subject to the legal availability of its services in the client's jurisdiction.
• Regulatory considerations: Investment advice and insurance brokerage for applicable non-EU jurisdictions are provided through Financial Services Network Ltd, which is authorized by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission as an Investment Adviser (Unrestricted) and insurance broker under License No. C116016070.

What are the responsibilities of a financial advisor?

A financial advisor helps clients organize their finances, select suitable investments, and plan for long-term goals.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Financial planning: Reviewing income, assets, liabilities, and financial goals.
• Investment advice: Recommending suitable investments based on risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity needs.
• Retirement planning: Assessing pensions, expected retirement income, and withdrawal strategies.
• Wealth management: Overseeing portfolios, diversification, and currency exposure where these services are provided.
• Cross-border coordination: Identifying financial issues that require advice from tax specialists, accountants, or lawyers in the Philippines and other relevant countries.

Which type of adviser suits different expats?

Different expats in the Philippines may benefit from US expatriate financial advisers, international pension specialists, retirement planners, or cross-border wealth managers.

How much is a financial advisor in the Philippines?

Financial advisors serving expats in the Philippines may charge around 0.5%–1.5% annually of assets under management (AUM) for ongoing investment management, although this is a broad international benchmark rather than a verified Philippine market average.

Fixed consultation fees and commissions vary by provider.

For a US$500,000 portfolio, this would translate to approximately US$2,500–US$7,500 per year, excluding fund expenses, custody charges, and other costs.

For expats and HNWIs, the total cost can extend beyond the adviser's headline fee.

International investments may also incur fund management expenses, brokerage and custody charges, foreign exchange costs, and product-related fees.

How to choose the right financial advisor as an expat in the Philippines

Choosing an adviser requires checking their experience with international finances, the services available to Philippine residents, and how they are compensated.

Qualifications and Regulatory Authorization

 Look for advisers with relevant qualifications, experience in cross-border financial planning and access to appropriately licensed professionals where required.

In the Philippines, the Securities and Exchange Commission regulates investment advisers within its remit, while other financial activities may fall under different regulators.

International advisory firms may also operate through overseas-regulated entities, licensed partners or investment platforms.

The applicable regulatory arrangements depend on the services provided, the entity involved and the client's circumstances.

Fees and Conflicts of Interest

Ask whether the adviser receives commissions, referral payments, or other compensation from product providers.

A written fee schedule should identify the costs of advice and any additional product or platform charges.

Investment Access and Relocation

Confirm that recommended investments and accounts are available to the client's nationality and Philippine residence.

Expats planning to move again should also establish whether the adviser can continue serving them and whether existing products remain accessible after relocation.

What are some red flags I should be aware of when choosing a financial advisor in the Philippines?

Expats and HNWIs in the Philippines should pay particular attention to investment solicitation, licensing, and how advisers handle client funds.

• Guaranteed returns from investment schemes: Promises of unusually high or risk-free returns, particularly from forex trading or pooled investment schemes, warrant caution. The Philippine SEC regularly issues advisories against unauthorized investment solicitation.
• Confusing SEC registration with investment authority: A company's registration with the SEC does not automatically authorize it to sell securities or solicit investments from the public. Check whether the activity requires a separate license or approval.
• Unlicensed insurance sales: If an adviser recommends life insurance or investment-linked insurance products, check that the agent and insurer hold the required authorizations. The Insurance Commission publishes lists of licensed agents.
• Requests to transfer money to personal accounts: Investment contributions and insurance premiums should follow the provider's official payment procedures, with appropriate documentation and receipts.
• Unclear offshore product costs: International bonds, insurance-based investments, and structured products can carry surrender penalties, ongoing charges, and restrictions on withdrawals. Ask for a written breakdown before committing.
• Claims of automatic tax advantages: Offshore accounts and foreign currency investments are not automatically tax-free for Philippine residents. Tax treatment must be assessed against the individual's status, income sources, and applicable jurisdictions.

Bottom Line

For expats in the Philippines, a broad service list can make two financial advisers look similar when their actual capabilities differ considerably.

One may be equipped to manage an international portfolio, while another can review pension arrangements or coordinate financial planning across jurisdictions.

 These differences can influence how effectively an adviser addresses the financial needs of expats with assets and obligations in multiple countries.

Comparing advisers on the specific decisions they can support, the entities delivering those services, and the costs involved offers a more meaningful basis for choosing than brand reputation alone.

FAQs

Can financial advisors work internationally?

Yes, some financial advisors serve clients across borders, but their ability to advise Philippine residents is based on their regulatory permissions, the client's circumstances, and the services offered.

Is a financial advisor also a CPA?

No. A financial advisor focuses on financial planning and investments, while a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) specializes in accounting, financial reporting, and related tax services.

Is it worth paying for a financial advisor in the Philippines?

Paying for a financial advisor in the Philippines can make sense for expats whose investments, pensions and financial obligations span multiple countries.

For example, an expat receiving retirement income from abroad while maintaining investments in another jurisdiction may need advice on withdrawals, currency exposure and portfolio management.

The value depends on what the adviser can actually do, whether the advice leads to better-informed financial decisions and how much the service costs.

Those seeking help with a specific decision may find a standalone consultation more appropriate than an ongoing advisory arrangement.

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