Expats face unique financial challenges when investing, including cross-border taxation, currency fluctuations, regulatory restrictions, and limited access to certain investment products.
Choosing what investment platform to use is essential for maximizing returns, ensuring tax efficiency, and maintaining financial flexibility while living abroad.
The best investment platforms for expats provide global accessibility, multi-currency support, low fees, diversified investment options, and strong regulatory protection.
However, these are only good options for DIY investors at the start. There are significant advantages why clients should use an advisor, just like getting access to expert advice as well as exclusive investments or options made available only through advisors or wealth professionals.
If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me ([email protected]) or WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).
This includes if you are looking for a second opinion or alternative investments.
Some facts might change from the time of writing, and nothing written here is financial, legal, tax, or any other kind of individual advice, or a solicitation to invest.
This guide examines the key factors expats should consider when selecting an investment platform and identifies the best options available in 2025.
What makes the best investment platforms for expats?
Selecting an investment platform as an expat requires evaluating multiple criteria to ensure financial stability and long-term wealth growth. The following factors are essential when making a decision:
Global Accessibility & Multi-Currency Support
Expats frequently deal with multiple currencies and cross-border transactions, making multi-currency investment accounts and global market access critical. A good investment platform should:
- Allow trading in multiple currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, HKD, etc.) to reduce foreign exchange losses.
- Provide access to international stock markets beyond the investor’s country of residence.
- Support seamless fund deposits and withdrawals from different countries without excessive restrictions.
Regulatory Compliance & Investor Protection
Regulatory oversight ensures that an investment platform operates under strict financial laws, protecting investors from fraud or mismanagement. Expats should only use platforms regulated by reputable financial authorities such as:
- United States: Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
- Europe: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, UK), European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
- Asia-Pacific: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
Using a well-regulated platform reduces risks of fund mismanagement and ensures investor compensation in case of insolvency.
Investment Options & Asset Classes
A diverse investment portfolio helps protect against risk and allows for global market exposure. The best expat investment platforms should offer access to:
- Stocks & ETFs: For long-term growth and portfolio diversification.
- Bonds & Fixed Income: For stability and reliable returns, including government bonds.
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): To invest in real estate without direct property ownership.
- Commodities: Hedging against inflation and economic downturns.
- Alternative Investments (Private Equity, Hedge Funds): For investors willing to take higher risks.
Tax Efficiency & Offshore Investment Support
Tax laws vary significantly across countries, and many expats face double taxation risks or complex reporting requirements when investing internationally. An ideal investment platform should:
- Provide tax-friendly investment structures, such as ISAs (UK), SIPPs (UK), Roth IRAs (US), and offshore pension funds.
- Offer guidance on tax reporting requirements, including capital gains tax liabilities.
- Allow access to offshore accounts and investments that reduce tax exposure.
Investment Platform Fees & Cost Structure
Expats should carefully evaluate trading fees, account maintenance costs, currency conversion charges, and withdrawal fees. The ideal platform should offer:
- Low trading fees: Commission-free or low-cost stock and ETF trades.
- Minimal forex conversion fees: Many expats lose money on unnecessary foreign exchange markups.
- No hidden account fees: Look for transparent pricing with no inactivity penalties.
Ease of Use & Customer Support
Expats need an intuitive, well-designed platform with reliable customer support across multiple time zones. The best platforms should offer:
- A user-friendly interface, accessible via desktop and mobile apps.
- 24/7 multilingual customer support, ensuring assistance regardless of location.
- Support for fund transfers, withdrawals, and account verification from various countries.
Best Investment Platforms for Expats in 2025
Below are the top five investment platforms for expats in 2025, chosen for their accessibility, regulatory compliance, investment flexibility, and cost efficiency.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) – Best for Global Market Access & Low Fees
Why It’s the Best:
Interactive Brokers remains among top providers for expats seeking diverse investment opportunities across international markets.
The firm provides access to over 200 markets in 33 countries, covering stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, and forex.
IBKR is one of the most cost-effective brokers, offering low trading fees and tight forex spreads, making it an ideal choice for frequent traders and those looking to minimize costs.
Key Features for Expats:
- Multi-Currency Accounts – Hold and trade in multiple currencies, reducing forex conversion costs.
- Regulated Globally – IBKR is registered with top-tier financial authorities, including the SEC (U.S.), FCA (UK), MAS (Singapore), and others.
- Extensive Investment Options – Includes stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, forex, and derivatives.
- Low-Cost Trading – Competitive commissions with no markup on currency exchanges.
- Strong Risk Management Tools – Features like portfolio margin, real-time risk monitoring, and advanced order types.
Best For:
- Expats seeking a low-cost, globally diversified investment strategy.
- Active traders who want access to a broad range of financial products.
- Investors needing multi-currency capabilities to hedge against forex risks.
Charles Schwab International – Best for USD-Based Investments
Why It’s the Best:
Charles Schwab International is a great option for U.S. expats who want to continue investing in U.S. markets while living abroad.
The platform provides USD-based investment accounts, making it a strong choice for those who prefer keeping their assets in U.S. dollars.
Schwab also offers low-cost ETFs and mutual funds with no trading commissions, making it attractive for long-term investors.
Key Features for Expats:
- Access to U.S. Markets – Trade U.S. stocks, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds with ease.
- No Minimum Balance or Account Fees – Unlike many U.S. brokerage accounts, Schwab allows expats to invest without large minimums.
- Comprehensive Tax Reporting – Provides IRS-compliant tax documentation, making it easier for U.S. expats to report foreign income.
- Commission-Free Trades – Zero commissions on U.S. stocks and ETFs.
- Personalized Support for Expats – Offers dedicated international investment specialists for expats.
Best For:
- U.S. expats who want to invest in the U.S. stock market without tax complications.
- Investors looking for commission-free U.S. stock and ETF trading.
- Expats who want USD-denominated accounts to avoid forex volatility.
Saxo Bank – Best for High-Income Expats & Multi-Asset Investing
Why It’s the Best:
Saxo Bank is a premium investment platform for expats who want access to a wide range of financial products.
The firm is well-suited for high-income individuals who want a high-quality trading experience with access to global stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, and bonds.
Saxo is highly regulated and offers a professional-grade investment interface, making it a preferred choice for sophisticated investors.
Key Features for Expats:
- Access to 40+ Global Markets – Trade stocks, ETFs, bonds, forex, options, and futures.
- Multi-Currency Trading – Hold multiple currencies in one account.
- Advanced Trading Platform – Includes SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO, offering professional tools.
- Strong Regulatory Compliance – Licensed by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA), FCA (UK), and others.
- Wealth Management Services – Includes managed portfolios and advisory services for high-net-worth expats.
Best For:
- High-income expats looking for a premium investment experience.
- Investors seeking access to global multi-asset trading.
- Those who prefer a sophisticated trading platform with advanced tools.
Ultimately, the best investment platform for an expat depends on residency status, investment goals, and tax situation.
Expats should choose a platform that aligns with their financial needs, regulatory requirements, and long-term investment strategy to ensure security, profitability, and tax efficiency while living abroad. For best results, consult an expat financial advisor.
Pained by financial indecision?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
