Choosing the right financial adviser is one of the most important decisions an expatriate can make. Living abroad brings opportunities for tax efficiency, global investment, and wealth diversification, but it also introduces complexity. Regulations vary across jurisdictions, tax rules shift frequently, and unregulated “advisers” remain an ongoing concern in many expat hubs.
Before committing your trust and capital, make sure you ask these five essential questions.
A transparent remuneration structure is the foundation of any trustworthy advisory relationship. Independent financial advisers (IFAs) are not tied to any single product provider or fund, allowing them to recommend solutions based solely on your interests.
Ask your adviser whether they are fee-based, commission-based, or a combination of both. A fee-based model often aligns better with your long-term goals, as it removes hidden incentives to promote particular products.
At Neville Montagu, we operate on an independent advisory basis, meaning our recommendations are guided entirely by client objectives, not provider commissions.
Always confirm that your adviser and their company are properly licensed and regulated in their operating jurisdiction. This ensures professional standards, client protection, and access to formal complaint procedures should anything go wrong.
Additionally, if your adviser works with third parties such as investment platforms, banks, or trustees, make sure those entities are also regulated and reputable.
Neville Montagu partners exclusively with highly rated, audited financial institutions and custodians across secure offshore centres.
Expatriate finances are never one-dimensional. You may earn in one country, hold assets in another, and plan retirement in a third. This demands an adviser experienced in international structures, currency management, and multi-jurisdictional taxation.
Ask for case studies or examples of how they’ve supported clients with similar cross-border needs.
Our advisers at Neville Montagu have decades of experience working with expatriates across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, delivering integrated solutions that account for currency exposure, tax treaties, and long-term succession goals.
A good adviser doesn’t just manage investments; they integrate your entire financial life. Your investment portfolio should align with your tax position, estate plans, and retirement strategy to ensure overall efficiency.
We provide a coordinated service under one roof, working alongside trusted tax specialists, trust companies, and legal experts to ensure every element of your financial plan complements the others. This approach reduces duplication, prevents costly oversights, and saves you both time and money.
Financial planning isn’t a one-time exercise — it’s an evolving process that must adapt to changes in your life, market conditions, and regulation.
Before you commit, ask how frequently your adviser will review your portfolio, how performance is reported, and what level of transparency you can expect.
At Neville Montagu, clients receive structured annual reviews and quarterly updates, ensuring their strategies remain aligned with objectives and regulatory changes.
Selecting a financial adviser is about more than credentials; it’s about trust, transparency, and expertise. The right partner will help you preserve and grow your wealth, ensuring every element of your financial strategy works in harmony.
At Neville Montagu, we’ve built a reputation over 25 years for providing independent, regulated, and globally coordinated financial advice to UK expatriates and international investors.
Speak with our advisory team today to discover how we can help structure, protect, and grow your offshore wealth with confidence.
Global change, personal solutions. Your financial freedom. Your future is secured.
This content is for background information only. It is not investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer of services. While based on sources Neville Montagu believes to be reliable, it is provided without warranty of accuracy. Unauthorised use is strictly prohibited. Neville Montagu and any of its partners accept no liability for any loss arising from the use of this information.
Neville Montagu is an appointed representative of Neba Wealth Management (NEBA), Head Office: 15-3 Menara 1MK 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. www.nebawealth.com
‘NEBA ’ refers to the Neba Wealth Management Group’s separate but affiliated entities generally, rather than to one particular entity. These entities are NEBA Private Clients, which is licensed to operate in multiple regions. NEBA Private Clients Pte Ltd is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS); NEBA Insurance Brokerage is registered with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE); NEBA Private Clients Financial Advisors LLC is licensed by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) UAE; NEBA Private Clients Ltd is registered with the Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA) in Malaysia; NEBA Private Clients (PTY) Ltd, authorised by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. NEBA Private Clients UK is licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
If you are a client outside the United Kingdom, please note that our services are not covered by the UK’s regulatory framework. This means that protections from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the UK Financial Ombudsman Service will not apply. Instead, your relationship with us will be governed by the laws and dispute resolution processes of the jurisdiction where you receive our services, which will differ from those in the UK.
The investment return and the principal value are subject to market fluctuations. Consequently, an investment, upon redemption, may be worth less than the initial amount invested. Past performance is not indicative of future returns, and we cannot guarantee the success of any investment strategy.
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