Established 1994
International banking and currency for globally mobile individuals and expats
Banking

International Banking Solutions — for Globally Mobile Individuals

Managing money across borders is one of the most practical challenges for expats and international investors. From offshore accounts and multi-currency banking to international transfers and property finance, we guide clients to the right banking solutions for their situation — drawing on 32 years of experience with internationally mobile individuals and high-net-worth expats.

32+
Years advising expat clients
Multi-currency
Expertise across all major currencies
Global
Network of banking relationships
Independent
Unbiased guidance on banking solutions
An internationally mobile client reviewing cross-border banking options
Why it matters

The international banking challenge

Common banking problems for expats

  • UK bank closes your account when you move abroad and become non-resident
  • Cannot receive foreign currency income without costly automatic conversion
  • High FX fees on every international transaction — 2–4% is common at high-street banks
  • No local mortgage available for a foreign property purchase
  • Difficulty opening accounts in new countries without a local address or credit history
  • SWIFT transfers are slow and fees are unpredictable due to correspondent banking charges

What international banking provides

  • Offshore accounts accessible from anywhere in the world, with no residency restrictions
  • Multi-currency accounts to hold GBP, USD, EUR, AED, and other currencies simultaneously
  • Competitive FX rates through specialist brokers — often 0.5–1% vs 3–4% at banks
  • International mortgage lenders experienced with non-resident borrowers
  • Documentation support and relationship-led banking introductions
  • Forward contracts to fix exchange rates for future large transactions
Find your starting point

Recommended solutions by situation

Not sure where to start? Choose the situation that best describes where you are.

Just moved abroad

Your UK bank may restrict or close your account once you are non-resident. You need an offshore or international bank account that stays accessible wherever you live — and a multi-currency card for day-to-day spending.

Read: Offshore accounts guide →

Running an international business

Receiving client payments in multiple currencies, paying overseas suppliers, and managing business cash across jurisdictions requires specialist business banking — not a high-street account with high conversion fees.

Read: International business banking →

Property purchase abroad

Financing a property purchase in another country requires an international mortgage or local lender — LTV ratios differ from UK norms, documentation requirements are extensive, and currency risk must be managed throughout the process.

Read: International mortgages →

Receiving income in multiple currencies

If you receive a salary, pension, or rental income in more than one currency, constant conversion is costly. Multi-currency accounts let you hold, spend, and transfer in each currency on your own terms.

Read: Multi-currency banking →
Guides & resources

International banking guides

View all banking guides
AI in Banking and Wealth Management: What Has Changed and What Hasn't — Global Investments banking guide
Banking guide

AI in Banking and Wealth Management: What Has Changed and What Hasn't

AI is genuinely transforming banking operations, fraud detection, and investment analysis. But the limits of AI in financial advice are as important to understand as its capabilities — particularly for internationally mobile clients with complex situations.

Read
AML Compliance in Banking: What Expats and HNW Individuals Need to Know — Global Investments banking guide
Banking guide

AML Compliance in Banking: What Expats and HNW Individuals Need to Know

UK anti-money laundering rules create real friction for HNW and internationally mobile clients. Understanding why banks ask what they ask — and knowing your rights when things go wrong — is essential.

Read
Anti-Money Laundering Requirements for Offshore Bank Accounts — Global Investments banking guide
Banking guide

Anti-Money Laundering Requirements for Offshore Bank Accounts

A practical guide to anti-money laundering requirements for internationally mobile individuals opening or maintaining offshore bank accounts — what banks need, why, and how to prepare.

Read
Are Challenger Banks Suitable for Expats? An Honest Assessment — Global Investments banking guide
Banking guide

Are Challenger Banks Suitable for Expats? An Honest Assessment

Challenger banks have transformed everyday banking for expats with fee-free spending, instant FX, and brilliant apps. But relying on one as your primary or only account is a material risk. Here is an honest assessment of what they can and cannot do.

Read
Art, Wine, and Alternative Asset Banking: Lending Against Non-Financial Collateral — Global Investments banking guide
Banking guide

Art, Wine, and Alternative Asset Banking: Lending Against Non-Financial Collateral

How private banks and specialist lenders provide credit facilities secured against art, fine wine, classic cars, jewellery, and other alternative assets — and the risks involved.

Read
Asset Protection Banking Structures for HNW Individuals — Global Investments banking guide
Banking guide

Asset Protection Banking Structures for HNW Individuals

Structuring your banking and financial assets to protect against litigation, creditor claims, and other risks is a legitimate and widely used wealth planning strategy. This guide examines the main asset protection structures used by HNW individuals and the banking implications of each.

Read

Speak to a banking specialist

Get independent guidance on offshore accounts, international transfers, FX strategy, and banking as an expat — from advisers who understand the practical realities.

Speak to a Global Investments international banking specialist
Get in touch

Speak to our banking specialist

Every client's banking situation is different. Whether you need an offshore account, help reducing international transfer costs, an introduction to a currency broker, or guidance on financing a property abroad — speak to a specialist who understands the practical realities of international banking.