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.
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
International banking — specialist services
Six areas where we provide direct guidance and introductions to the right banking solutions for internationally mobile individuals.
Offshore Bank Accounts
Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Cyprus, Dubai, and Singapore. Multi-currency, internationally accessible, and fully compliant.
Explore offshore accounts 02Multi-Currency Accounts
Hold GBP, USD, EUR, AED, and more simultaneously. Convert on your terms, not your bank's.
Explore multi-currency 03Expat Mortgages
Finance UK, UAE, Spanish, and Cypriot property as a non-resident through specialist lenders.
Explore expat mortgages 04International Transfers
SWIFT, SEPA, specialist FX providers, and forward contracts — reduce the real cost of sending money abroad.
Explore transfers 05Private Banking
Dedicated relationship managers, premium rates, bespoke lending, and investment platform access for HNW clients.
Explore private banking 06Digital Banking for Expats
Wise, Revolut, neobanks, and managing UK accounts from abroad — the digital toolkit for internationally mobile individuals.
Explore digital bankingSending money across borders? Calculate transfer costs before you move it. Non-Resident Indian? See our dedicated NRI banking hub — NRE, NRO & FCNR .
Model the numbers before you decide
Free calculators and selectors for the cross-border money decisions that turn on cost, currency and status — transfers, mortgages, offshore bonds, NRI accounts and more.
International Transfer Cost Calculator
Compare the true cost of sending money abroad — provider margin plus fees against the mid-market rate.
Open MortgagesLoan & Mortgage Calculator
Model monthly repayments, total interest and the amortisation schedule for an international mortgage or loan.
Open Offshore bondsOffshore Bond 5% Allowance
Track the tax-deferred 5% annual withdrawal allowance on an offshore investment bond across policy years.
Open NRI bankingNRE / NRO / FCNR Account Selector
Answer a few questions to see which Indian non-resident account fits your income, repatriation and tax position.
Open RelocationCost of Living Calculator
Compare living costs between expat destinations to work out the income you need to maintain your lifestyle.
Open Net worthNet Worth Calculator
Total your global assets and liabilities in one currency to see your net position at a glance.
OpenInternational banking — topic by topic
Nine areas covering everything internationally mobile individuals need to know about banking, transfers, FX, and property finance.
International Banking Overview
Why expats and international investors need specialist banking solutions.
Read guidesOffshore Bank Accounts
Opening and managing offshore bank accounts in Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Cyprus, Dubai, and Singapore.
Read guidesPrivate Banking & Family Office
Choosing a private bank, mandates and fees, Lombard lending, custody, and family office services.
Read guidesMulti-Currency Banking
Managing income and assets in multiple currencies — accounts, cards, and hedging.
Read guidesInternational Transfers & Payments
How to send money internationally — SWIFT, SEPA, correspondent banking, and alternatives.
Read guidesForeign Exchange & Currency
FX rates, currency exchange, hedging strategies, and managing currency risk for expats.
Read guidesDigital Banks for Expats
Wise, Revolut, Monzo, N26, and other digital banking solutions for internationally mobile individuals.
Read guidesInternational Mortgages
Financing property purchases abroad — international mortgage lenders, LTV ratios, and documentation.
Read guidesInternational Business Banking
Business accounts, merchant services, and banking solutions for internationally mobile business owners.
Read guidesRecommended 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 →Check your UK residence status →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 →Calculate mortgage repayments →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 →International banking guides
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
ReadExplore the rest of Global Investments
Banking rarely sits on its own. These hubs cover the wider picture for internationally mobile investors — investing, planning, pensions and relocation.
Investments
Portfolios, platforms and markets for internationally mobile investors.
Visit hubFinancial Planning
Cross-border financial planning for expats and global investors.
Visit hubUK Pensions
State Pension, QROPS, SIPPs and drawdown for UK nationals abroad.
Visit hubWealth Expatriation
Moving and protecting wealth when you relocate across borders.
Visit hubSpeak 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 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.