Top Complaints of Expats Looking for Financial Advice and How to Avoid Them

As an expat, finding trustworthy financial advice is crucial to ensuring a prosperous future. Unfortunately, many expats have encountered dubious practices, hidden fees, and unsuitable products when dealing with offshore financial advisors. At Valiant Wealth, we’re committed to bringing transparent, EU-regulated financial advice to the international market, helping expats avoid common pitfalls. Here’s what you should be aware of when seeking financial advice abroad.

1. Hidden Commission-Based Sales

Many offshore financial advisors prioritize their earnings over their clients’ needs, pushing products that pay them high commissions rather than those that are in the best interest of the client. Commissions are often not disclosed, leading to conflicts of interest and inflated fees.

At Valiant Wealth, we do not take commissions. Our fee-based model ensures complete transparency, allowing us to recommend products tailored to your long-term financial goals. This not only minimizes costs but aligns our success with yours.

2. Expensive Regular Savings Plans

Insurance-based regular savings plans sold by offshore advisors can be financially draining. These plans are designed to lock you into long-term commitments, and if your circumstances change, you may face hefty surrender penalties.

Instead, we offer flexible saving platforms that allow you to contribute regularly or make ad hoc contributions without being tied into long-term contracts. You’ll have access to your funds at any time, with no penalties or commitments.

3. High Running Costs on Investments

Offshore advisors often recommend investments with exorbitant entry fees and management costs that wouldn’t pass in a regulated market like the UK. Some funds carry Total Expense Ratios (TERs) as high as 3.5%, meaning you need significant returns just to cover these fees.

Our portfolios have TERs around 0.15–0.2%, offering you a more cost-effective solution. The compounded savings over time can be significant, giving your investments the best chance to grow without being eaten up by excessive fees.

4. Lack of Regulation

In many parts of the world, offshore financial advisors operate with little to no regulation, leaving you vulnerable to mis-selling and unsuitable advice. If something goes wrong, you might find it hard to hold the advisor accountable due to the lack of oversight.

Valiant Wealth is part of an EU-regulated group with the correct licenses for investment advice, meaning all our advice meets the rigorous standards expected in a regulated environment. This ensures you receive independent, qualified advice no matter where you are in the world.

5. Long-Term Unsuitability

Many expats have been sold products like insurance bonds or overseas pension transfers (QROPS) without considering how their circumstances might change in the future. These products often come with tax implications or restrictions when moving to another country, trapping clients into financially disadvantageous positions.

We only recommend flexible, internationally portable solutions that can adapt to your changing needs. Our approach focuses on long-term financial planning, ensuring that the products we recommend are suitable not only today but in the years to come.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Financial Partner

If you’ve experienced any of these issues or are unsure about your current financial plans, Valiant Wealth is here to offer expert guidance. Our EU-regulated, commission-free advice is designed to protect your wealth and ensure your long-term prosperity. Whether you’re looking for a second opinion or starting fresh, we’re committed to helping you achieve your financial goals.

Get in touch today to schedule a confidential consultation and discover how we can help you make the most of your financial future as an expat.