An investment account in Panama also allows you to open an investment account in the United States or Switzerland, either in your personal name or under a Panamanian company or foundation. The account in the United States is particularly attractive for Latin Americans and Europeans, while the one in Switzerland is more useful for Asians, Americans, and all those who prefer to invest in euros.
With an investment account in Panama, you can invest in the world's major stock exchanges and purchase stocks, government and corporate bonds, any type of fund (ETFs, mutual funds, alternative funds), and companies that are still private with very limited access (like SpaceX, OpenAI, etc.).
In recent years, the United States has consolidated its position as a leader in the banking and international stock market investment sectors. With Switzerland's signing of the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the consequent end of banking secrecy, the United States has remained one of the few countries not to have signed tax information exchange agreements with other nations.
This scenario has led to a significant increase in requests from individuals interested in opening investment accounts in the United States. In this context, it is useful to examine the main advantages that come from opening an investment account in Panama with support in the United States, comparing them with those of an investment account in Europe.
In the United States, capital gains taxes may be lower or have exemptions for certain investors, and management fees are significantly lower compared to those charged by Swiss banks, traditionally known for their high fees.
The process of opening a bank account in the United States is significantly faster and simpler. It is possible to complete the entire procedure remotely, using digital forms for account opening, without the need to physically visit a branch.
In the United States, investment accounts are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which offers protection up to USD 500,000 per account, an important guarantee that far exceeds the European limit of 100,000 euros or Swiss francs. U.S. bank accounts are protected by the FDIC, which guarantees up to USD 250,000.
Reliability of the U.S. Financial System Through an Investment Account in Panama
A significant example of how the American banking system safeguards customer deposits was seen with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023. Despite Silicon Valley Bank being one of the 20 largest banks in the United States in terms of assets under management, the federal government promptly guaranteed the reimbursement of 100% of the funds held by clients, including securities and cash, just days after the event.
U.S. banks offer a wide range of financial products, often more innovative and complex than those available in Europe, allowing clients to access diversified investment opportunities.
The question many ask concerns the choice between low-cost platforms, which offer automated banking services without direct interactions with professionals, and more structured banking solutions with personalized support. Low-cost platforms can be a solution for those who do not require personalized assistance and are willing to tolerate long waiting times to resolve any issues.
However, these platforms often employ less qualified personnel from countries with lower labor costs, which can pose significant risks in case assistance is needed. Furthermore, handling a complex problem, such as a blocked account, could require expensive legal intervention and long waiting periods.
Another fundamental aspect, often underestimated, concerns the limited functionality of online platforms for account opening. These platforms, in fact, only allow the opening of personal bank accounts, excluding the possibility of opening accounts in the name of a corporation (companies, trusts, or foundations).
In many countries, including the United States, there are particularly high inheritance taxes (for example, in the United States, the estate tax can reach up to 40%) for non-resident holders of personal bank accounts. However, this issue can be easily addressed through the use of a corporation, which allows for more advantageous wealth management structuring and the avoidance of such taxes.
Conversely, opening an account in a top-tier American bank offers the advantage of professional and qualified service, with expert consultants assisting families and entrepreneurs in protecting their wealth. American banks are also subject to much stricter regulations than those in Europe. Entities like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) constantly oversee the market, offering greater protection for clients in case of financial issues.
Why Do We Recommend an Investment Account in Panama with U.S. Banking Support?
In summary, opening an investment account in Panama with banking support in the United States offers numerous advantages, including favorable taxation, low management costs, quick account opening times, superior deposit protection, and a wide range of sophisticated products. Furthermore, the reliability of U.S. banking institutions, supported by strict regulation, represents an additional advantage over European alternatives.
The strength and reliability of the U.S. financial system, combined with the investment opportunities offered by Panama, make this solution a compelling choice over European alternatives.
What Are the Advantages of an Investment Account in Panama?
An investment account in Panama allows you to operate on the main international stock exchanges and purchase a wide range of financial products. Investors can choose to hold the account in their personal name or through Panamanian legal structures, such as companies or foundations, which facilitates diversified wealth management.
The Panamanian investment account also offers the possibility of opening a bank account in the United States or Switzerland. In particular:
- In the United States: A preferred option for Latin Americans and Europeans, as it allows investment in dollars, the world's reserve currency.
- In Switzerland: Suitable for those who prefer to invest in euros, including Asian and European investors who see Switzerland as a safe haven for assets denominated in European currencies.
The United States, not having adhered to international agreements on the automatic exchange of tax information (such as the Common Reporting Standard, CRS), offers a less invasive tax environment. Unlike many European jurisdictions, non-resident investors are generally not taxed on capital gains in the United States, thus ensuring greater tax efficiency for investors. This makes holding a U.S. investment account particularly advantageous, especially for those operating in international markets.
Compared to countries like Switzerland, the United States generally charges lower management fees. U.S. banks offer advanced and quality banking services at competitive costs, allowing investors to access sophisticated products without having to face high expenses.
Opening a bank account in the United States is quick and simple, allowing investors to complete the procedure entirely online. This represents a significant advantage in time and convenience, especially for those residing abroad.
High Deposit Protection in the United States Through an Investment Account in Panama
In the United States, investment accounts are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) up to USD 500,000 per account. This coverage is significantly higher than the European limit of 100,000 euros, offering greater security for international investors.
An example of the strength of the U.S. financial system was observed during the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023: the federal government quickly guaranteed reimbursement of clients' funds, ensuring total protection, including cash and securities.
U.S. banks offer a wide range of innovative products, often more advanced than those in Europe, allowing for a broader level of diversification. Furthermore, the U.S. financial system is subject to strict regulations thanks to entities like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which ensure a high level of customer protection.
Investors can choose between low-cost investment platforms with automated services and reduced costs, and more structured banking solutions that offer personalized support with expert consultants. Low-cost platforms might be adequate for self-directed investors, but in the case of complex issues, an account in a top-tier American bank offers professional service and qualified assistance, minimizing operational risks.
What Are the Advantages of an Investment Account in Panama with Swiss Banking Support?
Switzerland offers significant tax advantages, especially for those seeking stability and discretion in their investment portfolio. In recent years, however, Switzerland has signed the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), the international agreement for the automatic exchange of tax information, which has limited some of the traditional tax advantages offered by the Swiss banking system. Nevertheless, Switzerland continues to present various fiscal and financial benefits.
Switzerland is renowned for the stability of its banking system and its economic reliability. Its strong currency, the Swiss franc, is often considered a safe haven, making investments in Switzerland particularly attractive for those who want to protect their assets from global political or economic instability.
Swiss banks are appreciated for the high quality of their financial advisory and wealth management services. For investors who desire personalized and professional management of their investments, Switzerland offers a highly professional environment, with access to specialists and advanced tools to optimize capital growth.
Switzerland offers favorable taxation on certain categories of investment income, such as dividends and capital gains for foreign investors, although conditions vary depending on the client's tax residence. Moreover, for individuals who establish their tax residence in Switzerland, options like lump-sum taxation are available, which allow income tax to be calculated based on the standard of living rather than actual income.
Switzerland continues to be a popular choice for corporate structures and foundations, offering preferential tax regimes for holdings and incentives for wealth management companies. For investors who prefer to operate in euros or maintain a base in Europe, Switzerland represents an excellent gateway to European financial markets, with less stringent taxation compared to other European countries
