For UK residents with US‑connections, investing is rarely straightforward.
US tax rules follow the individual, not the country. As a result, living in the UK often means navigating two financial systems simultaneously — each with its own rules, expectations, and constraints.
Many UK investment structures are not suitable for US‑connected individuals, and not all providers are equipped to meet the associated reporting requirements.
Without the right support, this can leave individuals managing that complexity alone — increasing the risk of misunderstandings and potentially leading to unnecessary costs.
The Global Direct Service has been designed to change that.
A clearer way to invest
The Global Direct Service provides a discretionary investment approach, built around simplicity, transparency, and compatibility with both UK and US frameworks. Rather than relying on layered structures or pooled investments, portfolios are constructed using individual global equities and government bonds – providing greater clarity over what you own and how your investments are structured. This creates:
Designed for UK residents with US‑connected wealth
For individuals with US connections, investment decisions require additional care. The Global Direct Service has been developed with these requirements in mind:
- A focus on investment structures compatible with US and UK tax and reporting expectations
- A portfolio approach designed to reduce unnecessary complexity
- The ability to work alongside your tax and legal advisers.
Supporting your wider financial life
For many clients, investment decisions are only one part of a much broader picture. We support US connected individuals living in the UK with:
- Multi-currency banking and saving
- Flexible lending, including mortgages for UK properties
- Financial planning
- Tax aware investment approaches
- Structuring wealth for the future.
Decisions are made with a full view of implications and delivered through a single, coordinated private banking relationship, tailored to your circumstances.
This removes the need to manage multiple providers and creates a clearer framework for decision making.
What the service invests in
High-quality financially strong companies
A portfolio of diversified high-quality, large capitalisation companies with sustainable earnings.
Developed market government bonds
Securities are selected to closely track global government bond markets using a consistent, rules based approach.
Supporting different investment priorities
While particularly relevant for US connected investors living in the UK, the Global Direct Service also supports a broader range of needs:
If you prefer to invest directly in global equities and bonds, the Global Direct Service provides access to a diversified portfolio built around your objectives. You retain full visibility of underlying holdings, with a structure designed for simplicity including the option to invest at a 100% equity level.
Where cost is a key consideration, the Global Direct Service offers a more streamlined approach. By investing directly in securities rather than through funds, the service reduces reliance on third‑party managers — creating a more cost-effective route to market.
Start with a conversation
Every client situation is different — particularly where US and UK considerations intersect. We begin by understanding your circumstances, explaining how the service works, and helping you decide whether it is appropriate for your needs.
There is no obligation — simply the opportunity to explore a more confident approach to investing, supported by a private banking relationship built around you.
No. Global Direct Service focuses on direct investment in individual securities, such as equities and bonds, rather than pooled or collective investment funds.
The service is offered on a discretionary basis, meaning investment decisions are made on your behalf within an agreed mandate, risk profile, and investment strategy.
Before investing, we take time to understand your objectives, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. Portfolios are constructed and managed within these agreed parameters and reviewed regularly.
Yes. The minimum investment is £750,000 (or US dollar equivalent) to invest in the Global Direct Service. Suitability, eligibility, and minimum requirements will be discussed during an initial conversation.
Yes. As with all investments, capital is at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest.
Yes. The Global Direct Service has been developed with US‑connected clients living in the UK in mind, including US citizens, green‑card holders, and others subject to US tax reporting requirements The service focuses on direct investments that are appropriate within a US and UK tax and reporting framework.
PFIC aware investing refers to an approach that takes account of the US Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules. These rules can apply to many non US pooled investment vehicles and may lead to complex US tax outcomes. The Global Direct Service focuses on direct investments that mitigates exposure to these issues.
The Global Direct Service focuses on direct investment in individual securities, rather than pooled funds that may be classed as PFICs. When applied consistently, this structure may help mitigate PFIC exposure, subject to individual circumstances being reviewed.
The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires non US financial institutions to identify and report certain information relating to US persons. Arbuthnot Latham complies with FATCA requirements and will request relevant information as part of account opening and ongoing reviews.
Cross border tax matters can be complex, particularly where different tax regimes interact. The Global Direct Service aims to reduce unnecessary investment complexity by using clear, direct investment structures that are easier to understand and report on, while working alongside your professional advisers.
No. Arbuthnot Latham does not provide US tax advice. Your private banker will, however, work collaboratively with your tax advisers to ensure your banking and investment arrangements are aligned with your wider UK planning.