Why U.S. Clients Open Swiss Bank Accounts
Clients choose Swiss banking for more than prestige—it’s about strategic positioning of global wealth:
- Diversification of Assets
Reduce exposure to U.S.-centric financial risk by holding assets in a stable, neutral jurisdiction.
- Access to Global Markets and Stable Banking
Swiss banks offer access to European stock exchanges, precious metals, global funds, and multi-currency accounts.
- Crypto-Friendly Custody Options
Many Swiss custodians provide secure and regulated solutions for digital assets, often more affordably than U.S. providers.
- Wealth Preservation Across Jurisdictions
When integrated into trusts or offshore entities, Swiss accounts can protect assets from litigation, economic volatility, and estate tax erosion.
Swiss Accounts for International Real Estate Planning
Swiss private banking can serve as a strategic gateway for U.S. clients investing in international real estate.
With mortgage rates in the EU currently ranging between 1.7% and 2%—significantly lower than U.S. rates—Swiss banks are increasingly financing property purchases across Europe, including in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland itself.
By opening a Swiss account, clients can access these lending opportunities, often with more favorable terms and greater privacy than domestic financing options.
At Dilendorf Law Firm, we help clients structure these transactions through trusts or LLCs to align with their estate plans, tax goals, and long-term global investment strategies.
Crypto Custody and Swiss Banking
For high-net-worth individuals holding substantial crypto assets, Swiss private banking offers a secure and strategic custody solution.
In 2025, U.S.-based custodians remain limited, expensive, and often unwilling to work with complex trust structures.
By contrast, Swiss banks provide institutional-grade crypto custody, paired with multi-signature wallet solutions and integration into revocable or irrevocable trusts.
At Dilendorf Law Firm, we help clients structure crypto estate plans that combine legal protection with secure offshore custody—often at a fraction of the cost of U.S. alternatives.
For clients with larger digital portfolios, we also advise on Cook Islands and Liechtenstein trust structures, layered with Swiss custody for maximum asset protection, privacy, and FATCA compliance.
IRS Compliance & Reporting: What U.S. Clients Must Know
Swiss private banking is fully legal for U.S. citizens—but only when paired with full transparency and IRS compliance.
Under FATCA and FBAR regulations, U.S. taxpayers are required to disclose all qualifying foreign accounts and assets. This typically includes:
- FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR): Required if your foreign account balances exceed $10,000 in aggregate.
- IRS Form 8938 (FATCA): Required if your foreign financial assets exceed $50,000 (individual) or $100,000 (joint).
Failure to file can result in significant penalties—up to $10,000 per violation, and in some cases, up to 50% of the account value.
Swiss banks are fully FATCA-compliant and report directly to the IRS.
At Dilendorf Law Firm, we work with clients to ensure all reporting is handled properly and on time, coordinating closely with experienced international CPAs.
Our goal is to help clients access the benefits of global banking while maintaining full U.S. compliance—because smart diversification must also be legally sound.
Contact Us
If you’re considering opening a Swiss bank account or integrating international banking into your estate or crypto planning, contact us at (212) 457-9797 or email us at info@dilendorf.com.
