Why U.S. investors are turning to Swiss banks and offshore trusts

Full transcript

0:10 Hey, I’m Max Dilendorf. I’m a New York-based attorney and the founder of Dilendorf Law Firm.

0:16 Over the past 15 years, I helped U.S. and international families on complex legal matters – from structuring businesses, cross-border planning, protecting digital assets, to litigating emerging issues like cybercrime, and developing long-term strategies for wealth preservation. And lately, I’ve seen a clear shift.

0:39 Why Clients Are Looking Beyond U.S. Trusts Clients are no longer just asking about domestic trusts or U.S. planning options. They’re asking about Swiss private banks, offshore trusts in places like Cook Islands, Liechtenstein, Nevis, and strategies for diversifying assets outside of the United States. That’s why I launched this channel—to talk about what’s driving this shift offshore, what the actual options are, and how to approach it the right way. Litigation Risk, Dollar Concerns, and Global Diversification So, why are so many U.S.

1:08 families looking beyond U.S. borders? Well, for starters—litigation risk. U.S. remains one of the most litigious places in the world. Some clients are focused on developing multigenerational estate plans, often incorporating elements like second residency or citizenship planning. Then there’s the dollar. Many of the clients are concerned about where the dollar is headed long-term. Some expect it could lose another 10–20% in value over the next decade. And when you look at the numbers—the dollar has already lost over 50% of its value against the Swiss franc in the past 25 years—that concern starts to make a lot of sense. Add to that the fact that U.S. stocks are currently trading at approximately 3 to 4 times book value, while European markets are closer to approximately 1 to 1.5 times book value—and so some clients see that as a chance to diversify into markets that feel more grounded to them. Buying Property Abroad as a U.S. Resident

2:15 We’re also seeing more clients buying real estate in Europe—in places like Austria, Portugal, Italy and other jurisdictions. But buying real estate abroad as a U.S.

2:28 resident isn’t plug-and-play. You’ve got to think about local tax exposure, estate planning, and cross-border risks. That’s where using an offshore trust or LLC to structure the purchase can make a lot of sense. Trusted Network of Banks, Trustees & Wealth Managers What sets us apart is the network we’ve built.

2:51 At Dilendorf Law Firm, we work closely with a strong group of private banks in Switzerland, Liechtenstein and other key jurisdictions for private banking.

3:00 We are also partner with professional trustees and wealth managers across Europe, the South Pacific and Middle East. These are people who actually understand how to work with U.S. clients—and how to stay compliant with U.S. law.

3:15 Is Offshore Planning Right for You? Of course, offshore planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. For many people, a U.S. trust may still be the best fit.

3:26 And yes—going offshore does come with IRS reporting requirements and higher maintenance costs. But if you're serious about safeguarding your crypto, holding physical gold outside the U.S., or just diversifying your wealth globally, offshore planning can be incredibly powerful. That’s exactly what this channel is here to unpack. We’ll dive into how Swiss private banking really works. How to legally open Swiss bank accounts as a U.S. resident. How to structure offshore trusts or foundations—whether in the Cook Islands or Liechtenstein.

4:04 And how to build diversified structures that work for crypto, real estate, and international assets. We’ll also cover IRS reporting—like FBARs , Form 8938, and Form 3520—so you stay compliant every step of the way.

4:21 Why Americans Trust Swiss Private Banking Now, why are so many Americans are attracted to Swiss banking in particular? For one, Swiss banks like UBS or SEBA offer segregated accounts—meaning your funds aren’t comingled with the bank’s own assets.

4:36 In the U.S., not all banks do that. If a U.S. bank fails, you’re basically an unsecured creditor with just $250,000 of FDIC protection. That’s it.

4:47 Swiss crypto custody is also far more developed—and five times cheaper than what similar custody solutions cost in the U.S. And lastly—stability. The Swiss economy is strong, politically neutral, and backed by a currency that’s held its ground.

5:05 Since 2000, the Swiss franc has gained over 50% against the U.S. dollar. That’s a big deal.

5:12 Subscribe for More on Offshore Legal Planning So if you’re exploring offshore planning—or just starting to think about your options—make sure to subscribe.

5:19 I’m Max Dilendorf. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

A transcript of the recording, so it reads as speech rather than as prose. It explains the law in general terms and is not advice on your own situation, which turns on facts this video cannot know.