For sophisticated investors and high-net-worth families, accessing international markets is essential for proper diversification. However, opening investment accounts at top-tier institutions has become one of today’s greatest challenges. What used to take weeks can now take months, with repeated document requests and countless exchanges with compliance teams asking for increasingly detailed information.
A Much More Demanding Landscape
Regulations such as FATCA, CRS, and strengthened anti–money laundering rules have increased costs and risks for custodians and brokers. As a result, U.S. institutions like Schwab and Fidelity have closed access to new non-resident clients, while international platforms apply increasingly rigorous due-diligence processes. In Switzerland, private-banking platforms require significantly higher minimums, and due-diligence processes can take months.
Specific Challenges of Investment Accounts
Opening an account requires verification of identity, wealth, source of funds, financial sophistication, and risk profile according to the regulations of each jurisdiction.
For Latin American investors, the burden is even higher due to regional risk classifications and stricter documentation requirements. Corporate structures require full transparency regarding ownership, economic purpose, and ultimate beneficial owners.
Accessing institutional products also demands proof of net worth, experience, and in some cases, professional certifications to qualify as a “professional investor.”
The Strategic Importance of International Access
Accessing investment accounts at top-tier international institutions is critical for several strategic reasons:
- Geographic and currency diversification to mitigate political, economic, and FX risks.
- Access to institutional opportunities: Many of the best investments are available only on institutional platforms.
- Institutional Custody and Asset Protection: U.S. custodians offer SIPC protection, and Swiss institutions operate within one of the most solid financial systems in the world—providing a level of security hard to match in emerging markets.
- Operational Efficiency and Costs: International platforms often provide lower transaction costs, more competitive interest rates, and greater liquidity.
The K&B Solution: Direct and Streamlined Institutional Access
K&B Family Office has built a network of institutional relationships in the U.S., Switzerland, and other markets with top-tier international banks, maintaining direct access and negotiated fee arrangements for its clients.
K&B acts as a facilitator throughout the entire account-opening process. We first identify the most suitable platform based on the client’s profile—this precise matching is a key part of our value proposition. We then prepare all documentation according to institutional standards: source-of-funds memoranda, clear explanations of corporate structures and their wealth-planning logic, and evidence of net worth and experience for professional or qualified investor status.
Finally, we manage all communication directly with compliance and onboarding teams. Thanks to our deep understanding of each institution’s processes, we anticipate requirements, respond proactively, and resolve obstacles before they turn into rejections. With our involvement, a process that might take six months is typically completed in six to eight weeks.
Integrated Middle-Office Services
Once the accounts are open, our middle-office services provide ongoing operational value. We consolidate reports from different custodians to deliver a unified portfolio view, perform periodic reconciliations, monitor performance, and conduct attribution analysis. We also coordinate cash movements and manage dividends, coupons, and other distributions.
For clients with non-discretionary mandates, we monitor portfolios according to the agreed strategy, identify rebalancing opportunities, and facilitate trade execution. This level of support is especially valuable for clients with accounts across multiple institutions and jurisdictions.
Conclusion: The Value of an Institutional Partner
In an environment where opening international accounts is increasingly complex, K&B acts as a strategic partner that converts regulatory obstacles into real access—allowing clients to focus on what truly matters: their investment objectives and the protection of their family wealth.