Beyond Borders: Financial Planning for the Globally Mobile Client

As global mobility continues to rise, financial advisors are increasingly encountering clients who are considering or actively pursuing an international relocation. Whether driven by career opportunities, lifestyle choices, or family considerations, these moves introduce a new layer of complexity that most traditional financial planning frameworks are not designed to address.

For many advisors, this moment creates uncertainty. Questions quickly arise: Can I still advise this client? What risks am I missing? When do I need to bring in outside expertise? Too often, advisors either disengage risking the loss of the client relationship or attempt to navigate unfamiliar cross-border issues without a clear structure, potentially exposing both themselves and their clients to unintended risks.

Led by two seasoned cross-border professionals, this session is designed to provide financial advisors with a practical framework to guide clients through international transitions while maintaining their role as a fiduciary. Rather than attempting to turn advisors into cross-border specialists, this session focuses on building awareness, structure, and confidence so advisors can better understand the landscape, ask the right questions, and recognize when additional expertise is required.

Competency Level: Foundational
FPA Competency: Critical Thinking
CFP Board Topic: General Principles of Financial Planning
CFP Board CE Credit Hours: 1

• Advisors will gain a clear understanding of the three-phase cross-border process (Pre-Move, Transition Year, Ongoing) and how it differs from traditional financial planning so they can better guide conversations without overstepping their expertise.
• Attendees will learn how to maintain the client relationship while coordinating specialized experts, ensuring clients receive comprehensive advice while the advisor stays within their scope of competence.
• Advisors will develop awareness of common cross-border pitfalls and high-risk areas, enabling them to ask better questions, spot issues early, and engage the right professionals at the right time.