US Nationals Nearly A Quarter Of Henley & Partners Clients

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- United States (US) nationals account for nearly a quarter of the clients of residence and citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners, as demand for alternative residence and citizenship options grows among citizens of wealthy democracies, ahead of its 20th Global Citizenship Conference in Zurich.

The United Kingdom ranks sixth and Germany ninth among its client nationalities by applications, while France has climbed to 14th from 36th. Australia and Canada are also among the top 15, while India leads in enquiries, the firm said in a statement.

Over the past 10 months, the firm has worked with clients of more than 100 nationalities across 50 residence and citizenship programmes, with 36 per cent of applicants already living outside their country of origin.

Henley & Partners Chief Executive Officer, Dr Juerg Steffen said the trend reflects a strategic approach to managing long-term uncertainty, rather than an intention to emigrate or a loss of confidence in home countries.

“Intensified geopolitical, fiscal and regulatory uncertainty is encouraging them to build sovereign portfolios — complementary residence and citizenship rights, investments and personal ties across different jurisdictions,” he said.

The conference, to be held from Nov 23 to 25 at The Dolder Grand, will bring together over 400 government representatives, economists, international investors, family office principals, wealth managers and global mobility specialists.

“Two powerful forces are converging: families want greater freedom to choose where they live, work and invest, while governments need to compete for the talent and capital that will shape their future,” said Henley & Partners Chairman, Dr Christian H. Kälin.

Topics will include how governments can address public concerns over immigration while still attracting investors, entrepreneurs and skilled workers. Speakers will also discuss the changing geography of global wealth, the evolving global tax landscape, statelessness and digital identity.

The event will feature the Global Citizen Award Gala Dinner on Nov 24, presented with the Swiss-based non-profit Andan Foundation, which supports refugees and other displaced people.

-- BERNAMA