Say My Name! Wealthy Americans Fleeing to Switzerland? Is the Dollar Really Cooked?!

A Heisenbergian Exodus?

A while back a version of this story landed in CNBC's 'Inside Wealth' newsletter. Apparently the big shots the ones with more money than brains are pulling a disappearing act – but instead of dissolving bodies in hydrofluoric acid they're dissolving their assets into Swiss bank accounts. "De Americanization" of their portfolios they call it. Sounds like a fancy way of saying they're bailing on the good ol' U.S. of A. Maybe they know something I don't? Or maybe they’re just… scared. You gotta wonder.

Waves of Fortune

According to the Swiss themselves business is booming. “It comes in waves,” says some guy named Pierre Gabris from Alpen Partners International. Apparently Obama's election kicked things off then COVID and now… tariffs? Tariffs? Seriously? Looks like everyone's got a reason to distrust Uncle Sam. Even I can relate to this feeling. Back then I did what I had to do in order to provide to my family and I was good at it.

The Swiss Advantage

So why Switzerland? Neutral politics stable economy strong currency reliable legal system. Blah blah blah. Sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. But hey if you're rich boring probably equals safe. Plus they like stashing gold over there which is something I understand. You gotta have your reserves. My blue meth was the best reserve but people did not see it that way. Their loss. These guys are going to miss out on the recipe of the best meth ever I tell you!

Plan B enefits

It's all about 'Plan B,' they say. Residency in Europe buying property. Makes sense. When you've got enough money you can afford to have a backup plan for your backup plan. Makes a guy think maybe I should have diversified my portfolio beyond blue meth. Although let’s be honest there was no competition in the market!

Laundering... Legally

Now don't go thinking this is some kind of shady tax evasion scheme a la my early days. These days opening a Swiss bank account is apparently all above board. Strict U.S. disclosure laws SEC registration tax forms. It's all very… legal. Almost takes the fun out of it. The big banks even refer you! What’s the world coming to?

I Am The Danger... To My Portfolio's Americanization

The bottom line? These wealthy Americans are hedging their bets. They're realizing that putting all their eggs – or should I say millions of dollars – in one basket (the U.S. dollar) might not be the smartest move. So they're diversifying. Good for them. Maybe I should have listened to Jesse a little bit more. Then again maybe not. No matter what you always need to protect your business.