Universal Access Bonds (UABs) are described as “a game changer” for American expats and US connected persons by the CEO of Woodbrook Group Holdings Michael Doherty.

FACTA and stringent tax regulations over the past decade have severely curtailed US expatriates’ financial planning and investment capabilities.

The UABs allow ex-pats across the world, including Americans, easy and compliant access to the benefits of investing in a diversified portfolio through underlying funds.

The funds will be managed by a number of respected international financial institutions, with the process will be overseen by Cyprus-based Woodbrook, a leading international firm of financial advisers.

Commenting on the launch, Doherty said: “Universal Access Bonds are a game changer for American expats living across the globe. They are a remarkably simple solution for expats and US connected persons who are looking to invest in a diversified portfolio managed by top-tier investment managers.”

He added: “Woodbrook operates under the highest level international regulatory framework, which means we look after clients of all nationalities all over the world.”

Woodbrook is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commissioner (CySEC).

It recently announced the acquisition of Mondial (Dubai) LLC, one of the Emirates’ oldest established financial planning and wealth management companies which is regulated by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

Universal Access Bonds CEO Robert Rigby-Hall said: "I am delighted that Woodbrook, with their global reach and regulatory strength, is using UAB as their product for US expats who have been in need of an investment solution for many years."

He said the new financial products will “change the investment landscape for expats”, including the millions of Americans living outside the US with “a very limited choice of investments”.

“Financial planning and investing for Americans has become harder in recent years with the IRS and FATCA causing Americans to be unwelcome at many financial institutions.

“UABs wrap underlying funds allowing expats easy and compliant access to the benefits of investing in a diversified global portfolio though underlying funds in multiple currencies.”

UAB aims to achieve modest appreciation over the longer term coupled with limited volatility in returns by reference to the UBP Cautious Fund.

The reference fund is intending to invest in asset classes such as Cash and Cash Equivalent, Investment Grade Bonds, High Yield Bonds, Alternative Investments, Precious Metals, Commodities, and Equities, in both Emerging and Developed Markets. Investments may be implemented through pooled investment instruments or directly in underlying securities.

UAB aims to achieve significant capital gains over the longer term by reference to the LodeStar UBP Adventurous Fund. Its strategy accommodates substantial volatility in returns.

The investment policy of the reference fund will be to generate long term capital growth by investing in a mix of asset classes globally.

These asset classes can include equities, fixed income (both government and corporate), Real Estate Investment Trusts and other Exchange Traded Funds that may give exposure to alternative strategies. Investments may be implemented through pooled investment instruments or directly in underlying securities.

Source: Financial Mirror