In 2026, expats seeking robust investment platforms have a plethora of options tailored to diverse financial goals and preferences. This article delves into six prominent platforms, Saxo Bank, Ardan International, Novia Global, and Interactive Brokers (IBKR), highlighting their costs, technologies, custody charges, regulatory licenses, ideal user profiles, and the range of assets they support.
This is a question I get asked a lot through my website. It’s a good question because without trying and researching them, you don’t know what to expect. There are two types of platforms, advisor-led and DIY. DIY is for the retail market, and advisor-led can only be accessed through an advisor.
Platforms can become confusing as they will all use different terminology for fees and varying fees, potentially offering a reduction in fees for the size of your pot, currency exchange fees and more. However, the main question expats want to know is, is this platform safe and secure? If they put their money into this account, what happens if it potentially goes wrong? For these eventualities, many platforms will have custodians or protections in place to reassure investors.
Personally, I have an account with Ardan. I have opened accounts with several platforms for various reasons, including to test them for clients. One tip I have for investors is to always send a test payment to the platform first!
Here’s a comparative table summarising all the platforms, including their licensing, costs, key features, and the type of investors they are best suited for:
| Platform | Licensing & Regulation | Platform Features | Costs & Fees | Best For |
| Saxo Bank | Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) | Advanced trading platforms (SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO), & Saxo In Investor global market access, extensive research tools | Active traders, institutional investors, and HNWIs | Specialises in ISA and SIPP transfers, secure wealth management |
| Ardan | Isle of Man Financial Services Authority | Multi-custodian options, estate planning, wealth management solutions | 0.4%-0.1% custody charge, fixed interest rates with Lloyds | UK expats with estate planning needs |
| Novia Global | UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | Specializes in ISA and SIPP transfers, secure wealth management | 0.45%-0.2% fees | Expats looking to transfer ISA/SIPP |
| IBKR | US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), FCA, and other global regulators | Low-cost trading, professional-grade analytics, advanced trading tools, multi-asset trading, automation | Low commissions, tiered pricing | Experienced investors, traders, hedge funds |
If you have questions on platforms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me using the button at the bottom of the page or through my contact page
Saxo Bank
Link to Saxo Bank to view their accounts: Online Investing and Trading | UK | Saxo.
THIS IS TAKEN FROM THEIR DEMO ACCOUNT AND NOT A REAL ACCOUNT, NO INFORMATION HERE IS TRUE OR VALID, ITS A DEMONSTRATION ACCOUNT – PLEASE DON’T USE THIS AS FINANCIAL ADVICE.
Overview of Saxo Bank
Saxo Bank, established in 1992, is a Danish investment bank specialising in online trading and investment services. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, it operates globally, offering clients access to a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, stocks, bonds, CFDs, and more. The bank has positioned itself as a leader in the fintech industry, providing cutting-edge trading platforms and services to both retail and institutional investors.
Licensing and Regulation
Saxo Bank holds multiple licenses and is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, ensuring compliance with stringent financial standards and providing clients with a secure trading environment. Some of the key regulatory bodies overseeing Saxo Bank’s operations include:
- Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA): As a Danish bank, Saxo Bank is primarily regulated by the Danish FSA, which oversees financial institutions to ensure stability and compliance within Denmark.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): In the United Kingdom, Saxo Bank operates under the supervision of the FCA, one of the most respected financial regulatory bodies globally.
- Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): Saxo Bank’s presence in Asia is bolstered by its regulation under MAS, ensuring adherence to high standards in one of the world’s leading financial hubs.
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): In Australia, Saxo Bank is regulated by ASIC, maintaining its commitment to transparency and investor protection.
These regulatory affiliations underscore Saxo Bank’s dedication to maintaining a secure and compliant trading environment for its clients worldwide.
Trading Platforms
Saxo Bank offers a suite of advanced trading platforms designed to cater to the diverse needs of its clients:
- SaxoTraderGO: This user-friendly platform is accessible via web and mobile devices, providing traders with a seamless experience and a comprehensive set of tools for market analysis and trade execution.
- SaxoTraderPRO: Aimed at professional and institutional traders, this platform offers advanced features such as algorithmic trading, customizable workspaces, and access to a wide range of financial instruments.
Saxo Bank has just introduced a new platform called Saxo Investor, which is a new and simplified version of it’s two other accounts. This is more for people who want a simpler style of investing, such as, stocks, funds, ETFs and bonds.
Both platforms are renowned for their reliability, speed, and depth of information they provide, making them suitable for traders with varying levels of experience.
Visual Insights
For a closer look at Saxo Bank’s trading platforms and to understand their functionalities better, you can visit the following resources:
- SaxoTraderGO Overview: SaxoTraderGO – Online Trading Platform
- SaxoTraderPRO Overview: SaxoTraderPRO – Professional Trading Platform
- SaxoInvestor Overview: SaxoInvestor | Saxo
These resources provide detailed insights into the features and capabilities of Saxo Bank’s trading platforms, helping potential clients make informed decisions about their trading needs.
Saxo Bank Conclusion
In summary, Saxo Bank’s robust regulatory framework, coupled with its innovative trading platforms, positions it as a reputable choice for traders and investors seeking a comprehensive and secure trading experience.
Saxo Bank has a smooth interface and is expanding its target market and branching out into the UK. They have FCA regulations and have begun transferring ISAs. This won’t help expats; it’s a reassurance that Saxo is continually developing its offering.
Saxo’s charging structure depends on the amount you deposit. It has three tiers currently, they are:
- 0-200k
- 200k -1M
- 1M +
These three tiers will give you different rates of pricing.
Blogs I have written on Saxo Bank are:
Ardan International
Link to Ardan website: Wealth Management Platform for International Investors – Ardan International
Overview of Ardan International
Ardan International, established in 2013, is a prominent wealth management platform based in Douglas, Isle of Man. The name “Ardan” is derived from Manx Gaelic, meaning “platform,” reflecting its commitment to providing a robust and secure online location for investors to manage their assets. Since its inception, Ardan International has attracted financial advisers and investors globally, offering a centralised platform to hold and view investments.
Ardan International’s excellence has been acknowledged through multiple industry awards, including:
- Best International Platform at the International Investment Awards in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
- International Platform of the Year at the International Adviser – Product and Service Awards in 2017.
Ardan is an advisor-led platform. This means that to access Ardan, you will need to go via an advisor who has access to Ardan. It is not open to retail investors, and you can’t access it directly.
For transparency, I have an Ardan account and use it for myself; I can do this as I’m an advisor. I use it to invest in Structured Notes, which aren’t for most clients and only for sophisticated investors due to their nature. However, Ardan offers lots of investment products and wrapper,s which is a positive for investors.
Ownership and Group Structure
In 2016, Ardan International became part of International Financial Group Limited (IFGL), which also includes RL360, RL360° Services, Friends Provident International, and IFGL Pensions. Collectively, IFGL oversees assets totalling USD 27 billion for approximately 214,000 customers, highlighting the group’s substantial presence in the international financial services sector.
The Isle of Man is renowned for its stable and well-regulated financial environment, making it an attractive base for international financial services. Ardan International’s location offers clients the assurance of operating within a jurisdiction known for its robust regulatory framework and investor protection measures.
Platform Features
Ardan International’s platform is designed to provide investors with a comprehensive and user-friendly experience, allowing for efficient management of diverse investment portfolios. Key features include:
- Centralised Investment Management: Investors can hold and view all their investments in one secure online location, simplifying portfolio monitoring and management.
- Flexible and Cost-Effective Solutions: The platform caters to expatriates, trustees, and corporate entities worldwide, offering tailored solutions to meet varied investment needs.
- Advanced Tools and Resources: Ardan International provides a suite of tools, including future investment calculators, inflation impact assessments, education fee calculators, and retirement planning resources, empowering investors to make informed decisions.
Interest Rates and Banking Partnerships
Ardan International offers competitive fixed deposit and notice account rates in partnership with reputable banking institutions. As of March 12, 2025, indicative rates include:
- Fixed Deposit Rates:
- 3-month term: GBP 4.53%, USD 4.42%, EUR 2.47%
- 6-month term: GBP 4.46%, USD 4.35%, EUR 2.38%
- 1-year term: GBP 4.44%, USD 4.26%, EUR 2.40%
- Notice Rates:
- 30 or 32-day notice: GBP 4.45%, USD 4.25%, EUR 2.40%
- 95-day notice: GBP 4.60%, USD 4.30%, EUR 2.50%
These rates are indicative and subject to change; investors are advised to consult with their relationship managers for the most current information.
Client Protection and Trust Services
Ardan International offers a range of services to enhance client protection and estate planning, including:
- Manx Insurance Scheme: Clients benefit from the Isle of Man’s robust investor protection schemes, providing an added layer of security for their investments.
- Flexible Beneficiary and Trust Options: The platform supports easy designation of beneficiaries and offers various trust structures, aiding in effective estate planning and wealth transfer.
Visual Insights into Ardan International’s Platform
For a more in-depth understanding of Ardan International’s offerings and to view the platform’s interface, investors can explore the following resources:
- Ardan International Platform Overview: Ardan International Platform Overview – YouTube
- Ardan International Platform Review: Ardan International Platform Review – YouTube
These resources provide visual demonstrations of the platform’s functionality and user experience, offering valuable insights for both current and prospective investors.
Ardan Conclusion
In summary, Ardan International stands as a robust, award-winning wealth management platform, offering a secure and efficient environment for international investors to manage and grow their assets.
Note: Interest rates and financial products are subject to change; investors should consult directly with Ardan International or their financial advisers for the most current information.
Blogs I have written on Ardan:
Novia Global
Novia Global is a UK-based financial services platform that specialises in providing comprehensive wealth management solutions to international investors, financial advisers, and institutions. The platform is designed to offer a wide array of investment options, products, and tools, all accessible through a secure, internet-based account.
Novia Global is authorised and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring adherence to stringent financial standards and providing clients with a secure and transparent investment environment.
What I like most about Novia is the simplicity of its fees, platforms and products. Other platforms can be as good but have more complex fees and products and for most retailers who only want ETFs, this can be a good option.
Link to Novia website: Novia Global – Home
You can find a video I have recorded providing a summary and overview of Novia Global:
Platform Features
- Novia Global Account: Clients can open a secure, internet-based account that offers 24/7 access to investment information. This centralised account allows for efficient management of diverse investment portfolios.
- Product Offerings: Novia Global provides a range of investment products, including Global Investment Accounts (GIA), Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP), and Stocks & Shares ISAs. These products offer flexibility and can be tailored to individual investment strategies.
- Investment Options: The platform offers access to over 7,000 funds from more than 300 leading fund managers, encompassing various asset classes. Investment options include SICAVs, UCITS, ETFs, alternative investments, and direct investments in equities and bonds.
- Discretionary Fund Managers (DFM): Novia Global facilitates easy access to a range of leading DFMs through the platform, offering a multitude of investment options and strategies.
- Currency Options: The platform supports multiple currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, CHF, and HKD, allowing clients to manage investments in their preferred currency or diversify across several.
Asset Protection and Security
Novia Global places a strong emphasis on safeguarding client assets and data. Key security measures include:
- Custodian Services: Provided by Pershing (Channel Islands), a subsidiary of the Bank of New York Mellon, ensuring robust asset protection.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to FCA regulations in administering client assets, with processes designed to ensure all transactions are conducted in strict accordance with regulatory standards.
- Client Money Segregation: Client funds are segregated under separate nominee names to ensure ownership always remains with the client.
- Dual Authorisation: A “dual authorisation” function provides an additional layer of security when placing trading instructions.
ISA and SIPP Transfers
Novia Global offers flexible options for transferring existing ISAs and is considered one of the best platforms for International SIPP transfers. This flexibility allows clients to consolidate their investments and pensions into a single, easily managed platform, simplifying portfolio management and potentially reducing costs.
This new product has intrigued quite a lot of expats who have built up their ISAs, moved abroad for a period of time and know they are moving back. Previously, they would have had to contribute to another offshore account and then combine when they got back to the UK.
Before making a decision, please complete your research and seek financial advice if you need it.
Fee Structure
The platform operates on a tiered fee structure, with charges ranging from 0.45% to 0.05%, depending on the level of assets under management. This competitive pricing model ensures that clients receive value for the services provided while maintaining transparency in costs.
Visual Insights into Novia Global’s Platform
For a more in-depth understanding of Novia Global’s offerings and to view the platform’s interface, investors can explore the following resources:
- Novia Global Platform Overview: Novia Global – How we do it
- Asset Protection and Security: Novia Global – Asset Protection and Security
These resources provide visual demonstrations of the platform’s functionality and user experience, offering valuable insights for both current and prospective investors.
Novia Conclusion
In summary, Novia Global stands as a robust, well-regulated wealth management platform, offering a secure and efficient environment for international investors to manage and grow their assets.
Note: Fees and financial products are subject to change; investors should consult directly with Novia Global or their financial advisers for the most current information.
Blogs I have written on Novia Global are here:
Overview of Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Interactive Brokers LLC (IBKR) is a prominent American multinational brokerage firm headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut. Established in 1978 by Thomas Peterffy, the company has grown to operate the largest electronic trading platform in the United States, processing an average of 3 million trades per trading day as of 2023. IBKR offers a comprehensive suite of financial services, including brokerage of stocks, options, futures contracts, forex, bonds, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies, and more. With operations spanning 34 countries and supporting 27 currencies, the firm serves approximately 2.6 million institutional and individual brokerage customers worldwide, managing total customer equity of US$426 billion as of December 31, 2023.
I would say IBKR is great for investors who want to do simple investing, such as stocks, ETFs and funds; however, it does cater for the more advanced investors and traders in the market. You can see this in the trading products and education it offers. I’m not suggesting you invest in or go into these products. This is for education only and to showcase the platform.
Link to IBKR website: Why Trade Globally with IBKR? | Interactive Brokers U.K. Limited
Licensing and Regulation
Interactive Brokers is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol IBKR. The firm is regulated by multiple financial authorities globally, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), ensuring compliance with stringent financial standards and providing clients with a secure and transparent trading environment.
Platform Features
Interactive Brokers offers a range of trading platforms tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients:
- Trader Workstation (TWS): This flagship platform is designed for active traders and investors who require advanced trading tools and analytics. TWS provides direct market access to stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, and funds worldwide from a single account. Features include real-time monitoring, alerts, and a customizable interface.
- Client Portal: A user-friendly platform suitable for casual investors, the Client Portal offers a comprehensive overview of accounts, portfolio performance, and access to trading capabilities. It is accessible via web browsers, providing convenience and flexibility.
- IBKR Mobile and GlobalTrader Apps: For traders on the go, IBKR offers mobile applications compatible with iOS and Android devices. These apps provide full trading capabilities, real-time market data, and account management features, ensuring clients
- APIs and Speciality Trading Platforms: For institutional clients and advanced traders, Interactive Brokers offers various Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allow for custom trading applications and integration with proprietary systems.
Costs and Fees
Interactive Brokers operates on a transparent and competitive fee structure:
- Commissions: IBKR offers competitive commission rates across various asset classes. For example, U.S. stock trades can be as low as $0.005 per share, with a minimum of $1 per order.
- Inactivity Fees: As of the latest information, Interactive Brokers has eliminated inactivity fees, making it more accessible to a broader range of investors.
- Margin Rates: IBKR offers some of the lowest margin rates in the industry, with rates decreasing as the loan amount increases. For example, margin rates can be as low as 1.5% for larger balances.
User Experience and Technical Requirements
Interactive Brokers’ platforms are robust and feature-rich, catering primarily to experienced traders and institutional investors:
- Learning Curve: Due to the extensive range of tools and features, new users may experience a learning curve. However, IBKR provides a wealth of educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, and a comprehensive knowledge base, to assist clients in mastering the platforms.
- Technical Requirements: The platforms are designed to operate on standard computer systems and mobile devices. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use updated operating systems and browsers.
- Customer Support: Interactive Brokers offers 24/6 customer support through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat, to assist clients with technical issues, account inquiries, and trading support.
Suitability
Interactive Brokers is best suited for:
- Active Traders and Professionals: Those who require advanced trading tools, access to a wide range of markets, and competitive pricing.
- Institutional Investors: Including hedge funds, mutual funds, and proprietary trading groups that need comprehensive trading solutions and API access.
- International Investors: Clients seeking access to global markets with multi-currency accounts and international trading capabilities.
If you have any questions about whether this platform is right for you, please contact me using the button at the bottom of this page.
Visual Insights into Interactive Brokers’ Platform
For a more in-depth understanding of Interactive Brokers’ offerings and to view the platform’s interface, investors can explore the IBKR free trial here:
Free Trial | Interactive Brokers U.K. Limited
These resources provide visual demonstrations of the platform’s functionality and user experience, offering valuable insights for both current and prospective investors. Where a platform offers a free trial or a glimpse into their platform, I find it really useful to do this before completing the application because I can get a sense of whether I will find the user experience pleasant.
Interactive Brokers Conclusion
Interactive Brokers stands as a robust, well-regulated brokerage firm offering a comprehensive suite of trading platforms and services. While the platforms are feature-rich and cater to advanced traders, the firm’s commitment to providing educational resources and competitive pricing makes it a viable option for a wide range of investors.
Note: Fees and platform features are subject to change; investors should consult directly with Interactive Brokers or their financial advisers for the most current information.
Blogs I have written on IBKR:
Overall Summary of Platforms
Firstly, this isn’t an exhaustive list of platforms; there are more in the market, and these are the ones which I like and put at the top of my list. I should also say, I am not paid to advertise these platforms; I get many questions referring to platforms, which is why I have written a blog on the topic.
Each platform will allow you to invest in products; it’s about choosing the one which is going to do the best job and you trust. For a monthly investment into a general account, all these platforms can do that. When it comes to pensions or transferring an ISA, then I would consider those that are best in class, and I have detailed that above.
Fees will vary depending on what you want. As a rule, platforms which are regulated tend to be ‘clean’, don’t get commissions or kickbacks, and if they do, it’s disclosed.
With signing up to a new platform, even if you are transferring, I would always recommend a test payment before transferring large sums of money. This allows you to see the process, understand how long it takes and make sure that everything works properly.
If you have any further questions, please contact me by using the button at the bottom of this page or through my contact page.
Expats should prioritise regulation, security, and transparency of fees. Platforms regulated by top-tier authorities (such as the FCA, SEC, or Isle of Man FSA) provide stronger investor protection. It’s also important to check custody arrangements and whether the platform offers clear, upfront pricing.
It depends on your situation. Advisor-led platforms (like Ardan International) are ideal for complex needs such as estate planning or structured notes, but they require access through a financial adviser. DIY platforms (like Interactive Brokers or Saxo Bank) are more suited to experienced investors who want direct control and lower costs.
A simple way is to send a small test payment first. This helps confirm the process works smoothly before transferring larger sums. Expats should also review the platform’s licensing, fee structure, and whether it supports products relevant to their goals (e.g., ISA/SIPP transfers, ETFs, or multi-currency accounts).
