"Alexis, my lawyer in Geneva recommends a foundation, but my notaire in Lyon talks about a holding company. Who is right?"
This question, put to us by a company director whose family is spread across three countries, is the daily reality at Balmont Conseil. My answer is often that of an engineer: neither is right until we have modelled the frictions between the jurisdictions. International wealth structuring is not a stacking of products, it is a living architecture. Without a consolidated view, what is an optimisation in Switzerland can become a tax nightmare in France.
At Balmont Conseil, we act as the "conductor of the orchestra". We use AI to process the mass of data from international regulations and bilateral tax treaties, in order to offer you a bespoke wealth strategy that leaves no room for improvisation.
The legal architecture: Building a flexible investment structure
Holding assets in several countries without a central structure is like flying a plane without a flight plan. Cross-border wealth planning demands altitude.
Cross-border tax optimisation: The art of "Net-Net"
International tax optimisation is not about avoiding tax, but about eliminating unnecessary frictions and obtaining relief from double taxation through a surgical reading of the treaties.
Mastering bilateral tax treaties
Every financial flow (dividends, interest, rents) between two countries is governed by a treaty. Our international legal expertise enables us to identify:
- The country holding the right to tax.
- The tax credit mechanisms available to neutralise the tax burden.
- The opportunities linked to international real estate investment (European SCPIs, corporate-tax structures).
Asset Allocation and risk management
An international portfolio is not managed like a local securities account. We incorporate a currency and regulatory risk management approach.
The asset allocation we recommend rests on diversified investment strategies, including Private Equity, physical real estate and international savings plans (Luxembourg life insurance).
International Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning
This is where the complexity reaches its peak. A geographically scattered family faces heightened succession vigilance.
The Balmont Conseil approach: A multidisciplinary and augmented method
Complete wealth management cannot be the work of one person alone. It requires multimodal legal advice in which lawyers, notaires and specialist advisers collaborate.
FAQ : International Wealth Structuring
Expertise at the service of your freedom of movement
The world is changing, regulations are tightening, but international opportunities remain immense for those who know how to structure themselves. Your wealth deserves a multidisciplinary approach that combines the rigour of the old world with the technological power of the new.
No longer endure international complexity — turn it into a competitive advantage for your family and your business.
Need a diagnosis of your current structure? Contact me and our specialist advisory AI for a confidential wealth analysis.
Alexis Sagnier
With over 17 years of expertise in financial engineering, Alexis Sagnier supports directors and expatriates in securing their cross-border interests.
Sources & References:
- French General Tax Code (CGI): Article 155 B.
- Official Public Finance Bulletin (BOFiP): Inbound assignee regime (BOI-RSA-GEO-40).
- 2025 Finance Act: Analysis of recent developments.
- Case law on inbound assignees: Conseil d'État rulings on reference remuneration.
- ANACOFI Member Handbook: Standards for wealth engineering advice.
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