Expat banking
 

Hello guys,
I am looking for expat banking not tied to my residency in KSA. That is, I need a bank that I can use even when I leave KSA or the gulf. Not that I have no address in the UK and I am non-resident for tax. I asked this question to ChatGPT and the answer was:
1-HSBC - but this does not allow residence of KSA to open up an account
2- Citibank group (never heard of it)
3- Standard Chartered International (never heard of it)

I also did my own search and found
1-Lloyds bank
2-Barclay International (but only tied to residency in the GCC)

I like to know if anyone has experience with this?
Thanks
Scott

Re: Expat banking
 

It sounds like an offshore bank might be better such as one based in the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands.

I've been in Financial Services for over two decades in the GCC and would avoid HSBC as I know too many people who have faced customer service and account closing issues but there are plenty of other banks that will provide you with an account which you can open while in KSA and continue to use if you go elsewhere. I've used Standard Bank in IoM for years without any issues - Lloyds and Santander and many others have offshore banking facilities too. Some have quite high minimum balances and others are more reasonable.

Expect a fair amount of paperwork to open an account as well. And depending where you relocate to next you might find more paperwork demands.

Re: Expat banking
 

Thanks heaps,
I tried Barclays but it seems they do not operate in KSA and they have ridiculous conditions. The remaining options are the one you mentioned.

Re: Expat banking
 

I use Lloyds International in the Channel Islands and they are okay. I can only agree with Norm_uk about HSBC. I had a very negative experience with them.

Re: Expat banking
 

We use Lloyds International based in the Isle of Man. Nothing exciting but just a safe place to hold funds that aren't invested

Re: Expat banking
 

Yes, it seems Lloyds International is a good option.