Let’s face it, no one likes being kicked out of the club or the popular group. Whether it was the cool kids’ lunch table or the popular country club, no one is a fan of being excluded. One area where this is happening more frequently in 2026 is for U.S. expats living abroad who are suddenly kicked out of their brokerage accounts.

Many times, they are given only a couple of months’ notice, which can understandably lead to some sleepless nights. Usually, the reason expats can’t keep their brokerage accounts is because the brokerage firm or advisor does not want to deal with the additional compliance, regulatory oversight, or costs that can come with working with non-U.S. residents.

Thankfully, this does not have to be a scary process. We have been helping U.S. expats with financial and planning matters for over sixteen years, and we regularly guide clients through these exact situations.

We have written a case study about a financially complicated situation that arose for an expat whose brokerage account was closed unexpectedly. In addition, we’ve published blogs about moving to and living in Israel that you may find helpful:

Can one use a US Power of Attorney in Israel, (and vice versa)?

Immigrating to Israel

A guide to retiring in Israel

Checklist for moving to Israel

A guide to investing abroad

Israel expat case studies

Social Security for expats

Financial planning for US citizens living abroad

Selling a house in Israel as a US citizen

Why US Expats should look before they leap into a Roth 401k

Compliance with reporting of foreign assets: tips for US expats to avoid stress

What expats need to know about Brokerage Accounts for non-US residents

And now let’s get into the blog!

What To Do If You Get Kicked Out Of Your Brokerage Account:

Can I keep my brokerage account if I move abroad? This is a question many people ask, whether they have accounts at Vanguard, eTrade, Schwab, Fidelity, or other custodians. Unfortunately, there is still no universal rule in 2026 when it comes to brokerage accounts for non-U.S. residents.

You’ll need to ask your custodian and consult with their international or compliance team to determine whether you can keep your account, ideally before you move overseas.

It is very common to encounter challenges when trying to maintain or open an investment account as a non-U.S. resident. In some cases, accounts are frozen or closed outright.

Custodians That Often Do NOT Retain Non-U.S. Resident Accounts:

Based on our experience working with U.S. expats globally, custodians and investment firms that may not retain accounts when the account holder lives outside the U.S. (including Israel and other countries) often include:

• Morgan Stanley (and now also E*TRADE, which it acquired)
• Merrill Lynch
• UBS
• JPMorgan Chase
• Raymond James
• Edward Jones
• Wells Fargo

Policies can change, and exceptions sometimes exist, but these firms frequently restrict or close accounts once a client becomes a non-U.S. resident.

Inherited Accounts May Also Be Affected:

In addition to relocation-related closures, we have taken on a growing number of clients who inherited brokerage accounts held at the firms listed above. In these cases:

• The original account holder lived in the U.S.
• The beneficiary lives outside the U.S.
• The firm was unable or unwilling to maintain the inherited account due to the beneficiary’s non-U.S. address

This often forces a time-sensitive transfer to a custodian that can work with non-U.S. residents.

What Should You Do If Your Account Is Being Closed?

If you get kicked out of your U.S. brokerage account, the most important thing to remember is that your advisor or broker will usually give you a limited window of time to find another custodian. During this period, it’s critical to avoid unnecessary tax consequences.

Key things to keep in mind:

• Retirement accounts (IRAs):
  If you have an IRA, you must find another custodian before the account is liquidated and a check is sent to you.
  • If liquidation occurs, you typically have 60 days to complete a rollover.
  • Missing that window can turn the entire balance into a taxable distribution.
  • For example, a $500,000 IRA that is not rolled over in time could be taxed as ordinary income.
• Taxable brokerage accounts:
  If your account contains investments with large unrealized capital gains, forced liquidation can:
  • Trigger significant capital gains taxes
  • Create unexpected cash flow and reporting issues

The Tax Implications Matter!

The potential tax impact of a forced account closure is often underestimated. Liquidation at the wrong time, or without proper planning, can result in large and avoidable tax bills, especially for long-term investors.

A makeshift U.S. address will not save you

Some people attempt to keep their brokerage accounts open by using a U.S. address belonging to a relative or business. This approach rarely works long-term.

• Brokerage firms conduct ongoing compliance checks
• Once the firm discovers the true foreign residency, the account is often closed quickly and without flexibility

Working with an advisor who understands U.S. expats

We are expat financial advisors based in Israel and the U.S., serving clients globally. By working with advisors who specialize in U.S. expat planning, transitions are typically far smoother.

We are able to open and manage accounts for clients with non-U.S. addresses in most developed countries. Currently, we work with clients living in:

• Israel
• South Africa
• Australia
• United Kingdom
• India
• Greece
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• And other developed jurisdictions

Advisors who focus on U.S. expats also tend to have deeper experience with:

• Cross-border tax considerations
• Estate planning for U.S. citizens abroad
• Currency exposure and conversions
• Long-term retirement planning outside the U.S.

Moving To Israel Or Living Abroad?

If you are moving to Israel or another country and don’t know where to start with your global finances, hold U.S. or foreign assets, or need help planning for retirement as an expat, we’re here to help.

Have questions about retiring in Israel? We’re hosting a series of webinars on this topic and continuing to publish educational blogs, please sign up for the Nardis Advisors newsletter to stay informed.

Let’s Talk!

We’re financial advisors for expats, both in the U.S. and in Israel, and can help you plan your transition wisely. Whether you’re balancing U.S. assets, managing remote income, or figuring out healthcare and retirement, we’ve helped dozens do just that.

If you are moving to Israel or another country and don’t know where to start when it comes to the financial side of things, please contact us.

SUBSCRIBE to the Nardis Advisors YouTube channel or ongoing updates related to the markets, economy, and finance for expats.

CONTACT US to schedule a time to speak with Nardis Advisors regarding your portfolio and personal financial plan.

Disclaimer

Nardis Advisors LLC (“Nardis”) is a Registered Investment Advisory Firm regulated by the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance and compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Nardis does not render or offer to render personalized investment advice through this medium. The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment or legal advice. Investment advice can only be rendered after delivery of the Firm’s disclosure statement (Form ADV Part 2) and execution of an investment advisory agreement between the client and Nardis.