Episode 78: Wayne Baxter On Cross-Border Wealth Management

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Evelyn talks with Wayne Baxter, a cross-border wealth management expert. Wayne shares his personal immigration story, moving from Canada to the US, and discusses the unique challenges and opportunities that Canadians face when moving to the US with investment assets.
Here are the key takeaways from Evelyn Ackah's podcast interview with Wayne Baxter:
Wayne's Expertise
• Wayne Baxter works with families in the U.S. and Canadian residents with U.S. investments, specializing in wealth management, including capital markets returns, risk management, tax and liquidity management.
Personal Immigration Story
• Wayne shares his journey from being born in Toronto, raised in Nova Scotia, working in Banff, Alberta, to ultimately relocating to California in 2012.
Immigration Path
• Wayne's immigration journey involved initially obtaining an E-2 investor visa and later qualifying for a green card under the Exceptional Abilities Program, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen with his family.
Insights on Relocation
• Wayne emphasizes the importance of consulting immigration lawyers early in the relocation process and highlights the complexity of immigration decisions, suggesting tax advisors as the next point of contact.
Integrated Approach
• Evelyn acknowledges the significance of considering tax and wealth management alongside immigration decisions, suggesting a collaborative approach among immigration attorneys, tax advisors and wealth managers.
Collaborative Decision-Making
• Wayne supports the idea of prioritizing consultations with immigration attorneys and tax advisors before delving into long-term wealth management considerations, highlighting the interconnectedness of immigration, tax and wealth management issues.
Education and Awareness
• Wayne emphasizes the importance of education in financial services, noting the surprising lack of knowledge among many individuals regarding wealth management.
Fiduciary Role
• As a fiduciary at One Capital, Wayne's primary role is to educate and inform clients, offering fee-only services without earning commissions on investment trades.
Customized Solutions
• Wayne highlights the need for personalized wealth management plans tailored to each client's unique circumstances and goals, covering areas such as estate planning, tax planning, risk management, investing, credit, real estate and immigration.
Focus on Cash Flow
• Understanding a family's monthly cash flow is often the starting point for discussions, allowing for a deeper understanding of their financial situation and goals.
Collaboration with Tax Advisors
• Wayne stresses the importance of working closely with tax advisors, especially in cross-border situations, to ensure comprehensive tax planning and compliance.
Cross-Border Expertise
• Wayne shares insights into cross-border wealth management and the challenges and considerations involved in relocating to the U.S. or Canada.
Insurance and Risk Management
• Discussions extend to topics such as property insurance, umbrella insurance, and other risk management strategies to protect clients' assets and mitigate potential liabilities.
Podcast Series
• Wayne hosts the "3 Questions Webcast Series," covering various wealth management topics and offering valuable insights and advice for viewers. The series covers a wide range of subjects, including estate planning, tax planning, risk management, investing, immigration, and business-related topics.
Professional Networking
• Wayne underscores the importance of professional networking organizations like ProVisors in facilitating connections and collaborations within the industry.
Planning and Preparation
Both Wayne and Evelyn stress the importance of proactive planning and preparation in financial matters, emphasizing the adage, "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail."
About Evelyn Ackah
Evelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law. With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, we work with individuals and business owners from all over the world who want to cross borders seamlessly. For more information on immigration to Canada or the United States, Ask Evelyn Ackah at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (587) 854‑3821 or email Evelyn directly at [e-mail].
The Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast by Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah was named #1 Best Canada Immigration Podcast in 2023 by Feedspot.