Wealth Management in Panama

Panama’s drive to become a leading center for private asset management is gaining momentum as high-net-worth individuals seek robust alternatives in the wake of the financial crisis. Offering innovative products, experienced professionals, and cost-effective services, Panama fulfills the demands of today’s affluent clients. It provides all major investment vehicles, while allowing investors to protect their wealth through companies, trusts, or foundations. The country is also a competitive location for luxury asset management, offering advantages for yacht registration and a collection of prestigious residential properties available for investment or future residence.

Benefits of Wealth Management in Panama

• The US dollar is the official currency of Panama
• Multi-disciplined advisors able to adapt to HNWIs’ evolving needs
• Sound and sophisticated banking system
• Flexible investment structures (funds, trusts, partnerships, etc.)
• A reputable stock exchange
• One of the only civil law jurisdictions to integrate trust concepts with Roman law
• Recognition of foreign trusts
• Possibility to establish companies, trusts, and foundations
• Legislation published in English
• A stable macroeconomic environment

Strong Fundamentals

Panama’s stable economic climate, business-friendly regulations, and experience in managing a financial center place it in a strong position for wealth management. In recent years, Panama has honed its expertise in finance, including banking, investment funds, and corporate structuring. Its high professional standards and diversified economy have shielded it from the global financial crisis. As global wealth management evolves, Panama aims to expand its market share and emulate leading centers such as Singapore, Geneva, London, and Hong Kong.

360-Degree Services

Panama’s wealth management strengths lie in its holistic offering, covering succession planning, investment advisory, corporate structuring, investment banking, and lifestyle management. Private bankers and asset managers serve clients across all levels of wealth. The country provides a wide range of investment vehicles—from simple trusts and family companies to complex multi-structure portfolios. Supported by a robust legal framework and experienced professionals, Panama delivers an integrated and comprehensive wealth management solution.

Quickly Expanding

In recent years, Panama has seen a steady influx of banks offering investment banking, private banking, and wealth management services to affluent clients. Specialist wealth managers provide Swiss-style private banking, while many banks and advisors cater to corporate and institutional clients. The country has also attracted numerous family offices that view Panama as a compelling alternative to traditional wealth hubs. With about 80 trustees and 100 investment firms registered, the sector is rapidly evolving. Local professionals, including lawyers, tax advisors, and accountants, are recognized among the best worldwide.

Preserving & Growing

Panama offers solutions for clients focused on wealth preservation through trusts and foundations, as well as for those seeking returns through diversified investment structures. These allow for tailored arrangements that meet personal and business goals, from estate management to succession planning. With over 25 established funds, Panama’s fund administrators have proven expertise in creating and managing investment vehicles for both institutional and private investors. Asset management firms have launched fund platforms to serve family offices and third-party managers cost-effectively.

Investors interested in physical assets are also turning to Panama. The country’s prominence as a superyacht destination, combined with tax-efficient yacht registration incentives and top-tier marinas, makes it an ideal base for luxury assets such as yachts and aircraft.

Reaching Out

Panama’s wealth management sector, traditionally focused on Latin America and Europe, is now expanding toward Asia and the Middle East, supported by new double taxation treaties. With Asia’s growing population of high-net-worth individuals, Panama is positioning itself as a global hub for affluent clients seeking residence, investment, and tax-efficient solutions. Recent legislation offers permanent residency, citizenship, and second passport programs for foreign investors.

Panama’s lower cost base—20% to 30% cheaper than traditional wealth centers—makes it attractive to international wealth planners and advisors. Despite lower operational costs, service quality remains high, with a culture emphasizing client care and long-term relationships rather than aggressive sales.

Defining Factors

The global wealth management landscape has transformed since the financial crisis, with clients demanding more transparency, trust, and reputation. Panama’s sound banking system, modern investment vehicles, and highly skilled legal and financial professionals position it as a serious global contender. Ongoing regulatory updates and incentives for high-net-worth individuals are strengthening Panama’s role as a secure and sophisticated international wealth management hub.