By Elaine King, TEP, CFP – Recognized by Forbes as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Peru (2025)
Throughout recent history, some of the most iconic Latin American fortunes have faced a common destiny: losing in months what took decades to build.
Venezuelan magnate Gustavo Cisneros saw part of his empire vanish due to lack of diversification and overexposure to volatile markets. Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista went from being the richest man in Brazil to losing billions when his high-risk bets collapsed. Even beloved figures like Cepillín, Mexico’s “little clown of TV,” faced severe financial struggles due to medical expenses and lack of planning—leaving behind an artistic legacy, but also a financial warning.
Beyond their differences, all shared one thing: they lacked a solid international wealth planning strategy to protect their assets against tax, legal, and liquidity risks.
It can happen to anyone…
Picture this: you’re at home reviewing your finances with your partner. Outside, life goes on as usual, but inside, a quiet concern lingers. You’ve worked a lifetime, raised children who are now studying or living abroad, and suddenly wonder: Is our family’s wealth truly protected?
That was the reality for a Latin American family I know well: business owners with investments across two continents, living between flights, languages, and cultures. They thought they had everything under control… until one day a call from a foreign bank warned them that, in the event of death, their accounts could be frozen for months.
That’s when they realized something crucial: when your wealth crosses borders, your financial strategy must cross them too.
The Three Major Risks of Cross-Border Wealth
The first step toward a solid international estate plan is understanding the risks of not having one:
A simple will is not enough. While important, it is only one piece of the puzzle. True protection requires a comprehensive cross-border estate planning strategy that combines legal, tax, and investment structures tailored to your reality.
This is where working with a professional holding both TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner) and CFP (Certified Financial Planner) credentials makes all the difference. Unlike a local notary or accountant, an international estate planner can:
Your Story Is Still Being Written
Wealth is not just money—it’s the memories you’ve created, the opportunities you’ve given your children, and the legacy you want to leave behind.
Don’t wait until an unexpected call from another country informs you that your assets are frozen or that your heirs will face avoidable tax burdens.
If your family’s love and wealth cross borders, now is the time to protect your legacy. Make your wealth work for you today, and for your future generations tomorrow.
As a TEP-certified advisor, with over two decades guiding more than 100 multigenerational Latin American families—and recognized by Forbes as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Peru in 2025—I have seen firsthand how the right strategy can change everything.
Don’t let your legacy drift unprotected. Schedule your Legacy & Wealth Discovery Session a Discovery Call today and start writing the strongest chapter of your family story—one where your wealth is not only preserved but also inspires and transcends.