Global adviser Leo Wealth has opened an office in Tokyo, Japan, expanding its global footprint and US tax practice. The new office will provide a range of US tax and consulting services to US expatriates and global citizens in Japan and the wider APAC region.
The Tokyo office strengthens Leo Wealth's tax capabilities across Asia and the United States, bolstering the independent firm's network in Hong Kong, New York, New Jersey, and Dallas which serves global citizens in over 30 countries.
In Japan, Leo Wealth's financial planning and tax services will focus on US income tax preparation and planning, tax compliance, and cross-border inheritance tax planning and tax-efficient outcomes.
The strategic expansion demonstrates Leo Wealth's commitment to deliver comprehensive planning solutions and customized engagements that meet the evolving and precise needs of high-net-worth individuals and their families in the region, including those with Japanese assets and interests.
Leo Wealth's Tokyo team has extensive experience in US tax preparation, US & Japan gifts, estate and inheritance tax planning, US expatriation, delinquent tax returns, foreign financial account reporting, and other US tax compliance matters.
Thomas Y. Lu, managing director, Tokyo Office at Leo Wealth will be responsible for overseeing the Japan office's operations and business development in Tokyo and other markets in the APAC region. He specialises in cross-border estate planning and financial planning services. Thomas is joined by Ham Cheong and Jonathan Berry, both tax directors with more than a decade of experience each in helping clients navigate complex cross-border tax matters. The experienced trio joins Leo Wealth from PricewaterhouseCoopers' tax practice in Japan.
Jessica Cutrera, president, Leo Wealth, said, "At Leo Wealth, we understand the sophisticated needs and logistical challenges global citizens face when living and working internationally. Our expansion into Japan comes less than a year since the creation of the Leo Wealth platform that serves our client base in over 30 countries, who require wealth creation and protection solutions across multiple jurisdictions.
"The new Leo Wealth Tokyo team brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our in-house tax capabilities, that advances our ability to customize engagements to help clients manage short-term tax objectives alongside intermediate and long-term wealth management goals."
Thomas Y. Lu, managing director, Tokyo Office, Leo Wealth, said, "I am delighted to join the Leo Wealth team as it continues to grow to meet the strategic financial planning goals of its clients living and working abroad. It is a privilege to be heading the Leo Wealth Tokyo office where I will be working with a team of trusted colleagues, whose combined expertise in U.S. tax and planning will ensure we can provide a one-stop service. Having such a flexible and nimble team will ensure we can solve our clients' most complex tax issues, and ensure their wealth strategies are in line with the latest global tax rules and regulations in this era of global uncertainty and change."
Leo Wealth is a global wealth advisor, providing comprehensive wealth management, global tax planning, cross border estate planning, investment services and portfolio management solutions on a personal level to individuals and families. The firm has a global reach with offices in Dallas-Fort Worth, New York, New Jersey, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
Leo Wealth currently oversees circa $4.5bn in client assets with a team of 55 wealth management professionals.
