Helping Expats Grow Their Wealth in Japan
With Tokyo’s international population continuing to rise, financial literacy and investment planning have become increasingly critical for expats trying to secure long-term stability.
Founded in 2007, Argentum Wealth Management has grown into Japan’s largest independent financial advisory firm serving the expat community. Co-founded by Lloyd Danon and Martin Zotta, Argentum offers guidance not only on savings and investments but also on how to adapt to Japan’s unique financial systems. Their approach is both educational and hands-on, helping clients make informed choices through all stages of their journey in Japan.
“A successful business in Japan isn’t built overnight,” Martin notes. “You need patience, a strong understanding of the market, and above all, integrity. We’ve built our business step by step over 18 years, and that consistency has created trust.”
Tailored Financial Services for Expats
Argentum specializes in financial planning services for foreign professionals from employees at Fortune 500 companies to business owners. Their offerings include:
- Financial planning and wealth management
- Investment advisory (including U.S. onshore options for Americans)
- Life insurance solutions for expats
- Real estate advisory, especially for those looking to buy or sell property in Tokyo
- Estate and inheritance tax planning
“Our clients are typically professionals who are in Japan for the medium or long term. We help them plan for the future, grow their assets and protect their families,” says Martin.
Smart Advice for Foreign Entrepreneurs in Japan
Argentum isn’t just about personal wealth; it also offers valuable insights for expats launching businesses in Japan. Lloyd emphasizes starting lean, keeping overheads low, and working only with trusted partners.
“If you want to build a long-term business, reputation matters. Find partners who genuinely have your clients’ best interests at heart,” he advises.
When choosing a business structure, Argentum recommends using the simplest setup that matches your goals. For instance, a GK might be best for property holding companies, while a KK works well for more formal businesses.
Investment Strategy in a Changing Economy
Japan’s economic landscape is shifting. Inflation, a weakening yen and rising prices are top concerns for many expats.
“Even if the number in your bank account doesn’t change, your purchasing power is decreasing due to inflation. That’s why putting your money to work now is more important than ever,” Martin explains.
One recurring concern among clients is how to maintain the value of their money in light of currency depreciation and global inflation. Argentum’s advisors help clients avoid the pitfalls of keeping too much in cash or being overly aggressive. Instead, they advocate for balanced portfolios with a global scope and diversified across industries and asset classes, in order to provide resilience during uncertain times.
A Lifeline for American Expats
Americans living abroad face unique investment challenges due to regulations that prevent many U.S. brokerage firms from serving overseas clients. Argentum has developed strong expertise in U.S.-compliant onshore solutions, allowing Americans in Japan to retain, restructure, or open investment accounts back home with major brokerage firms, without being ostracized simply for living abroad.
This specialization is particularly important as more expats encounter sudden account closures or find themselves locked out of critical retirement accounts in the US because they now reside internationally. Argentum acts swiftly to mitigate disruption and preserve long-term financial goals, a service that many clients see as a financial lifeline.
“We help Americans access U.S.-compliant investment solutions. If your brokerage has told you to close your account, talk to us. We’ve helped many clients in the same situation,” Lloyd adds.
Real Estate: Tokyo Opportunities for Cash Buyers
In the wake of a weakened yen, property in Tokyo and other major Japanese cities has become increasingly attractive to overseas buyers. Argentum has seen a surge in inquiries from clients in the U.S. and Canada interested in purchasing second homes or investment properties. However, Martin warns that buying property in Japan without financing means buyers must be strategic.
“The market can be confusing to newcomers. Not every property is a good investment, even if the price looks right,” he explains. “We help clients evaluate not only the location and condition of the property, but also whether the purchase makes sense within their overall financial plan.”
“Japan is rare in Asia; you can actually own land here as a foreigner. For those with the right visa and work status, financing is extremely favorable. However, for those living abroad and looking to buy in Tokyo, they should know that purchases will likely need to be cash-based, as financing is not available,” says Martin.
For expats interested in buying Tokyo property, Argentum offers A-to-Z support from budgeting and initial financing advice to finding the right property, negotiating and closing the deal.
Learn More
Whether you’re planning your financial future, launching a business or eyeing Tokyo real estate, Argentum Wealth Management is a trusted partner for the international community in Japan.
Contact them for a free initial consultation.