HSBC

I saw this the other day when looking for something else. From the sound of it they can provide mortgages abroad. I think I remember some comments about Italian banks being leery of lending to new residents.

HSBC is fairly large with outlets in Europe and North America. From what I can see they only have a commerical business in Italy but I guess One of the UK or maybe French outlets could handle personal banking in Italy?

I spent some time quizzing the local HSBC branch. Assuming I understood everything here is a short recap.

Downsides:

They don't have a local personal banking branch in Italy. The impression I was given was you would get an account likely in France.

The Premier account has certain minimum asset levels. Likely not an issue for somebody selling a house in North America and moving. But still an issue to be considered.

Upsides:

They set up your European account and give you European bank cards and credit cards before you leave. I'm not sure if they can arrange a mortgage or not in Italy. They can in countries they have local branches in.

My understanding is money transfers are free between countires other then exchange rates.

I think they provide multiple currency accounts. So you don't need to exchange money unless you need it.


I think that's all I know