Expat Chat Episode 146 - Expats Managing Compensation Schemes


Welcome to the one hundred and forty sixth episode of the #Expatchat podcasts, where we discuss the latest tax and financial issues affecting an #Australianexpat. In this episode, Atlas Wealth Managing Directors, James Ridley and Brett Evens dive deep into the complexities of equity compensation—a critical topic for globally mobile professionals. From Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and stock options to Employee Share Purchase Plans (ESPPs), they unpack the tax implications, risks, and strategies every expat should know when navigating company equity abroad.

James breaks down why RSUs are often dubbed "Golden Handcuffs," explores how they're taxed in different jurisdictions (with a spotlight on the U.S.), and why tax withholding may not be enough. The duo also highlights timing, vesting schedules, and diversification as key pillars of managing equity wealth, especially for those in tech or with concentrated stock exposure.

Whether you're dealing with complex tax rules, wondering when to sell your shares, or trying to reduce your financial exposure to one company, this episode offers  valuable insights.

Key Topics Covered:

- RSU taxation across borders
- Stock options vs. RSUs vs. ESPPs
- Risks of holding too much company stock
- Diversification strategies and tax efficiency
- Currency considerations (USD weakness and global exposure)

If you're an expat with equity on your payslip, this one’s for you. Tune in and take control of your compensation.

Links that we discussed in this episode include:

- Upcoming Seminars & Webinars - https://atlaswealth.com/events
- Facebook Group - Don't forget to join our Australian Expat Financial Forum Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Australianexpatfinancialforum
- Ask Atlas - Have your questions answered on the podcast by clicking this link - https://atlaswealth.com/news-media/australian-expat-podcasts/questions-or-feedback-for-the-expat-podcast/
- Expat Mortgage Podcast - https://atlaswealth.com/news-media/australian-expat-podcasts/expat-mortgage-podcast/
- Weekly Recap Podcast – https://atlaswealth.com/news-media/australian-expat-podcasts/weekly-recap-podcast-4/

If you like the content make sure you let us know by hitting the thumbs up and subscribing. As well as providing some feedback in the comments below.

The Atlas Wealth Group was born out of growing demand from Australian expats seeking professional guidance. We are specialists in providing tax, financial planning, wealth management and mortgage services to every Australian expat. Whether you are based in Asia, the Middle East, Europe or the Americas, we have the experience in providing essential financial services to the expatriate community.

To find out more about the Atlas Wealth Group visit www.atlaswealth.com.

Make sure you connect with us on our respective social media channels:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlaswealthmgmt 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/atlas-wealth-management
Twitter: www.twitter.com/atlaswealthmgmt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/atlaswealthgroup

Expat Chat Episode 146 - Expats Managing Compensation Schemes

Welcome to the one hundred and forty seventh episode of the #Expatchat podcast, where we dive into the most pressing tax and financial issues impacting #Australianexpats around the globe. Hosted by James Ridley, Managing Director of Atlas Wealth Management, this episode features a special Q&A with Martin Jack, Atlas Wealth’s Financial Planner - APAC where they tackle listener-submitted questions and provide expert insights.

Key Topics Covered:
•	US Exit Tax – What it is, who it affects, and how to plan ahead.
•	Superannuation – Updates, contribution strategies, and how super fits into an expat’s financial plan.
•	Investing in Australia: Shares vs. Property – A balanced comparison of both asset classes and what suits expats best.

James and Martin share real-world examples and practical advice to help you navigate these complex areas with confidence.

Links that we discussed in this episode include: 
•	Upcoming Seminars & Webinars – https://atlaswealth.com/events 
•	Facebook Group – Don’t forget to join our Australian Expat Financial Forum Facebook Group –    / australianexpatfinancialforum   
•	Ask Atlas – Have your questions answered on the podcast by clicking this link – https://atlaswealth.com/news-media/au... 
•	Expat Mortgage Podcast – https://atlaswealth.com/news-media/au... 
•	Weekly Recap Podcast – https://atlaswealth.com/news-media/au... 

If you like the content make sure you let us know by hitting the thumbs up and subscribing. As well as providing some feedback in the comments below. 

The Atlas Wealth Group was born out of growing demand from Australian expats seeking professional guidance. We are specialists in providing tax, financial planning, wealth management and mortgage services to every Australian expat. Whether you are based in Asia, the Middle East, Europe or the Americas, we have the experience in providing essential financial services to the expatriate community. 

To find out more about the Atlas Wealth Group visit www.atlaswealth.com. 

Make sure you connect with us on our respective social media channels: 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlaswealthmgmt 
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/atlas-wealth-management 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/atlaswealthmgmt 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/atlaswealthgroup



Expat Chat Episode 147 - Q&A with James Ridley and Martin Jack

Welcome to Episode 148 of the #ExpatChat Podcast, where we explore the latest tax and financial issues affecting Australian expats. In this episode, Expat Do’s and Don’ts for SMSFs, Atlas Wealth Managing Directors James Ridley and Brett Evans unpack the complexities of managing Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) while living overseas.

They provide an overview of the legal, financial, and compliance responsibilities SMSF trustees face abroad—highlighting how to avoid costly penalties and potential fund disqualification.

A key focus is on the “central management and control” rule and its role in determining SMSF residency status. James and Brett breakdown the 183-day rule, the distinction between temporary absences and permanent relocations, and what happens when trustees move overseas.

You’ll also hear about strategies to maintain compliance, such as appointing a Power of Attorney or converting to a small APRA fund. Real-life scenarios illustrate how different choices impact compliance and tax outcomes, reinforcing the need for expert planning before relocating.

Whether you're currently managing an SMSF overseas or considering a move, this episode is packed with key insights to help you stay compliant and protect your retirement wealth.


Links that we discussed in this episode include:
• Upcoming Seminars & Webinars – atlaswealth.com/events
• Facebook Group – Don’t forget to join our Australian Expat Financial Forum Facebook Group – / australianexpatfinancialforum
• Ask Atlas – Have your questions answered on the podcast by clicking this link – atlaswealth.com/news-media/au...
• Expat Mortgage Podcast – atlaswealth.com/news-media/au...
• Weekly Recap Podcast – atlaswealth.com/news-media/au...

If you like the content make sure you let us know by hitting the thumbs up and subscribing. As well as providing some feedback in the comments below.

The Atlas Wealth Group was born out of growing demand from Australian expats seeking professional guidance. We are specialists in providing tax, financial planning, wealth management and mortgage services to every Australian expat. Whether you are based in Asia, the Middle East, Europe or the Americas, we have the experience in providing essential financial services to the expatriate community.

To find out more about the Atlas Wealth Group visit www.atlaswealth.com.

Make sure you connect with us on our respective social media channels:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/atlaswealthmgmt
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/atlas-wealth-management
Twitter: www.twitter.com/atlaswealthmgmt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/atlaswealthgroup

Expat Chat Episode 148 - Expat Dos and Donts for SMSFs

The Expat Chat Podcast by Atlas Wealth Management is a podcast for Aussie expats living overseas who want to learn more about managing their finances as an expat.

Atlas Wealth Management is a specialist in providing Australian expat financial advice and planning and has been providing these services to Australian expats in over 38 countries

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