Greetings

Hello everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. I am a citizen of the European Union currently residing in Svalbard, Norway. Recently, DeGiro notified me of the closure of my account, which I surmise is a consequence of their strategic decision to withdraw from the Norwegian market. As a result, I now find myself needing to transfer my stocks in a timely fashion.

Overview of My Requirements

Trading Needs

When it comes to my trading activities, I must admit that I do not engage in particularly large trading volumes, nor do I maintain an extensive array of positions at any given time. However, I am considering building a portfolio comprising several small, higher-risk positions in the near future. In this context, trading fees are of paramount importance to me. Typically, I hold most trades for a duration ranging from a few days to several months, but I also have some interest in mid-term investments that could extend from six months to potentially two years.

My primary focus is on stocks; I am particularly interested in exploring Money Market ETFs or similar instruments to maximize my cash returns. Given my specific interests, I am keen to trade in some small and micro-cap stocks, especially from the Oslo Stock Exchange. I believe that a broker like Saxo, which has a more Scandinavia-focused offering, could be advantageous in this regard. I have observed that not all Norwegian exchanges seem to be accessible through Interactive Brokers (IBKR), which is contributing to my reluctance to consider alternative brokers.

While IB appears slightly better in terms of fees, I am still weighing my options carefully.

Multi-Currency Account Needs

From a currency perspective, I have a day job that pays income in Norwegian Krone (NOK). For my trading activities, I would prefer to designate the Euro (EUR) as my base currency, with potential diversification into U.S. dollars (USD) and Canadian dollars (CAD), depending on future circumstances. Based on my research, it seems that Interactive Brokers is unparalleled when it comes to currency exchange fees, even though Saxo does offer the option to hold multiple currencies.

I want to clarify that I do not intend to use the account as a debit endpoint. My primary goal is to optimize cash returns and have the flexibility to react swiftly when exchange rates between my main currencies are favorable and I spot stocks priced in those currencies.

Taxation Concerns

Addressing taxation is another critical aspect for me. I prefer not to delve deeply into this area, and if I could receive my statements in the relevant currency (NOK), that would be ideal. While I understand that I can hold my investments in EUR without incurring notable extra costs, I would like to ensure that this is feasible with both Saxo and IBKR.

Contextual Information

It’s important to note that this trading activity is distinct from my long-term investments and any funds I am aiming to keep secure. The capital involved here will primarily be transient cash flows en route to long-term investments, along with whatever I wish to maintain directly in stocks.

Community Feedback

There seems to be a significant amount of negative sentiment towards Saxo on Reddit, which has further swayed my inclination toward choosing Interactive Brokers.

I would appreciate any feedback from the community regarding this choice. Also, if there are any fellow expats living in Norway who could share their experiences, it would be incredibly beneficial. I am aiming to keep my trading strategy straightforward, avoiding complex products, yet I have noticed that many brokers and banks, such as Sparebank1 and Nordnet, appear to restrict foreigners from shorting stocks or even purchasing shares in Norway. Any insights on this matter would be highly valuable.

Furthermore, I am curious about the timeframe required to set up accounts and transition my portfolios. I have less than two months available to execute the move from DeGiro, so any relevant experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Utilizing AI Legalese Decoder

Navigating financial and legal terminology can sometimes feel daunting, particularly when dealing with brokers and taxation. This is where the AI Legalese Decoder can be an invaluable resource. It parses complex legal texts and financial documents into simple, understandable language. Whether you’re attempting to decipher account opening requirements, taxation laws, or trading regulations, this tool can help clarify your understanding, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding both your investments and your interactions with brokers like IBKR or Saxo.

Thank you all for your time, and I hope you have a wonderful evening! 😊

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