Michael Maxwell (MM) – CEO and Founder of Portugal Panorama, a Lisbon-based investment platform specializing in Golden Visa eligible funds with a focus on governance, diversification, and legacy planning. Portugal Panorama has recently partnered with Ariete Capital in Italy to pioneer the first Investor Visa Products there.
Eric Major (EM) – Executive Chairman and Founder of Latitude Group, a global leader in residency and citizenship solutions. With over 30 years of experience in investment migration and international private client advisory, Eric has helped shape programs and strategies for clients and governments around the world.
MM: Eric, it’s a real pleasure to have this conversation. We’ve both seen this industry evolve significantly over the past decade, especially as clients shift from purely opportunistic motives to longer-term structural thinking. One of the key moves we’ve made at Portugal Panorama together with our Italian Partner, Ariete Capital, recently is to partner with a leading Swiss bank to offer our clients preferential access—no opening fees, no minimum deposits. It's a big step.
EM: Thanks, Michael. And yes, I couldn’t agree more. The shift is clear. Investors today aren’t just seeking new passports or visas. They’re building platforms for global resilience. And having a Swiss private bank account is one of the most effective tools in that architecture. What you’ve managed to negotiate is remarkable access to Swiss banking has become increasingly exclusive in recent years. Reducing the barriers is a major win for your clients.
MM: It was a natural progression for us. Our clients are already investing through EU-regulated Golden Visa funds, and many are coming from jurisdictions with instability or weak financial infrastructure. A Swiss account gives them not only peace of mind, but access to professional investment management, multi-currency flexibility, and a neutral legal framework.
EM: And it dovetails perfectly with the Golden Visa. I’ve been in the RCBI space for more than 30 years, and I still tell clients: the best future belongs to those who plan for it. A Portuguese or Italian Golden Visa gives you EU access, lifestyle, and future citizenship. But pairing it with Swiss banking? Now you’re diversifying across both residency and jurisdictional finance. That’s real strategic leverage.
MM: You said it. And it lines up with something we both believe in—the modern interpretation of the Seven Flag Theory. By securing EU residency, optimizing tax domicile, holding assets offshore, investing across jurisdictions, and maintaining business flexibility, clients are effectively building a framework of sovereignty.
EM: Absolutely. In today’s environment, second citizenship or residency isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential part of any comprehensive risk strategy. At Latitude, we frame it in terms of SMILE: Security, Mobility, Insurance, Lifestyle, and Education or Employment. Whether it’s a hedge against political shifts, access to better healthcare and education, or simply ensuring business continuity across borders, we help clients design a foundation that supports both generational resilience and growth. Your idea to combine Golden Visa and Swiss banking covers at least five of the seven flags right off the bat.
MM: It really does. Residency, tax, banking, investment jurisdiction, and business base. And we’re trying to simplify it. With this exclusive agreement we’ve signed with our Swiss partner, clients applying through Portugal Panorama or Ariete Capital can open their accounts with zero fees and no minimum deposit. That’s usually a major barrier.
EM: That kind of access used to be reserved for UHNW individuals with existing relationships. You’re democratizing an elite financial tool—and doing it in a fully compliant, transparent way. That’s important.
MM: Eric, Latitude has helped over 7,500 clients secure second citizenship or residence. What do you believe sets your advisory approach apart when guiding high-net-worth individuals through such critical, often generational decisions?
EM: That’s a great question. At Latitude, our philosophy is simple: Our clients expect the world – we deliver it. What truly sets us apart is that we don’t see our work as transactional – we see it as transformational. We’re not just helping clients acquire a passport, a visa or a permit; we’re partnering with families and entrepreneurs who are building legacies, not just portfolios.
These are individuals thinking generationally, often with complex personal and financial structures. Whether we’re designing a multi-residency strategy for mobility and tax efficiency, navigating compliance across multiple jurisdictions, or even assisting with school placements for their children, our team provides truly white-glove service at every step. With deep experience and a global footprint, we ensure our clients feel supported, informed, and empowered, no matter where in the world they choose to live, invest, or build.
MM: That’s the vision. It’s not about selling visas or bank accounts. It’s about helping people design lives that are protected, flexible, and opportunity rich. In Portugal and Italy clients have 2 great options and lately in particular Italy is getting much deserved attention. It is such a great brand generally and now offers the quickest Investor Visa in Europe. Ariete Capital aligns the best of Italy by investing into legacy Italian companies such as Ferrari, Pirelli and Moncler to the benefit of international investors looking for legacy residency opportunities for their families.
EM: Well said. It’s a model that aligns with the future of wealth management. And I’m glad to see firms like Portugal Panorama and Ariete Capital leading the charge.
For more information about this unique partnership and how to access Swiss banking with your European Golden Visa investment, visit:
www.portugalpanorama.com
www.arietecapital.com
www.latitudeworld.com