Mid-February last year we put some money on deposit with Stanford Bank in Panama.
Two days later (no kidding), the bank ceased operations.
Both the management of the bank and the government of Panama have maintained ever since that Stanford Bank Panama had nothing ever to do with the fraud perpetrated by Stanford Financial Group mastermind Robert Allen Stanford. Still, the Panama bank was caught up in the panic that followed the allegations against Mr. Stanford...and had to close its doors. The bank's assets (including our deposit) were subject to an administrative hold.
In the 15-plus months since, we and other depositors have been assured by the Panamanian banking superintendent that the Panama bank would be reopening...only no one would commit to when. Meantime, our money was off-limits.
"You opened an account where?" friends have chided us again and again, with broad grins. "You'll never see that money again..."
I was inclined to think they might be right.
That is why I'm pleased today to be able to report that Stanford Bank Panama reopened yesterday as Balboa Bank! As promised, all assets on deposit with Stanford Bank Panama are now on deposit with Balboa Bank. And (hoorah!), starting this week, they are again accessible by account-holders.
Lief went this morning to the Balboa Bank branch in Punta Pacifica to request a new checkbook. First, yes, the bank is open. Second, yes, our funds are there. We can collect our new checkbook on Friday.
Further, we're assured our money on deposit has been accruing interest these past many months. We await details of the current balance with interest.
----------
You Are Not Responsible For Getting Yourself Into This Mess...
But you are the only person who can get yourself out.
Right now -- and for the next 12 months -- only you can:
Stop the government squeezing more from your hard-earned cash...
Safeguard your assets and actually grow your wealth (even in tough economic times)...
Guarantee a prosperous future -- for you and your family -- and allow yourself the freedom you were born to enjoy...
Because today, I'd like to send you FIVE FREE AUDIO PRESENTATIONS designed to make it possible for you to rise above this economic meltdown and set yourself on a path to financial and personal freedom.
Read here for complete details.
----------
Continue Reading:The Wall Street Journal says: "If you're thinking about living abroad in retirement, this book is essential reading..."
"Whether you're in the 'what if?' stage, or have graduated to an investigatory visit, or are now seriously intending to live overseas...the book How to Retire Overseas will be one of your essential resources." ---Rapid River Arts & Culture (Asheville, NC)
Order Now
Kathleen Peddicord is the founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group. With more than 25 years experience covering this beat, Kathleen reports daily on current opportunities for living, retiring, and investing overseas in her free e-letter.
Her book, How To Retire Overseas—Everything You Need To Know To Live Well Abroad For Less, was recently released by Penguin Books.
Sign up for the Overseas Opportunity Letter
Receive our editor's latest research reports...absolutely FREE!
The Best Places For Living
And
Investing in the World for 2012