HONG KONG, CHINA - OCTOBER 12: Chinese national flags fly in front of Bank of America Tower, with the bank's name and logo displayed on the building, on October 12, 2026 in Hong Kong, China.

Cheng Xin | Getty Images News | Getty Images

SINGAPORE — Wealthy Chinese rattled by Beijing's widening hunt for overseas wealth are turning to a once-familiar refuge for their money: the U.S.

Private bankers and lawyers who work with Chinese clients say inquiries about opening U.S. bank accounts have grown in the months after Beijing imposed retroactive taxes on offshore wealth in July, moving assets previously stored in Singapore or Hong Kong there to stay further away from Beijing's reach.

"It has become relatively prevalent," said Keith Tan, CEO of Singapore-based Golden Acacia Capital, who is helping Chinese clients manage their offshore portfolios. His clients began planning exits to the U.S. in July, and some have the accounts set up in less than two months.…