It really is that simple. This has been part of my job for the past decade+ and it has not been an issue for Americans to open up bank accounts in foreign count

It really is that simple. This has been part of my job for the past decade+ and it has not been an issue for Americans to open up bank accounts in foreign countries at respectable banks in at least a decade. If a foreign bank won't open an account for you because you were once American, the problem is that the bank has something to hide. Full stop. End of story.