The truth no one posts online - The hidden costs of expat life in the UAE
Many financial advisers reach a point where they start wondering what comes next. The UK market can feel crowded, and growth opportunities may seem limited. For those willing to take a bold step, an international career offers not just professional development but the chance to build something bigger.
It is not always an easy move, but for those who embrace it, the rewards can be life-changing. At Skybound Wealth, we have seen advisers take that step and go on to build thriving careers, expand their networks, and experience new cultures. Below, we share the journeys of four professionals who made the leap and never looked back.
David Neville, Senior Financial Adviser, Dubai
David’s career with Skybound Wealth started in Geneva as an Associate, where he honed his skills before making the move to Dubai. Now a qualified Financial Adviser, he has built a reputation for delivering excellence, offering expert financial guidance to an international client base. His resilience and focus continue to inspire both colleagues and clients.
"Moving abroad can feel like a big step, but one of the things I have learned since coming to Dubai is that you are never doing it alone. The expat community here is incredibly welcoming, and colleagues quickly become close friends. Before you know it, you have a strong support system both inside and outside of work. Whether it is Friday brunch, desert drives, or just catching up after a busy week, there is always someone who understands the journey you are on."
Dubai offers advisers the chance to work with entrepreneurial professionals and internationally mobile clients who value strategic wealth planning. For David, the move has been about more than just career progression. It has been about finding a place that matches his ambition.
Carla Smart, Group Head of Pensions and Chartered Financial Planner, Geneva
Carla’s career has taken her from the UK to multiple countries, including France and Switzerland. Along the way, she has built a reputation as a leading voice in pension planning for international professionals. Her expertise, leadership, and ability to negotiate complex pension landscapes have made her an essential part of Skybound Wealth’s success.
"Living in Geneva was never part of my plan. But when an interesting opportunity came up at Skybound Wealth, I thought, why not give it a go? Nearly 12 years later, I am still here. What started as a move into the unknown has become a career I am incredibly proud of, one that has taken me from adviser to Group Head of Pensions."
Beyond her professional achievements, Carla has also built a fulfilling life in Switzerland, raising her family in a secure and enriching environment. Her journey is proof that sometimes the best opportunities come from making bold decisions.
Taylor Condon, Area Manager, Spain
Taylor’s career began in the UK, where she worked at a prominent national building society and earned her Level 4 qualification from the London Institute of Banking and Finance. In 2018, she relocated to Switzerland, spending six years advancing her expertise. During this time, she pursued the prestigious Level 7 qualification with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments and obtained certifications such as the IDD qualification from the Insurance Institute of Cyprus and the CySEC Advanced MiFID certification.
"Every time I visit, I fall more in love with this city. The food, the energy, the architecture. It is an inspiring place to be. The opportunity to establish myself here, combining my ambition with Skybound Wealth’s global reach, is something I am incredibly excited about. The ability to grow my career while embracing a city that feels so full of life is exactly what I was looking for."
Now based in Barcelona, Taylor is leading Skybound Wealth’s expansion across Spain, ensuring more individuals and families have access to tailored financial planning services. Her journey reflects how an international career can provide both professional and personal fulfilment.
Richard Gartland, Regional Manager, Cyprus
With 15 years of experience in international financial services, Richard has worked with clients across Africa, particularly in Botswana, before moving into senior management over a decade ago. His leadership skills and deep understanding of global financial markets made him a natural fit for Skybound Wealth’s Cyprus office.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of my role in Cyprus is the long-term relationships I have built with clients. Many of them have spent years working in places like the Middle East and Africa, but eventually, they start thinking about what comes next. More often than not, that next step means returning to Europe. Not necessarily back to their hometown, but somewhere that offers the right mix of lifestyle, career opportunities, and financial security."
Richard holds qualifications accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments and is CySEC Advanced qualified, equipping him to provide high-level financial solutions across Europe. His story is a testament to how experience, expertise, and adaptability can shape a successful international career.
Skybound Wealth provides a structured pathway for finance professionals to take their careers international without the risks of starting over.
New advisers join Skybound Wealth in the UK, gaining full FCA authorisation and support through the Competent Adviser Status process. The company provides training, compliance support, and mentorship to ensure a smooth transition.
Advisers can either bring existing UK clients to Skybound or grow their portfolio within the UK market before relocating. With Skybound’s resources and lead generation, advisers can confidently establish their client base before transitioning internationally.
Once established, advisers have the opportunity to move to one of our international offices in Dubai, Geneva, Miami, Cyprus, or future locations in the USA, Europe, and Asia. Skybound provides full relocation support, including licensing, work permits, visas, and local market training.
Mike Coady, CEO, Skybound Wealth
"Most people see moving abroad as a short-term adventure. That is exactly what I thought when I landed in the GCC over two decades ago. I planned to stay for two years. Yet here I am, still calling this place home. The reason? The opportunity, the energy, and the drive that pushes everyone here to do more, be more, and achieve more."
For those considering a move, the real question is not just Should I do it? but Where could this take me? Because for those who embrace the opportunity, it often leads to success they never imagined.
It is not just about taking your career global. It is about seeing just how far you can go.
You do not have to decide overnight, but you owe it to yourself to explore what is possible. Let’s have a confidential conversation about how Skybound Wealth can support your transition into global finance.