How Skybound Wealth Supports the Modern Expat Investor

In this exclusive Gulf News feature, Mike Coady, CEO of Skybound Wealth, and one of the most respected names in international finance, shares Skybound Wealth is reshaping the future of wealth planning for expats. From global tax pressure to the two-year myth that quietly derails so many lives abroad, this article is a must-read for anyone serious about securing their financial future.

‍If you're living internationally, earning well, and planning for the future, you’ve already realised that wealth is more than a good salary. You need structure. You need clarity. And above all, you need advice that works wherever life takes you.‍

“It’s no longer enough to recommend just an investment. Clients want a portable strategy built around their entire financial life. That’s where Skybound leads.”

Read the Full Gulf News Article - Making Wealth Management Accessible: The Skybound Way

What major trends are currently shaping global wealth management, especially for expat investors?

The old wealth management playbook is no longer effective, especially for expats. Many now live internationally but are taxed or assessed by multiple jurisdictions. Add to that market volatility, inflation, shifting residency rules, and increased global tax scrutiny, and there’s little room for error.

But more than just regulatory changes, the bigger shift is in mindset. Expats increasingly realise that high income doesn’t guarantee lasting wealth. They want clarity and structured planning from advisers who truly understand their mobile lifestyle. It’s no longer enough to recommend a fund, clients want a strategy that’s portable across borders, whether that’s Dubai, the UK, Europe, or beyond.

As a result, demand for proper cross-border planning, tax structuring, succession planning, and pension portability is rising. Traditional advisers often fall short in these areas. Expats now expect more, and rightly so.

What’s often missed in the industry is how wide-ranging the need for advice is. At Skybound Wealth, we’re making wealth management more accessible, not only for the ultra-wealthy, but also for professionals, entrepreneurs, young families, and anyone serious about their financial future. That’s our differentiator. We speak your language, meet you where you are, and simplify the complex. This isn’t an exclusive service, it’s something more people deserve to understand and benefit from.

With over 25 years in international finance, what leadership principles have shaped your approach at Skybound Wealth?

Lead from the front. Stay close to the client. Never ask your team to do what you wouldn’t do yourself. That’s been my leadership ethos from the beginning. I still join client meetings, coach advisers, and push for higher standards.

Having built teams across the US, UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, I’ve seen first-hand that culture outperforms strategy. Great plans mean nothing if your team isn’t proud to deliver them. At Skybound, we’ve built a culture of performance grounded in integrity, accountability, and ambition. And that’s what delivers real results.

How does Skybound Wealth differentiate itself in a highly competitive advisory landscape?

We’re global in reach but local in regulation, a rare and powerful combination. We hold licenses in key regions and can support clients wherever life takes them. But it’s our operating model that really stands out.

We’re fully independent, no product-pushing, no in-house funds. With investment expertise via Skybound Capital and access to top-tier fund managers globally, we offer clients a high-quality, diversified portfolio built entirely around them.

Technologically, we’ve built something unique. Our proprietary systems, AI tools, and client engagement portals are unmatched in our space. They’re not just sleek, they’re designed to enhance the advice process itself.

Our holistic approach. For us, financial advice isn’t just about fund selection or chasing returns, it’s about addressing the whole picture. That starts with protection. It’s always my first conversation with clients. Without a safety net, any growth strategy is built on shaky ground. Protection is the foundation, from which we help clients grow across investments, pensions, tax, and succession. We don’t just track numbers, we take responsibility.

What are the most common financial planning mistakes expats make, and how do you help clients avoid them?

The biggest mistake? Assuming their situation is temporary. Many say, “I’m just here for two years,” but a decade can pass quickly. Others chase returns while ignoring structure, mishandling property, overlooking pensions, or missing major tax advantages.

We help clients avoid these missteps through a coherent strategy, not just products. We connect pensions, investments, protection, tax, and succession planning across borders. That’s how long-term wealth is built.

As CEO, what’s your focus for the next phase of growth at Skybound Wealth, both regionally and globally?

Our mission is clear: to be the leading advisory firm for international clients. That means expanding into new markets, building standout sub-brands, hiring top talent, and pushing our tech advantage even further.

But growth must be purposeful. It only matters if it enhances client outcomes, improves service, and strengthens our team. My role is to ensure we scale with integrity, staying agile, client-focused, and true to the values that built Skybound in the first place.

Expat Life Isn’t Temporary. Your Planning Shouldn’t Be Either

Too many expats delay serious financial planning because they think they’ll “just be here two years.” The reality? Most stay longer. And without the right structure, the cost of delay can be enormous. We help you plan like you’ll stay, even if you move again. The first thing we ask isn’t “what fund do you want?” It’s “what happens if life goes off course?” Protection isn’t optional, it’s foundational. And we build from there.

Independent, Global, and Personal

Unlike many firms, we’re not tied to a single product, bank, or fund. That means we only work for you. With licensed entities and advisory teams across the UK, Europe, Switzerland, Middle East, USA and beyond, we deliver truly portable planning.

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