Hoxton Life

Did you know over 240,000 Brits have already made the UAE their home? 🇦🇪

And with over 5,000 British companies operating in the region, the GCC is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing expat hubs for both individuals and businesses.

So, what does that mean for pensions?

This week, I sat down with Ravi Gill and Thomas Goldie, pensions and retirement specialists at Hoxton Wealth, to dive into the unique challenges and opportunities facing expats in the GCC when it comes to pensions.

We discussed:

• Why pensions are often your second or third largest asset and need regular reviews.
• How double tax treaties allow GCC expats to withdraw UK pensions tax-free (a huge advantage!).
• The benefits of voluntary UK state pension contributions—for just £3 a week, expats can fill gaps in their National Insurance record and secure thousands in extra retirement income. I wonder how many expats in the GCC are missing out on this?

We also touched on Saudi Arabia—is it the next big opportunity? With its rapid growth and increasing expat population, it’s definitely one to watch.

And if you’re a financial planner, you’ll love hearing about the similarities and differences in the UAE. With no employer pension schemes, expats often turn to financial planners for guidance, making the GCC an exciting market for those in our profession.

Ravi and Thomas reminded me of how important it is to start early and review regularly. These small actions are what set you up for long-term financial success.

So, living in the GCC and not on top of your pension? 📉 Reach out to book a meeting today, and let us show you how you can stay updated using the Hoxton Wealth App.

🎧 Whether you’re an expat looking to optimize your pensions or a financial planner curious about opportunities in the GCC, this episode has something for you. 

Ready to start your international financial planning career?

Hoxton Wealth is looking for ambitious individuals ready to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're interested in international financial planning, compliance, client servicing, or marketing roles within the financial sector, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch full podcast episodes featuring insights from those that work for Hoxton and some of our special guests and partners. Stay connected by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for more exclusive content.

Curious about our career opportunities? Visit our website to explore open positions and learn more about joining the Hoxton Wealth team. Your journey in international financial planning starts here!

For sponsorships, partnerships, or media inquiries, reach out to us

Are We Failing Our Children When It Comes to Money?

Money is one of the biggest causes of stress and mental health issues—yet we still don’t teach kids how to manage it. Studies show that financial habits start forming by age 7, but most young people enter adulthood with no real financial education.

In this episode of Hoxton Life, Jacob Hall (financial planner, husband to a teacher, and father of two) sits down with Ben Bolger, co-founder of Squirrel Education, to explore how gamifying financial education is changing the way kids learn about money.

What We Cover:
✔️ Why financial literacy should be a core part of education
✔️ The impact of money stress on mental health
✔️ How kids as young as 7 start forming financial habits
✔️ Why traditional schooling isn’t preparing children for financial independence
✔️ The power of gamification in teaching kids about money
✔️ How Squirrel Education is making financial literacy fun, engaging, and effective

 Sam’s Reflection:
For this episode, I stepped out of the host seat and behind the camera, which gave me a chance to listen from a different perspective. It reinforced my belief that teaching kids about money isn’t just about finances—it’s about giving them the tools for a secure, stress-free future.

 Are we doing enough to prepare the next generation for financial independence? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

🔗 Find out more about Squirrel Education: www.squirreledu.co

📢 Listen & Subscribe to Hoxton Life:
🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Ready to start your international financial planning career?

Hoxton Wealth is looking for ambitious individuals ready to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're interested in international financial planning, compliance, client servicing, or marketing roles within the financial sector, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch full podcast episodes featuring insights from those that work for Hoxton and some of our special guests and partners. Stay connected by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for more exclusive content.

Curious about our career opportunities? Visit our website to explore open positions and learn more about joining the Hoxton Wealth team. Your journey in international financial planning starts here!

For sponsorships, partnerships, or media inquiries, reach out to us

Episode Overview

In this episode of Hoxton Life, host Sam Oakes sits down with Jonathon Jay (Director of UK Advice) and Jacob Hall (Global Head of Advisory, based in Dubai) to discuss how Hoxton Wealth is redefining financial planning on a global scale.

With a presence across multiple jurisdictions, Hoxton is focused on collaboration, shared learning, and replicating best practices worldwide to ensure every client—no matter where they are—receives a gold standard of financial advice.

Jonathon and Jacob share insights on:
✅ How Hoxton is unifying its global advisory model to create consistency for both advisers and clients.
✅ The importance of client experience in 2025, and why Hoxton is doubling down on service quality.
✅ Net Promoter Score (NPS) and why it’s a game-changer for improving client satisfaction and engagement.
✅ Technology and efficiency, including how the Hoxton App is enhancing transparency for clients.
✅ Why collaboration, not competition, is the key to adviser success in a modern financial planning firm.

If you’re an adviser looking for a firm that truly supports career growth, or a client wanting to work with a financial planner who puts service first, this episode is for you!

🔹 Key Takeaways

💡 For Financial Advisers:

• Hoxton operates as one unified business—no silos, just global expertise.
• A strong adviser support system helps planners focus on clients, not admin.
• The NPS system ensures service excellence across all jurisdictions.
• Hoxton’s global footprint means opportunities to work internationally.

💡 For Clients:

• Hoxton is committed to providing seamless financial planning worldwide.
• The Hoxton App enhances client transparency and service efficiency.
• NPS-driven feedback ensures ongoing improvements to the client experience.
• A financial planning firm that truly listens and prioritises long-term relationships.

Ready to start your international financial planning career?

Hoxton Wealth is looking for ambitious individuals ready to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're interested in international financial planning, compliance, client servicing, or marketing roles within the financial sector, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch full podcast episodes featuring insights from those that work for Hoxton and some of our special guests and partners. Stay connected by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for more exclusive content.

Curious about our career opportunities? Visit our website to explore open positions and learn more about joining the Hoxton Wealth team. Your journey in international financial planning starts here!

For sponsorships, partnerships, or media inquiries, reach out to us

Dubai is a city of opportunity, but it’s also a city of temptation. Supercars, designer clothes, beach clubs—it’s easy to feel like you need to spend, spend, spend to fit in. Dewi Evans knows this feeling all too well.

In this episode of the Hoxton Life podcast, Dewi shares how he fell into the trap of lifestyle creep, where more money meant more expenses. But he also shares how he turned things around, learning to balance his lifestyle with his long-term goals. Now, as a financial planner, he helps clients across the GCC do the same.

We also dive into Dewi’s career journey, from starting as a paraplanner to becoming a financial planner under the mentorship of Lloyd Simpson. Alongside his career growth, Dewi found spiritual clarity in Dubai through practices like yoga, meditation, and sound bowls, which helped him stay grounded in a city that never sleeps.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why lifestyle creep is so common in Dubai and how to manage it.
• The importance of mentorship in building a successful financial planning career.
• How spiritual practices can help balance ambition with well-being.
• The role of financial planning in creating a lifestyle that aligns with your values.

If Dewi’s story inspires you, don’t wait to take control of your finances. Reach out to him directly to start your financial planning journey today. And if you’re a financial planner looking for a community that shares your values, Hoxton Wealth might just be the place for you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and subscribe to Hoxton Life for more insights into financial planning and personal growth.

Ready to start your international financial planning career?

Hoxton Wealth is looking for ambitious individuals ready to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're interested in international financial planning, compliance, client servicing, or marketing roles within the financial sector, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch full podcast episodes featuring insights from those that work for Hoxton and some of our special guests and partners. Stay connected by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for more exclusive content.

Curious about our career opportunities? Visit our website to explore open positions and learn more about joining the Hoxton Wealth team. Your journey in international financial planning starts here!

For sponsorships, partnerships, or media inquiries, reach out to us

In this episode of Hoxton Life, Sam Oakes sits down with David Whitehouse, the Paraplanning Manager for Hoxton Wealth’s UK team, who now lives and works in Dubai. David shares his remarkable journey of joining Hoxton as a UK-based paraplanner and earning a rapid promotion to Head of Paraplanning. The conversation highlights his professional growth, the unique aspects of paraplanning in an international setting, and how Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle and multicultural community have positively impacted his career and family life.

Whether you're a paraplanner looking to advance your career or someone considering an international move, David’s story offers invaluable insights into the opportunities and challenges of working for a dynamic, global financial planning company like Hoxton Wealth.

Key Topics Covered:

David’s Journey: From UK Paraplanner to Dubai Leader

• Starting at Hoxton Wealth as a paraplanner for the UK team and being swiftly promoted to Head of UK Paraplanning.
• Managing a team of UK-based paraplanners from Dubai, leveraging technology and collaboration tools to stay connected across time zones.
• The pivotal moments that shaped his leadership path and how his prior experience prepared him for success at Hoxton.

The Role of Paraplanners in Dubai vs. the UK

• Differences in responsibilities: UK paraplanners focus on technical tasks like report writing, while international paraplanners take on more client-facing duties, resembling trainee financial planners.
• The hands-on approach in Dubai, from managing client meetings to creating comprehensive financial plans.
• How paraplanning roles in Dubai can serve as a stepping stone to becoming a financial advisor.

Life in Dubai: Professional Growth Meets Lifestyle Change

• The decision to relocate his family to Dubai and embrace a new way of life.
• Choosing community living in Dubai’s Villanova area for its family-friendly vibe, green spaces, and sense of belonging.
• The benefits of living in Dubai, including year-round sunshine, outdoor activities, and the multicultural experience of meeting people from around the world.

Challenges and Triumphs in Professional Development

• Overcoming personal obstacles, including dyslexia, while studying for Level 4 qualifications.
• Strategies for excelling in a paraplanning career, from perseverance in exams to seeking opportunities for growth.
• Building efficient processes for the paraplanning team, introducing tools like AI meeting assistants, and streamlining reporting workflow

Ready to start your international financial planning career?

Hoxton Wealth is looking for ambitious individuals ready to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're interested in international financial planning, compliance, client servicing, or marketing roles within the financial sector, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch full podcast episodes featuring insights from those that work for Hoxton and some of our special guests and partners. Stay connected by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for more exclusive content.

Curious about our career opportunities? Visit our website to explore open positions and learn more about joining the Hoxton Wealth team. Your journey in international financial planning starts here!

For sponsorships, partnerships, or media inquiries, reach out to us

In this special episode of Hoxton Life, Jacob steps into the presenter role to interview Sam Oakes, Head of Creative at Hoxton Wealth and Founder of Financial Planner Life. Sam reflects on his extraordinary career journey, from founding and running Recruit UK, a financial planning recruitment business he led for 16 years before exiting, to creating Financial Planner Life, a platform that has reshaped how financial planning careers are perceived and promoted.

Sam’s overarching mission is to ensure that financial planning thrives and becomes accessible to all. He shares how Financial Planner Life started as a marketing tool for his recruitment business and evolved into a creative platform that attracts talent, educates the profession, and raises the visibility of financial planning firms. His 2025 plans include hosting live podcast events, expanding Financial Planner Life internationally, and continuing to help firms elevate their brands through podcast- and video-first marketing strategies.

Sam also reflects on the challenges and rewards of relocating his family to Dubai to join Hoxton Wealth. He candidly discusses the emotional journey of leaving behind a home, adjusting to a fast-paced city, and finding the right school for his daughter. Through it all, Sam’s family’s support and trust in his vision fueled his confidence to make the move.

Sam explains why Hoxton Wealth is the perfect fit for his intrapreneurial spirit. The firm’s innovative culture, focus on collaboration, and commitment to raising standards in the international financial planning profession align with his vision. As Sam puts it, “I’ve found my sandbox at Hoxton—a place where I can play, create, and make a real impact.”

Key Topics Covered:

1. Sam’s Career Journey
   • Founding and running Recruit UK for 16 years before exiting.
   • Building Financial Planner Life as a recruitment marketing tool and evolving it into a monetized creative platform.
2. Ensuring Financial Planning Thrives
   • Sam’s mission to make financial planning accessible to all.
   • The role of Financial Planner Life in attracting talent and bridging the advice gap.
3. Relocating to Dubai
   • The emotional journey of leaving the UK and relocating with his family.
   • Adjusting to Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle and finding a new home and school for his daughter.
   • How the move aligned with his professional ambitions and opened new opportunities.
4. Why Hoxton Wealth?
   • How Hoxton’s intrapreneuri

Ready to start your international financial planning career?

Hoxton Wealth is looking for ambitious individuals ready to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're interested in international financial planning, compliance, client servicing, or marketing roles within the financial sector, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch full podcast episodes featuring insights from those that work for Hoxton and some of our special guests and partners. Stay connected by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for more exclusive content.

Curious about our career opportunities? Visit our website to explore open positions and learn more about joining the Hoxton Wealth team. Your journey in international financial planning starts here!

For sponsorships, partnerships, or media inquiries, reach out to us

In this episode of the Hoxton Life Podcast, host Sam Oakes sits down with Thomas Goldie, a financial planner who has been instrumental in Hoxton Wealth’s growth and success over the past five years. Thomas shares his journey, from joining Hoxton in its early days to helping shape its innovative approach to international financial planning. This episode dives into the unique opportunities at Hoxton, including global mobility, cross-border advice, and a commitment to long-term client relationships.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Hoxton Journey: Thomas reflects on the company’s evolution from a small team to an industry leader with a global presence.
• Hoxton’s Unique Model: Learn how Hoxton Wealth’s approach—focused on fee-based advice, client retention, and multi-jurisdictional flexibility—sets it apart in the international space.
• Building a Support Team: Thomas discusses the power of delegating and creating a high-performing team to scale his business and improve client service.
• The Pathway Program: Insight into Hoxton’s structured career progression for aspiring financial planners, enabling growth from trainee to advisor.
• Technology and Innovation: How tools like the Hoxton Wealth App and their custom CRM enhance the client experience and streamline global financial planning.
• Opportunities for Advisors and Clients: The podcast explores planning opportunities, like navigating inheritance tax changes and offering clients continuity of advice, while also highlighting the benefits of being part of a business that allows advisors to build and sell their own books.
• Future Growth and DIFC Expansion: Thomas and Sam discuss Hoxton’s move into the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and its potential for reaching high-net-worth clients and creating new opportunities.

This episode offers a fascinating look at the dynamic world of international financial planning, blending personal stories, career insights, and the innovative solutions that make Hoxton Wealth a standout in the industry.

Ready to start your international financial planning career?

Hoxton Wealth is looking for ambitious individuals ready to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're interested in international financial planning, compliance, client servicing, or marketing roles within the financial sector, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch full podcast episodes featuring insights from those that work for Hoxton and some of our special guests and partners. Stay connected by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for more exclusive content.

Curious about our career opportunities? Visit our website to explore open positions and learn more about joining the Hoxton Wealth team. Your journey in international financial planning starts here!

For sponsorships, partnerships, or media inquiries, reach out to us

In this episode of Hoxton Life, host Sam Oakes speaks with Dan Abbott, a UK and UAE-licensed financial planner, about the critical tax and financial planning considerations for UK expats living in Dubai. Dan shares his inspiring career journey, transitioning from an accountant in the UK to a financial planner in Dubai. He also explains why joining Hoxton Wealth was—and remains—the best option for anyone pursuing a career in international financial planning.

Dan discusses the importance of proactive tax planning, even in a tax-friendly country like the UAE, where UK expats often face hidden tax obligations on properties and businesses back home. He also breaks down the UAE’s gratuity system and why expats must take charge of their retirement planning through early and consistent saving.

The episode covers practical tips for setting up a business in Dubai, explaining the differences between free zones and mainland operations and how to choose the best option based on your goals. Dan also highlights the unique opportunities for financial planners in Dubai, where they can serve UK clients while enjoying the benefits of a tax-free income. He credits Hoxton Wealth for providing unparalleled support, regulatory compliance, and a structured environment that allows financial planners to succeed on a global stage.

Key Takeaways:

• Proactive Tax Planning: Even in the UAE, UK expats must plan carefully to avoid tax issues on property, business ownership, and eventual returns to the UK.
• Retirement Savings: The UAE’s gratuity system is not enough to fund retirement. Starting personal savings early is essential for financial security.
• Business Setup in Dubai: Understand the pros and cons of free zones vs. mainland setups and seek professional advice to align your strategy with your goals.
• A Career at Hoxton Wealth: Dan explains why Hoxton Wealth’s structure, resources, and regulatory framework make it the ideal choice for international financial planners.

Thinking about moving to Dubai or exploring a career in international financial planning? Connect with Hoxton Wealth today for expert advice tailored to UK expats and financial planners. Visit Hoxton Wealth or get in touch to take the first step.

Ready to start your international financial planning career?

Hoxton Wealth is looking for ambitious individuals ready to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're interested in international financial planning, compliance, client servicing, or marketing roles within the financial sector, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch full podcast episodes featuring insights from those that work for Hoxton and some of our special guests and partners. Stay connected by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for more exclusive content.

Curious about our career opportunities? Visit our website to explore open positions and learn more about joining the Hoxton Wealth team. Your journey in international financial planning starts here!

For sponsorships, partnerships, or media inquiries, reach out to us

We’re excited to launch a brand-new podcast series hosted by our very own Julia, Hoxton Wealth's Social Media Manager. This series is all about celebrating the incredible journeys of women in wealth and showcasing stories of success, resilience, and empowerment in Dubai.

In this episode of the Hoxton Life podcast, Julia welcomes Senior Financial Advisor Michaela and her paraplanner Andrianna to discuss their dynamic working relationship and the impact it has on their careers and clients. Michaela shares her 17-year journey in financial planning, starting at just 19 in the Middle East, while Annie reflects on her professional growth and how mentorship has transformed her confidence and skills. Together, they delve into the unique challenges and rewards of working as an all-female team in a male-dominated industry.

They also touch on their recent seminars in Australia, the importance of flexibility in the workplace, and how collaboration fosters resilience and success. Whether you're in the financial industry or looking for inspiration in mentorship and teamwork, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating careers and building meaningful professional relationships.

What You’ll Learn:

• Michaela's journey from coordinator to senior financial advisor in the GCC.
• How Annie transitioned into paraplanning and built her confidence.
• The importance of resilience and mentorship in financial planning.
• The dynamics of working as a close-knit team and maintaining balance.
• Challenges and opportunities for women in the financial planning profession.
• Insights into global client management and adapting to diverse markets.
• How flexibility and adaptability are shaping the future of financial planning.

Ready to start your international financial planning career?

Hoxton Wealth is looking for ambitious individuals ready to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're interested in international financial planning, compliance, client servicing, or marketing roles within the financial sector, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch full podcast episodes featuring insights from those that work for Hoxton and some of our special guests and partners. Stay connected by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for more exclusive content.

Curious about our career opportunities? Visit our website to explore open positions and learn more about joining the Hoxton Wealth team. Your journey in international financial planning starts here!

For sponsorships, partnerships, or media inquiries, reach out to us

In this episode of the Hoxton Life Podcast, host Sam Oakes sits down with Kane Tucker, Senior Business Development Manager at Hoxton Wealth, to explore the journey from trainee wealth manager to becoming a key figure in the international financial planning space.

Kane reflects on joining Hoxton in its first year and working alongside Chris Ball, CEO and Financial Planner. Together, they’ve built one of the most successful Business Development Manager and Financial Planner partnerships in the UAE. Kane shares how their dynamic duo approach has set the standard for success in the international financial planning industry.

The discussion dives deep into the challenges and rewards of Hoxton's Trainee Wealth Manager Programme. Kane highlights why business development is the foundation of a resilient and successful financial planning career. He explains how the programme immerses new recruits in real-world client engagement, equipping them with targeted marketing leads, referral systems, and LinkedIn strategies from day one.

Kane also offers candid insights into the evolving role of business development, the importance of process and persistence, and the power of mentorship in shaping the next generation of financial planners.

If you’re considering a career in financial planning or want to understand what sets Hoxton Wealth apart, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in to hear Kane’s journey, expert advice, and what it takes to thrive in this competitive industry.

Ready to start your international financial planning career?

Hoxton Wealth is looking for ambitious individuals ready to take their careers to the next level. Whether you're interested in international financial planning, compliance, client servicing, or marketing roles within the financial sector, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch full podcast episodes featuring insights from those that work for Hoxton and some of our special guests and partners. Stay connected by following us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for more exclusive content.

Curious about our career opportunities? Visit our website to explore open positions and learn more about joining the Hoxton Wealth team. Your journey in international financial planning starts here!

For sponsorships, partnerships, or media inquiries, reach out to us