Relocating abroad should be an exciting new chapter. But for many UK expats living in Europe, Brexit has introduced an unexpected complication—losing access to their trusted financial adviser.

If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. Thousands of expats across Europe are now navigating a more complex financial landscape, often without clear guidance.

The good news? With the right strategy, you can not only regain control—but significantly improve your financial position.

Before Brexit, UK financial firms operated under a system called passporting. This allowed them to provide services across the EU without needing separate authorisation in each country.

Since Brexit, that system no longer exists.

As a result:

• UK advisers must now be regulated in each EU country they serve
• Many firms chose not to pursue EU licensing
• Some closed their European operations entirely

You can read more about this regulatory shift via the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) passporting guidance.

If you live in the EU, your UK-based adviser may no longer be legally allowed to provide advice—even if you’ve worked together for years.

This can affect:

• Investment management
• Pension advice
• Tax planning recommendations

In many cases, expats only discover this when they try to make changes to their portfolio or receive a formal notice.

Continuing with UK-only advice while living abroad can create serious issues over time.

For example:

• Investments that were tax-efficient in the UK may be heavily taxed locally
• Some products may not be compliant in your country of residence
• You could face unnecessary currency exposure or reporting requirements

Regulators across Europe are tightening enforcement.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)continues to highlight the importance of investor protection and cross-border compliance.

In some limited cases, yes—but it is rarely enough.

A UK adviser may still support:

• Existing UK pensions
• Legacy investment portfolios

However, they typically cannot advise on how those assets interact with:

• Local tax systems
• Residency rules
• Cross-border structuring

This creates a disconnect that can quietly erode your wealth over time.

Rather than trying to patch together advice from multiple sources, many expats are now choosing a more integrated solution.

An international financial adviser provides:

• Cross-border expertise
• Understanding of both UK and local regulations
• A unified, long-term financial strategy

If you’re still early in your journey, it’s worth reviewing your position with a financial adviser to discus your options.

Making the right financial decisions early can have a significant long-term impact.

With the right structure in place, you can:

• Reduce unnecessary tax exposure
• Ensure full regulatory compliance
• Simplify your financial life across countries
• Align your investments with your long-term goals

Many expats only revisit their strategy after encountering issues. By then, opportunities may already have been missed.

A local adviser may understand your new country—but not your existing UK assets.

This often leads to gaps such as:

• Misaligned pension strategies
• Inefficient tax planning
• Lack of coordination between jurisdictions

Similarly, a UK adviser alone cannot provide the local insight required.

The most effective approach is working with an adviser who understands both sides.

An international adviser helps you:

• Structure your finances across borders
• Navigate tax systems efficiently
• Avoid costly mistakes

Choosing the right adviser is critical. At a minimum, you should ensure they:

• Are authorised in your country of residence
• Have proven experience with expat clients
• Understand both UK and local tax systems
• Offer transparent fees and clear communication

If you’re unsure whether your current setup is still suitable, the most practical first step is a professional review.

A short consultation can help you:

• Identify potential risks
• Highlight tax-saving opportunities
• Clarify your options moving forward

Brexit has changed the rules—but it hasn’t removed your options.

With the right guidance, you can turn a frustrating situation into an opportunity to build a more efficient, international financial strategy.

At Galileo Wealth, we specialise in helping UK expats navigate this transition with clarity and confidence.

If your adviser can no longer support you, now is the time to take control.

Financial planning as an expat is no longer straightforward—but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

The key is working with someone who understands the full picture.

Once you have that in place, everything else becomes significantly easier. 

Book a free consultation with one of our international financial advisers today.