How Link Independent Works — And Why We Do It Differently

Finding a financial adviser as an expat should not be as difficult as it is. Yet for most people, the process involves a combination of Google searches, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends who may have very different circumstances, and a lot of uncertainty about whether the person they find is actually qualified to help them.

Link Independent was built to solve this problem — and to solve it properly.

The problem with existing approaches

Most adviser directories and comparison sites are designed for domestic markets. They are excellent if you are a UK resident looking for a UK adviser. They are essentially useless if you are moving to Portugal, already living in Dubai, or trying to sort out your pension as a British citizen living in Australia.

Some companies do offer expat financial advice — but many operate on a subscription or commission model that creates incentives that are not always aligned with the client's best interests.

How Link Independent is different

We are not a subscription platform. Advisers do not pay us to be listed. They are selected on the basis of expertise, regulatory status, and track record. This matters because subscription models can dilute quality — anyone willing to pay gets in.

We focus on the match, not the volume. When you make an enquiry, we review your situation and identify the adviser or advisers best placed to help. We are not in the business of passing your details to as many firms as possible and hoping one sticks.

All advisers are regulated. Every adviser in the Link Independent network holds the appropriate regulatory authorisations for the work they do. We carry out due diligence checks and only work with advisers we would be comfortable recommending to our own families.

We cover the full spectrum. International financial planning involves more than just investments. Our network includes specialists in pensions, tax, mortgages, property, legal planning, and more. We can cover whatever your situation requires.

The founder's perspective

Link Independent was founded by Martin Blyth, who spent years in international financial services and saw first-hand how difficult it was for people to find genuinely trustworthy, competent advice across borders. The business was built on a simple principle: put quality first, and everything else follows.

If you are planning a move abroad, or you are already overseas and feel your finances are not being managed as well as they could be, we would love to hear from you.