The world of work is becoming increasingly flexible. In the finance sector, where talent competition is fierce, talented candidates have endless opportunities to work with companies worldwide.
While the finance sector is thriving in the UK, developing international experience, either by travelling overseas for a new role or embracing a remote position, could be valuable.
Developing international experience can help finance employees become more agile, ensuring they have a behind-the-scenes view of the worldwide nuances that affect the industry. It’s also an excellent opportunity to develop new skills, expand your network, and differentiate yourself from other candidates competing for similar roles at home.
But is international experience essential to take your finance career to the next level? This guide will tell you everything you need to know.
The Reality Check: Is International Experience Required?
Employer demands and priorities in the finance sector are shifting this year. Companies are looking for more resilient employees with diverse soft skills, evolving hard skills, and the confidence to thrive in a world defined by AI and automation.
For most employers, however, international experience remains a “nice to have” feature for an ideal candidate rather than a necessity. International experience can appeal to employers looking for professionals with an adaptable nature, a passion for learning, and a knowledge of global compliance standards and regulations.
However, many employers still prioritise domestic finance knowledge (such as knowledge of local regulations and standards), transferable soft skills, and specific competencies over international experience.
Of course, there are specific environments and roles where international experience can be more valuable. For instance, for multinational companies looking to hire for senior roles (such as C-Suite positions) or specialist roles (like international budget management), international experience can make any candidate stand out.
Similarly, international experience can be a significant advantage in specific industry segments. Specialists working in investment banking, commercial banking (for global firms), asset management, and FinTech, for instance, can all benefit from knowledge of international processes, standards, and regulations, as well as the soft skills that come from working with diverse clients.
The Current UK Finance Landscape
If you’re considering pursuing international experience as a finance professional, it might be because you’re concerned the opportunities in the UK sector are limited. While the finance recruitment space in the UK has experienced a lot of turmoil in recent years, the opportunities for skilled professionals are still significant.
The UK is still a global leader in finance, hosting several key financial hubs from London to Edinburgh and Manchester. Although job vacancies in London’s financial services sector have dropped since Britain’s departure from the European Union, specific segments are still growing quickly – particularly those related to risk management and compliance.
Additionally, new opportunities are constantly emerging for both local and international candidates with specialist skills in FinTech, sustainable finance, and AI.
In this environment, international experience can benefit candidates seeking an edge. Cross-border transaction experience, global regulatory knowledge, and the ability to work seamlessly with people from different cultures can make you a more attractive hire. However, there are still plenty of other ways to make yourself more appealing to hiring managers and business leaders in the finance sector.
Benefits of International Experience
Although gaining international experience isn’t necessarily “essential” for finance candidates – it could be beneficial depending on your career goals and aspirations. Moving into a new finance role with a business overseas or working remotely for a global company can be valuable.
It lets you learn more about how the finance sector and international markets operate globally. You can also learn about various regulatory frameworks, making yourself more appealing to companies looking to hire candidates who manage international accounts and global finance responsibilities.
Additionally, gaining international experience can allow you to develop soft skills that are becoming more valuable to finance leaders. You’ll learn to communicate more effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
From a career progression perspective, gaining international experience could help you to:
- Earn a bigger salary: With international experience, you can negotiate a bigger salary and more benefits based on the value you bring to your employer.
- Promotional potential: Candidates with international knowledge can be better suited to leadership roles, particularly with multinational firms.
- Competitive differentiation: International experience can help you distinguish yourself from candidates with similar soft and technical skills, improving your chances of receiving great job offers in the future.
Alternative Pathways to Success
While international experience can enhance a finance career – it’s not the only way to progress in the sector. There are plenty of other ways you can invest in your growth, such as:
Developing Domestic Expertise
Deep knowledge of the region’s financial regulations, market trends, and economic policies will be invaluable if you plan to work in the UK finance sector in the long term. This is particularly true as local regulatory standards continue to evolve.
You could focus your career on becoming a UK finance expert or commit to specialising in specific sectors such as UK and European Investment and Commercial banking. Building robust professional relationships within the UK with a strong approach to networking can also open the door to new opportunities, giving you plenty of room to scale your career.
Virtual International Experience
Developing international experience doesn’t necessarily mean moving to a new country in 2025. In other ways, you can develop many skills that you can build in a role overseas. For instance, if your employer hires international remote workers, you can learn from their experiences and improve your ability to communicate with people from different cultures.
You might even be able to ask your employer for opportunities to participate in international projects, such as supporting an overseas employee when they fill out tax forms, to learn more about global compliance standards.
You can leverage digital platforms like LinkedIn and online forums to connect with international peers and improve your understanding of global finance nuances over time.
Online Learning and Development
Pursuing advanced certifications and courses through online platforms is an excellent way for finance professionals to build their skill sets and stay ahead of global financial trends. You can take courses about international banking practices, tax compliance and more.
You can even look for other ways to build on your skills with new competencies linked to emerging trends like AI and automation in finance. Online courses can be a great way to give yourself a competitive edge and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.
Should You Invest in International Experience?
Ultimately, international experience can benefit a finance professional, but it’s not always essential.
Whether you should invest in this progression path for your career depends on your personal goals and aspirations.
Take some time to conduct a self-assessment and ask yourself where you want to be in your career a few years from now. Do you want to move into a leadership position where global knowledge will be helpful, or are you focusing on a more specific career path where domestic excellence is essential?
Ask yourself how the potential benefits of developing international experience (such as the opportunity to access a higher salary and build new skills) compare to the challenges you’ll need to overcome. After all, if you’re going to be moving overseas, there are many logistical considerations to consider, from visa requirements to whether your professional qualifications will be “viable” to companies hiring overseas.
Whether planning to take your finance career “international” or stay close to home, remember that the proper support can make all the difference. A professional finance recruiter can help you pinpoint the best opportunities for your career path and give you the guidance you need to achieve your long-term goals.
Thanks
Rachel
About Rebus Financial Recruitment
Rebus Financial Recruitment provides a specialist and focused recruitment service to its customers, ranging from various organisations, including SMEs, to large PLCs.
We strive to offer both the client and candidate a seamless recruitment experience. Using our expertise, we understand and match employer and employee needs perfectly.
To learn more, contact one of our team members today or call us at 01282 930930.
