Insights and Media
Many people now find themselves in the position that they can from work anywhere they want in the world. This has led to a new breed of digital nomad, and several countries offer schemes allowing extended workcations. This lifestyle is particularly attractive for the self-employed, but employees may also find their employer is open to the idea.
For anyone looking to enter the buy-to let market as a new landlord, the decision is currently far from straightforward. On the plus side: Average English rents increased by 5.8% over the year to August 2025, with the average monthly rental now standing at £1,403; Average UK house prices rose by 2.8% over the year to July 2025 (continuing its downward trend since the 7% increase for the year to March 2025), and Mortgage costs have seen some cuts this year, and interest rates are generally expected to fall further throughout 2025.
Financial planning isn’t just reserved for the especially wealthy. Whether we’re aware of it or not, all of us are on a financial planning journey and nearly all of us will want to make the most of our money and that includes putting it to good use by investing for our future selves.
Each year, Dimensional analyzes returns from a large sample of US-domiciled funds. This year’s study updates results through 2024 and includes returns from mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) domiciled in the US. Our objective is to assess the performance of fund managers relative to benchmarks.
There are many types of investing, from active methods that seek to outguess the market to passive approaches that try to track market indices. Dimensional Investing is different.
All too often, people put off estate planning. This is understandable as, rather than preparing for the here and now, it requires you to consider what will happen when your life is over, hardly something most of us rush to contemplate.
What makes us different.
While technical expertise and ethical standards form our foundation, what truly differentiates us is our planning-first philosophy. We prioritise deep conversations about what you want from life-how money makes you feel, what's genuinely important to you, and how your wealth can serve your personal aspirations.
people-Led Planning
Your life goals drive our advice, not our business targets.
Transparency
Clients know exactly what they're paying, and are never locked in to any investment solution.
UK-Qualified Excellence
Chartered Fellowship status and long-term member of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) in the UK
16 Years of regional experience
International expertise serving British expatriates in Singapore.
Specialist Partnerships
Independent experts in UK tax and legal services when your needs extend beyond financial planning.
seamless continuation of expertise on repatriation to the UK
Uninterrupted expertise and guidance when your journey brings you home.
Financial Freedom means different things to different people. We construct plans to suit the lives of our clients and what really matters most to them.
Financial Planning Services
We offer a range of tailored services designed to meet the diverse needs of our international clients.
Retirement Planning
However you envisage retirement, we help illustrate how to achieve your objectives. Financial Planning isn't a one-off transaction, but a collaborative journey over years.
UK tax is notoriously complicated, and can be even more so as a British expatriate in Singapore. Obsidian are a Financial Advisory specialising in helping British expatriates in Singapore and have a deep understanding of UK tax matters for those based abroad working in collaboration with our tax partners.
Insurance - Medical and Life Cover
Before exploring investments, we prioritise protecting your family against substantial medical expenses and unexpected events. Our approach assesses Singapore's healthcare costs and corporate coverage gaps.
Estate Planning
Leaving a legacy matters to most of us. Whether mitigating Inheritance Tax, earmarking funds for grandchildren, or transferring assets during your lifetime, we can help.
UK Repatriation Planning
UK repatriation brings challenges—from transporting pets to finding schools. Your UK tax and international investments needn't add stress; we've helped hundreds prepare for their return.
Management & Review of Portfolios
Our investment philosophy embraces evidence-based research and the Efficient Market Hypothesis. We provide objective portfolio reviews, highlighting suitability and recommending appropriate alterations if necessary.
Our Financial Philosophy
Our clients tell us that the value provided by Obsidian extends further than investment returns and guidance around tax, which are of course important; it’s the peace of mind and emotional security that our personalised holistic planning approach brings that truly sets us apart.
We focus strongly on the educational side of Financial Planning and clients feel a deep sense of trust, knowing we prioritise integrity, transparency, and their best interests, especially across complex cross-border regulations and financial systems. This trust reduces anxiety which then allows clients to focus on what really matters most.
Our partnership model
At Obsidian, we believe exceptional financial planning extends beyond what any single firm can provide in-house. That's why we've cultivated a carefully selected network of independent specialists across multiple disciplines:
