Obsidian Financial Planning
Obsidian Financial Planning
I set out to create a Financial Planning practice in Singapore that I myself would want to be a client of. A robust, transparent, and relationship-driven Advisory that focuses on the Planning first and foremost, and subsequent investment recommendations to meet your objectives, not ours.
I set out to create a Financial Planning practice in Singapore that I myself would want to be a client of. A robust, transparent, and relationship-driven Advisory that focuses on the Planning first and foremost, and subsequent investment recommendations to meet your objectives, not ours.
Sam Barrie FPFS, Founder
Sam Barrie FPFS, Founder
Obsidian Financial Planning
I set out to create a Financial Planning practice in Singapore that I myself would want to be a client of. A robust, transparent, and relationship-driven Advisory that focuses on the Planning first and foremost, and subsequent investment recommendations to meet your objectives, not ours.
Sam Barrie FPFS, Founder
Insights and Media
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
people-Led Planning
Your life goals drive our advice, not our business targets.
Your life goals drive our advice, not our business targets.
Transparency
Transparency
Clients know exactly what they're paying, and are never locked in to any investment solution.
Clients know exactly what they're paying, and are never locked in to any investment solution.
UK-Qualified Excellence
UK-Qualified Excellence
Chartered Fellowship status and long-term member of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) in the UK
Chartered Fellowship status and long-term member of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) in the UK
16 Years of regional experience
16 Years of regional experience
International expertise serving British expatriates in Singapore.
International expertise serving British expatriates in Singapore.
Specialist Partnerships
Specialist Partnerships
Independent experts in UK tax and legal services when your needs extend beyond financial planning.
Independent experts in UK tax and legal services when your needs extend beyond financial planning.
seamless continuation of expertise on repatriation to the UK
seamless continuation of expertise on repatriation to the UK
Uninterrupted expertise and guidance when your journey brings you home.
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 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
Financial Planning Services
We offer a range of tailored services designed to meet the diverse needs of our international clients.
We offer a range of tailored services designed to meet the diverse needs of our international clients.
Retirement Planning
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.
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 Planning
UK Tax Planning
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
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 investment philosophy embraces evidence-based research and the Efficient Market Hypothesis. We provide objective portfolio reviews, highlighting suitability and recommending appropriate alterations if necessary.
Meet the Founder
Meet the Founder
Sam Barrie FPFS
Sam Barrie FPFS
Chartered Financial Planner
Chartered Financial Planner
Originally from Malvern, a small town in Worcestershire in the UK, Sam comes from an Economics background having studied the subject from the age of 14. He graduated in 2007 with an honours degree in Business Economics with Accounting. Sam has always taken a genuine interest in people with a strong desire to help, and so wanted to pursue a career in a client-facing role.
He moved to South East Asia in 2009 to build his career within International Financial Planning and has been here ever since.
Originally from Malvern, a small town in Worcestershire in the UK, Sam comes from an Economics background having studied the subject from the age of 14. He graduated in 2007 with an honours degree in Business Economics with Accounting. Sam has always taken a genuine interest in people with a strong desire to help, and so wanted to pursue a career in a client-facing role.
He moved to South East Asia in 2009 to build his career within International Financial Planning and has been here ever since.
As well as being qualified and regulated to provide advice in Singapore, Sam is a fully UK-qualified Financial Planner, holding the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning through the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
To date, he has passed 26 professional examinations and is proud to have achieved Chartered Fellowship status through the Personal Finance Society, the highest accreditation attainable.
He is an active member of the CII, Personal Finance Society (PFS), and Singapore College of Insurance (SCI), and adheres strictly
As well as being qualified and regulated to provide advice in Singapore, Sam is a fully UK-qualified Financial Planner, holding the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning through the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
To date, he has passed 26 professional examinations and is proud to have achieved Chartered Fellowship status through the Personal Finance Society, the highest accreditation attainable.
He is an active member of the CII, Personal Finance Society (PFS), and Singapore College of Insurance (SCI), and adheres strictly
to their codes of conduct and best industry practices when dealing with his clients.
Sam specialises in UK tax-led Financial Planning for British expatriates as well as Corporate Financial Planning.
Outside of the office, Sam enjoys playing tennis, regular exercise, music, and time permitting, his passion is Scuba Diving where he's now clocked up over 350 dives.
to their codes of conduct and best industry practices when dealing with his clients.
Sam specialises in UK tax-led Financial Planning for British expatriates as well as Corporate Financial Planning.
Outside of the office, Sam enjoys playing tennis, regular exercise, music, and time permitting, his passion is Scuba Diving where he's now clocked up over 350 dives.
Meet the Founder
Sam Barrie FPFS
Chartered Financial Planner
Originally from Malvern, a small town in Worcestershire in the UK, Sam comes from an Economics background having studied the subject from the age of 14. He graduated in 2007 with an honours degree in Business Economics with Accounting. Sam has always taken a genuine interest in people with a strong desire to help, and so wanted to pursue a career in a client-facing role.
He moved to South East Asia in 2009 to build his career within International Financial Planning and has been here ever since.
As well as being qualified and regulated to provide advice in Singapore, Sam is a fully UK-qualified Financial Planner, holding the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning through the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
To date, he has passed 26 professional examinations and is proud to have achieved Chartered Fellowship status through the Personal Finance Society, the highest accreditation attainable.
He is an active member of the CII, Personal Finance Society (PFS), and Singapore College of Insurance (SCI), and adheres strictly
to their codes of conduct and best industry practices when dealing with his clients.
Sam specialises in UK tax-led Financial Planning for British expatriates as well as Corporate Financial Planning.
Outside of the office, Sam enjoys playing tennis, regular exercise, music, and time permitting, his passion is Scuba Diving where he's now clocked up over 350 dives.
Meet the Founder
Sam Barrie FPFS
Chartered Financial Planner
Originally from Malvern, a small town in Worcestershire in the UK, Sam comes from an Economics background having studied the subject from the age of 14. He graduated in 2007 with an honours degree in Business Economics with Accounting. Sam has always taken a genuine interest in people with a strong desire to help, and so wanted to pursue a career in a client-facing role.
He moved to South East Asia in 2009 to build his career within International Financial Planning and has been here ever since.
As well as being qualified and regulated to provide advice in Singapore, Sam is a fully UK-qualified Financial Planner, holding the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning through the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
To date, he has passed 26 professional examinations and is proud to have achieved Chartered Fellowship status through the Personal Finance Society, the highest accreditation attainable.
He is an active member of the CII, Personal Finance Society (PFS), and Singapore College of Insurance (SCI), and adheres strictly
to their codes of conduct and best industry practices when dealing with his clients.
Sam specialises in UK tax-led Financial Planning for British expatriates as well as Corporate Financial Planning.
Outside of the office, Sam enjoys playing tennis, regular exercise, music, and time permitting, his passion is Scuba Diving where he's now clocked up over 350 dives.
Mr Phil H
Business Owner
Sam Barrie at Obsidian is the most personally attentive financial adviser I’ve had in 35 years. He is in touch regularly, and explains his proposals in ways a layman like me can understand - but also includes the detailed numbers behind them. Sam makes a point of regular 1-1 sessions to update me on the market, any changes and new ideas, and is always responsive to questions about Obsidian’s approach to investing and how that translates into actual cases in my portfolio. I trust Sam’s judgment and recommend him as a solid professional and an unusually personable and open financial advisor who listens carefully to my objectives before making recommendations.
Mr Phil H
Business Owner
Sam Barrie at Obsidian is the most personally attentive financial adviser I’ve had in 35 years. He is in touch regularly, and explains his proposals in ways a layman like me can understand - but also includes the detailed numbers behind them. Sam makes a point of regular 1-1 sessions to update me on the market, any changes and new ideas, and is always responsive to questions about Obsidian’s approach to investing and how that translates into actual cases in my portfolio. I trust Sam’s judgment and recommend him as a solid professional and an unusually personable and open financial advisor who listens carefully to my objectives before making recommendations.
Mr Phil H
Business Owner
Sam Barrie at Obsidian is the most personally attentive financial adviser I’ve had in 35 years. He is in touch regularly, and explains his proposals in ways a layman like me can understand - but also includes the detailed numbers behind them. Sam makes a point of regular 1-1 sessions to update me on the market, any changes and new ideas, and is always responsive to questions about Obsidian’s approach to investing and how that translates into actual cases in my portfolio. I trust Sam’s judgment and recommend him as a solid professional and an unusually personable and open financial advisor who listens carefully to my objectives before making recommendations.
Mr Phil H
Business Owner
Sam Barrie at Obsidian is the most personally attentive financial adviser I’ve had in 35 years. He is in touch regularly, and explains his proposals in ways a layman like me can understand - but also includes the detailed numbers behind them. Sam makes a point of regular 1-1 sessions to update me on the market, any changes and new ideas, and is always responsive to questions about Obsidian’s approach to investing and how that translates into actual cases in my portfolio. I trust Sam’s judgment and recommend him as a solid professional and an unusually personable and open financial advisor who listens carefully to my objectives before making recommendations.
Our Financial Philosophy
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 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.
Martin C
Technical Director
I've known Sam for many years, and his unparalleled technical diligence and high principles mean that I won't trust anyone else with my investment strategy or execution.
Martin C
Technical Director
I've known Sam for many years, and his unparalleled technical diligence and high principles mean that I won't trust anyone else with my investment strategy or execution.
Martin C
Technical Director
I've known Sam for many years, and his unparalleled technical diligence and high principles mean that I won't trust anyone else with my investment strategy or execution.
Martin C
Technical Director
I've known Sam for many years, and his unparalleled technical diligence and high principles mean that I won't trust anyone else with my investment strategy or execution.
Our partnership model
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:
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:
UK Legal Services:
UK Legal Services:
Expert guidance on cross-border legal structures and compliance.
Expert guidance on cross-border legal structures and compliance.
Expert guidance on cross-border legal structures and compliance.
Cross-Border Tax Advisory:
Cross-Border Tax Advisory:
Specialised knowledge spanning UK, Singapore, and Australian tax systems.
Specialised knowledge spanning UK, Singapore, and Australian tax systems.
Specialised knowledge spanning UK, Singapore, and Australian tax systems.
Estate Planning Expertise:
Estate Planning Expertise:
Multi-jurisdictional inheritance and succession planning.
Multi-jurisdictional inheritance and succession planning.
Multi-jurisdictional inheritance and succession planning.
Regulatory Compliance:
Regulatory Compliance:
Ensuring adherence to evolving international financial regulations.
Ensuring adherence to evolving international financial regulations.
Ensuring adherence to evolving international financial regulations.
Appointed Representative of Synergy Financial Advisers.
Mission & Vision
Core Values
Investment Philosophy
Locations
The investment landscape
Systematic, evidence-based investing
Tailor-made services
Most common questions
Benefits of Partnerships
Access to specialist management
Key Insights
Disclaimer | General Advice
Obsidian Financial Planning, a team representing Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd - UEN: 201217738K | FA Licence No. FA100050; Barrie Samuel George, RNF No.: BSG300134621, is an authorised representative of Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd. Telephone: +65 6950 0695. Email: enquiries@obsidianfp.com. Website: www.obsidianfp.com.
The information contained on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions of any financial institution or regulatory authority. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information provided. You should not rely solely on the content herein for making financial decisions and are strongly advised to seek independent, qualified financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Appointed Representative of Synergy Financial Advisers.
Mission & Vision
Core Values
Investment Philosophy
Locations
The investment landscape
Systematic, evidence-based investing
Tailor-made services
Most common questions
Benefits of Partnerships
Access to specialist management
Key Insights
Disclaimer | General Advice
Obsidian Financial Planning, a team representing Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd - UEN: 201217738K | FA Licence No. FA100050; Barrie Samuel George, RNF No.: BSG300134621, is an authorised representative of Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd. Telephone: +65 6950 0695. Email: enquiries@obsidianfp.com. Website: www.obsidianfp.com.
The information contained on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions of any financial institution or regulatory authority. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information provided. You should not rely solely on the content herein for making financial decisions and are strongly advised to seek independent, qualified financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Appointed Representative of Synergy Financial Advisers.
Mission & Vision
Core Values
Investment Philosophy
Locations
The investment landscape
Systematic, evidence-based investing
Tailor-made services
Most common questions
Benefits of Partnerships
Access to specialist management
Key Insights
Disclaimer | General Advice
Obsidian Financial Planning, a team representing Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd - UEN: 201217738K | FA Licence No. FA100050; Barrie Samuel George, RNF No.: BSG300134621, is an authorised representative of Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd. Telephone: +65 6950 0695. Email: enquiries@obsidianfp.com. Website: www.obsidianfp.com.
The information contained on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions of any financial institution or regulatory authority. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information provided. You should not rely solely on the content herein for making financial decisions and are strongly advised to seek independent, qualified financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Mission & Vision
Core Values
Investment Philosophy
Locations
The investment landscape
Systematic, evidence-based investing
Tailor-made services
Most common questions
Benefits of Partnerships
Access to specialist management
Key Insights
Disclaimer | General Advice
Obsidian Financial Planning, a team representing Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd - UEN: 201217738K | FA Licence No. FA100050; Barrie Samuel George, RNF No.: BSG300134621, is an authorised representative of Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd. Telephone: +65 6950 0695. Email: enquiries@obsidianfp.com. Website: www.obsidianfp.com.
The information contained on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions of any financial institution or regulatory authority. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information provided. You should not rely solely on the content herein for making financial decisions and are strongly advised to seek independent, qualified financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.