From Zero to ￡80M AUM in Six Years: How Matt Dean Built Success In the USA from the UK

From Zero to ￡80M AUM in Six Years: How Matt Dean Built Success by Niching Down

What does it take to achieve extraordinary success in financial planning? For Matt Dean , Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Hoxton Wealth , it combines focus, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to serving a niche market. Starting from zero, Matt has built an impressive career, managing ￡80 million in assets under management (AUM) in just six years.

In the latest episode of the Hoxton Life podcast, Matt shares his journey from co-founding Hoxton Wealth to becoming a leading voice in cross-border financial planning. His story is a testament to the power of niching down, leveraging technology, and maintaining a healthy balance between work, fitness, and family.

The Founding of Hoxton Wealth

Hoxton Wealth began as a bold vision shared between Matt and Chris Ball , who opened the firm’s Abu Dhabi office while Matt established the UK operation. Starting from scratch with no clients, Matt focused on securing regulatory approval, building relationships, and developing his expertise.

Reflecting on the early days, Matt said, “Any business was good business at the start. I needed to build my knowledge and credibility as quickly as possible, and that meant taking every meeting, no matter the size of the client’s assets.”

This relentless drive laid the foundation for his future success and underscored a critical lesson for anyone entering the industry: hard work is non-negotiable.

Niching Down: The Key to Rapid Growth

As Matt gained experience, he recognised an underserved market: UK and US expats. Both groups face unique financial challenges, from navigating cross-border tax laws to managing pensions and retirement accounts in multiple jurisdictions. By specialising in this niche, Matt was able to deliver tailored advice and position himself as an expert.

“Many of my clients struggle to find advisers who understand both the UK and US financial systems,” Matt explained. “By bridging that gap, I bring clarity and peace of mind to their financial plans.”

This focus on UK and US expats has been transformative:

• Matt’s portfolio is now 80% US-based clients.
• The US expat market alone represents a significant opportunity, with over 5.5 million Americans currently living abroad, according to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO).
• UK expats number over 5 million globally, with hotspots in Australia, the US, Canada, and Spain.

Why Are Expat Numbers Growing?

UK Emigration Trends:

In 2023, 532,000 people emigrated from the UK, contributing to a net migration figure of 685,000. Key drivers include:

• Tax and economic opportunities: Destinations like Dubai offer a tax-free lifestyle, attracting professionals and entrepreneurs.
• Better quality of life: Many expats cite improved weather, housing, and work-life balance as reasons for relocating.
• Post-Brexit uncertainty: Some UK citizens are seeking opportunities in Europe or further afield.

US Emigration Trends:

An estimated 9 million Americans are living abroad, including over 5.5 million long-term expats. The key reasons include:

• Retirement opportunities: Lower living costs and better healthcare access in countries like Mexico, Portugal, and France.
• Global mobility of professionals: Highly skilled individuals often relocate for international career opportunities in sectors such as finance, tech, and oil and gas.
• Dissatisfaction with domestic issues: Political polarisation and healthcare costs are pushing some Americans to explore new opportunities abroad.

The expat market is set to grow further as global mobility increases. Advances in technology, remote work options, and rising awareness of cross-border financial solutions are all contributing factors.

Creating a Bespoke Private Client Experience

As his client base grew, Matt shifted his approach to offer a concierge-style service tailored to high-net-worth individuals. This move wasn’t just about meeting client expectations; it was about exceeding them.

“I pride myself on understanding each client’s unique goals, whether it’s structuring assets for retirement in another country or planning for future generations,” Matt said.

This bespoke approach has not only strengthened client relationships but also reinforced Matt’s reputation as a trusted adviser for complex, cross-border financial planning.

Balancing Work, Fitness, and Family

While Matt’s professional achievements are impressive, his commitment to a balanced lifestyle is equally noteworthy. As a father, he prioritises family time, ensuring that his career doesn’t come at the expense of personal relationships.

Fitness also plays a central role in Matt’s routine. He views exercise as a way to stay mentally sharp and maintain the energy needed to meet the demands of his career. “A balanced life isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for long-term success,” Matt explained.

This focus on balance is a key takeaway for anyone looking to build a sustainable career. Success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating a life that aligns with your values.

The Role of Technology in Modern Financial Planning

Matt attributes part of his success to embracing technology. Hoxton Wealth’s proprietary app has been a game-changer, allowing clients to:

• Aggregate and view global assets in one place, from pensions to properties and crypto.
• Use forecasting tools like the wealth flow feature to plan for retirement and other financial goals.
• Access real-time updates on their financial position, ensuring transparency and control.

“The Hoxton Wealth app is more than a tool—it’s a gateway to smarter financial decisions,” Matt said. “It allows clients to visualise their goals and understand the impact of their choices, which is invaluable.”

For advisers, the app simplifies complex client scenarios, enabling them to focus on delivering high-quality advice.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Matt Dean

Matt is now focused on expanding his private client service and exploring new ways to deliver value to his growing portfolio. He also sees immense potential in Hoxton Wealth’s global platform, which allows advisers to build flexible careers while serving clients across borders.

“The opportunity to work internationally, leverage cutting-edge technology, and deliver truly personalised advice is what makes Hoxton Wealth so unique,” Matt said.

Ready to Learn More?

Matt’s story is proof that with focus, determination, and the right tools, extraordinary success is within reach. Whether you’re an adviser looking to take your career global or an expat seeking expert financial advice, Hoxton Wealth has the expertise and infrastructure to support you.

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