Journey to Estate Planning: Career Progression Tips from Jack Povah

For many young professionals, the idea of taking a leap across borders and diving into the world of international financial planning may seem daunting. But for 23-year-old Jack Povah DipPFS , Hoxton Wealth ’s rising star in the world of estate planning in Dubai for expats, the journey has been as exhilarating as teeing off on the city’s finest golf courses. Not only has he embraced a challenging niche within financial planning, but on our recent episode of Hoxton Life , he also shared his passion for golf – all while benefiting from Hoxton’s supportive trainee program and entrepreneurial environment.

Becoming the Estate Planning Guy: Jack’s Road to Niching Down in Dubai

Jack’s journey into the financial planning profession began during COVID-19, a time when most of us were figuring out how to bake sourdough bread and trying not to lose our minds. For Jack, though, it was an opportunity to fast-track his career. While completing his degree, Jack worked full-time at a financial planning firm in Manchester. He quickly went from admin duties to a hands-on role in estate and wills planning for expats. “To be honest,” Jack laughs, “I wasn’t growing up thinking I wanted to be an estate planner. But it’s where the opportunity was, and I took it.”

For Jack, embracing estate planning was a practical decision, yet one that unexpectedly became his passion. He found that by niching down into cross-border estate planning for Dubai’s expat community, he could not only serve clients more effectively but also stand out in the crowded financial planning profession. Sam Oakes , Head of Creative at Hoxton Wealth and podcast host, put it this way: “When you micro-niche down, all of a sudden, things open up. You realize that little niche has a community.” And for Jack, that community needs estate planning advice across multiple borders.?

The Fairway to Success: Taking a Swing in Dubai’s Financial Planning Scene

Jack’s love of golf may not exactly be helping his handicap, but it’s certainly proven handy for networking in Dubai, where golf is as much a social scene as a sport. Jack was drawn to Dubai by a combination of ambition and, well, perhaps a bit of FOMO. When he spotted a LinkedIn post advertising for a UK financial planner position based in Dubai, he knew it was an opportunity worth pursuing. “I didn’t even know that was a thing,” Jack laughed. “But I saw it, and I was like, why not?”

Jack has since joined Dubai’s expat community and found a new home at Hoxton Wealth, a firm he chose specifically for its supportive training environment for trainee financial planners. One major appeal? The company’s pathway program, which offers a blend of salary and commission, giving trainees the stability they need to grow their client base without the stress of commission-only work. “I probably wouldn’t have made the move to Dubai if it was commission-only,” Jack admitted.

“It’s tough when you’re moving to a new country, and Hoxton’s pathway program really made that transition manageable".

The pathway isn’t just about the money. Hoxton Wealth’s program immerses trainees in real-world experience. It’s a robust process where they learn the “tougher parts of the job,” as Sam puts it. They call through marketing leads, prospecting and turning “stones over” to find client opportunities – a foundational skill in financial planning that’s often overlooked in traditional training programs. “One of the biggest things missing in financial planning when it comes to training is the sales mindset – the reaching out, the speaking to people, the prospecting,” Sam emphasized, adding, “We don’t like throwing people in at the deep end. The support here is everything.”

Going Global: The Art of Cross-Border Estate Planning in Dubai

Jack’s move to Dubai allowed him to serve a unique client base with cross-border estate planning needs – and his niche was born. Estate planning is often overlooked, but for expats, it’s crucial. Every country has its own set of rules around wills, trusts, and inheritance tax, and understanding these variations can make or break an effective estate plan. Jack is well-versed in this maze, and with Hoxton’s support, he’s quickly become a go-to expert for expats needing to protect their assets across borders.

“One of the biggest benefits – and challenges – of joining Hoxton is the sheer amount of opportunity”.

He appreciates that while he could technically be taking on clients from Australia to the U.S., Hoxton has encouraged him to focus on estate planning for Dubai’s expat clients. “It was after I joined and had some conversations with Sam about niching down that it all clicked,” Jack said, referencing Sam’s recommended reading, Key Person of Influence. “I realized to be as successful as I want, I needed to pick a focus.”

“Everyone dies, right? Everyone needs a will.”

Jack’s specialized approach not only benefits him but also makes him an asset to Hoxton’s broader team. Estate planning for expats often means that Jack is collaborating with financial planners around the world. “I work alongside all the different financial planners here to provide that ancillary service to their clients,” Jack explained. His casual but earnest approach resonates with clients and partners alike, creating a community around estate planning and offering clients a peace of mind they didn’t know they needed.

And, true to his humorous, approachable style, Jack sometimes has to give clients a bit of a nudge. “Some people say, ‘I’ll get to it in a few years,’ and I have to ask, ‘Well, when are you planning on dying?’” he jokes. The truth is, having that difficult conversation now can provide families with future peace of mind.

The Hoxton Effect: The Power of an Entrepreneurial Culture?

Jack’s experience at Hoxton Wealth has been transformative, not just professionally but personally. Dubai’s high-energy, ambitious atmosphere suits him perfectly, pushing him forward in every aspect of his life. “Everyone here is looking to grow,” he shared. “Whether it’s golf or work, everyone is pushing everyone.” Jack thrives in this environment, especially with the strong support of his colleagues. Sam shared his admiration, noting, “Jack’s one of my favorite people I’ve met here. His drive, his journey so far, his outlook on life – it’s impressive.”

Hoxton’s focus on development extends beyond just financial know-how. Jack has noticed that the firm encourages him to cultivate all areas of personal well-being, from professional skills to personal interests. For instance, Jack has no interest in Dubai’s nightlife, preferring instead to put his energy into his goals. “You’re not out smashing it in the bars,” Sam quipped, and Jack’s focused, dedicated approach reflects the entrepreneurial spirit Hoxton seeks to foster in its team.

It’s clear that Hoxton’s culture is uniquely supportive, helping driven young professionals like Jack realize their potential. The pathway program provides a solid foundation, the mentorship is real, and the opportunities are expansive. As Sam said, “We’re growth, growth, growth,” adding that Hoxton’s growth mindset and supportive environment are ideal for anyone ready to make an impact in financial planning.?

Where Jack’s Drive and Hoxton’s Support Lead Next

For Jack Povah, this journey is just beginning. With his eyes set on becoming a leading figure in estate planning for expats in Dubai, Jack knows he’s in the right place at the right time. He’s already a trusted advisor in a challenging niche, serving clients who need peace of mind in managing their assets across borders.

While he’s thriving at Hoxton and making his mark in financial planning, he’ll still find time to improve his golf game – a pursuit that’s perhaps as much about networking as it is about lowering his handicap. After all, there’s nothing like discussing cross-border wills over a sunset game of golf. And in Jack’s case, whether on the fairway or in the office, he’s always driving forward.

So, if you’re a young professional with a big vision or a client seeking expertise in expat estate planning in Dubai, remember the name Jack Povah. He’s here to ensure your estate planning is in order – and maybe challenge you to a round of golf, too.

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Interested in Following in Jack’s Footsteps? Apply for the Trainee Financial Planner Program at Hoxton Wealth

If you’re an ambitious individual looking to build a rewarding career in international financial planning, consider applying for the Trainee Financial Planner Program at Hoxton Wealth. With a pathway to success that combines mentorship, practical experience, and opportunities for growth, Hoxton Wealth offers a unique environment for developing future leaders in financial planning.