Living the Expat Dream: Andrianna Rawlings’ Journey as a Paraplanner at Hoxton Wealth

From the bustling streets of London to the bright skyline of Dubai, all while working with clients across the globe. How Andrianna Rawlings, Paraplanner at Hoxton Wealth, thrives as an expat in the international financial planning profession.

We’re passionate about sharing the experiences and journeys of our team members, especially those who are thriving in the international financial planning space. In our recent episode of Hoxton Life, Sam Oakes, Head of Creative and Andrianna Rawlings, paraplanner at Hoxton Wealth, discussed Andrianna’s experience working in Dubai and how our company supports career development, international opportunities, and a balanced lifestyle.

From the UK to Dubai

Andrianna started her career as a private banking manager at NatWest in the UK. But her career really took off when she joined Hoxton Wealth three and a half years ago. She initially came on board as a Trainee Wealth Manager and quickly transitioned through roles within the company, eventually becoming a paraplanner. Today, she works alongside Michaela Van De Peer, a senior adviser with over 16 years of experience in the GCC region!

In this episode of Hoxton Life, Andrianna explains how her role as a paraplanner is multi-faceted: She manages reports, assists with fact finds and market commentary, and ensures clients are kept up-to-date on their investments. But at Hoxton, it’s about more than just report writing. Andrianna emphasises how our culture encourages paraplanners to engage with the clients directly to build strong relationships and deliver personalised support.

Empowering Growth Through Support and Mentorship

When asked about her experience working with Michaela, Andrianna was full of praise. Michaela’s mentorship has been instrumental in her career development. She described Michaela as not just a manager but a friend and mentor, highlighting the supportive environment at Hoxton Wealth. Andrianna explained how important it is to have someone experienced and patient to guide you, especially in the international space.

At Hoxton Wealth, we provide a pathway for those who want to grow, whether they aim to stay as paraplanners or transition into advisery roles. If you want to find out more about how you could join a supportive environment like ours, head over to our careers page now.

Living the Dream in Dubai

One of the most exciting aspects of Andrianna’s role is the international exposure. Hoxton Wealth’s global footprint allows our team to work with clients all over the world. Andrianna shared her enthusiasm for these opportunities, mentioning an upcoming trip to Australia for client seminars, where she’ll catch up with clients who have become friends. It’s not just about the work; it’s about building meaningful, long-term relationships.

"One of the amazing opportunities that you get with Hoxton is the chance to see clients all around the world." - Andrianna Rawlings

Andrianna also touched on the advantages of living and working in Dubai. For her, Dubai offers a vibrant social life, safety, and the freedom to pursue a fulfilling career while maintaining a work-life balance. Whether it’s joining Pilates groups, attending ladies’ brunches, or enjoying a cheese and wine night, there’s always something to do. She feels supported by her colleagues and the wider community, which has made her transition to Dubai not only seamless but enjoyable.

The Path Ahead

Andrianna is committed to continuous professional development and is currently studying for her Series 65 and SISEC qualifications, which will allow her to advise clients in the US and Europe. She sees the potential for further growth, both personally and within Hoxton Wealth, as the company continues to expand its international footprint.

When asked about her future aspirations, Andrianna expressed her desire to remain in her paraplanner role a bit longer, however, she remains open to transitioning into an advisery role under Michaela’s mentorship when the time is right. For now, she’s proud of the work she’s doing and feels no rush to move away from a position where she is thriving.

A Culture of Support and Innovation

One of the standout points Andrianna made was the supportive culture at Hoxton Wealth. Unlike many firms in the international advisery space, where it’s often “sink or swim,” Hoxton Wealth provides a clear career pathway, training, and a buddy system to help individuals grow. Andrianna feels empowered to take her career at her own pace, knowing she has the resources and mentorship available when needed.

"The opportunity to grow within Hoxton Wealth is incredible. There’s a clear pathway, training, and development, which is rare in the international space." -Andrianna Rawlings

Sam and Andrianna also discussed the innovations Hoxton Wealth is bringing to the table, such as our bespoke app and in-house CRM system, Matrix. Andrianna highlighted how these tools streamline client management across multiple jurisdictions, providing clients with transparency and advisers with efficient tools to manage international portfolios.

Empowering Women in the International Space

A particularly impactful part of the conversation was Andrianna’s perspective on being a woman in the international financial planning space. She acknowledged that moving to Dubai alone can be overwhelming, but she emphasised the supportive community and safe environment the city offers. She’s found a sense of freedom and independence in Dubai that she felt was lacking in other parts of the world. For any women considering a move to Dubai to further their career, Andrianna’s message is clear: it’s a place where you can have it all—career growth, a great social life, and a safe, supportive environment.

"The biggest selling point for me is the safety in Dubai. I can walk home at midnight without worrying, something I couldn’t do in the UK." - Andrianna Rawlings

Looking Ahead

At Hoxton Wealth, we’re proud to provide an environment where team members like Andrianna can thrive. Our culture, international opportunities, and focus on development ensure that everyone can create a career path that suits them.

We hope this episode inspires you to explore opportunities in the international financial planning space. Whether you’re already working in finance or considering a career move, there’s a place for you at Hoxton Wealth. Check out our careers page to see where you can fit.