Repatriation, Regulation and Relevance

A personal perspective by Janet Chenery 

After many years abroad, my recent return to the UK has been the most challenging of three international relocations. Over three decades in Financial Services across the UK, Singapore, and New Zealand, I’ve gained experiences that shaped me both professionally and personally.

My first move to Singapore was transformative. Transitioning from a multinational head office to a smaller offshore office of 80 people sparked rapid personal growth. In smaller teams, like today's start-ups, people need to be versatile, with the ability to evolve as businesses grow. I brought my business knowledge and project management skills, but over eight years, I learned much more through exposure to diverse peoples and opportunities which I wouldn’t have had staying in the UK.

Moving to New Zealand, I faced challenges with job hunting, often hearing, “You don’t know the local market.” However, I found my niche in Compliance and Regulatory change, a field less attractive to others. Leveraging my strength in project management whilst picking up local regulatory requirements was not a difficult transition, I brought delivery skills and best practices that  were in demand, and adapted to the regulatory landscape - Obligations are just another form of Scope.

Ten years later, I returned to the UK after completing a Master’s in Technology Futures, co-founding the industry forum RegTech NZ, and successfully delivering NZ regulatory projects. Despite my global experience, I encounter the challenge of finding work and integrating into the marketplace “You’ve been out of the country too long.” is the mantra. In an era of digital nomads, offshoring, outsourcing, remote work, and global perspectives, this mindset feels a bit outdated.

Regulatory intent remains consistent across financial services worldwide — ensuring market integrity, economic stability, and consumer protection. New Zealand’s regulations mirror the UK’s, such as Privacy Acts aligning with GDPR, AML and KYCfollowing global norms, and Consumer Duty in the UK reflecting conduct reforms from Australia and embedded in New Zealand’s Financial Markets Conduct legislation. Even climate-related disclosures are based on TCFD, first mandated by NZ regulators.

While local knowledge is important, regulatory change demands flexibility, learning, and the ability to deliver under pressure — precisely what international experience builds. In New Zealand, local knowledge was once prioritized until the value of global experience became apparent. In the UK, I face similar skepticism. Isn’t it short-sighted to overlook professionals who’ve proven their resilience, adaptability, and ability to navigate complex challenges?

The world is increasingly interconnected, and transferable skills  and common Regulatory intents and outcomes aren’t diminished by geography; they’re enhanced by it.