David Francis is a Singapore based, Expat Financial Advisor. Originally from London, he’s worked in the US (including a stint at Goldman Sachs), the Caribbean and the UK. His experience includes both private sector and the public sector (the IMF).

In our conversation, we spoke about his views on the social and economic impact of the pandemic. He agrees that times are difficult, but he is confident that being based in Singapore presents a definitive financial advantage. The challenges in Hong Kong have pushed Singapore to the forefront as Asia’s financial capital and business has been good throughout the pandemic as investor shop for opportunities.

I incorporated his comments in my most recent book which is available on amazon at - https://www.amazon.com/author/derrenjoseph

But if you connect with me on LinkedIn and I will give you a link to download the ebook for free - http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/derren-joseph-ea/2/533/34

In terms of my background, my name is Derren Joseph and I am a part of a finance practice that works with entrepreneurs and expats doing business internationally. I am frequently asked for opinions that extend beyond taxation. It is not unusual for me to spend time with my clients and colleagues discussing socioeconomic trends and their impact on specific geographies and industries.

The present pandemic is perhaps the single most important event of our lives. It will shape our world in unimaginable ways. I wrote a book in the hope that it may help entrepreneurs like you and my clients. Entrepreneurs who operate internationally and must now pivot and retool themselves and their teams for what is to come.

Of course, I must admit my more selfish motives. I too need to pivot and to adapt to the unfolding revolution. A revolution in the way we do business internationally. I wrote this book to improve my own chances of survival.

I decided to approach this in a more formal way than I normally would. Like many, I have read extensively, and I have tried to acknowledge this by naming those responsible for ideas that are not my own. What I have also done is spoken to people.

I have spoken to around 150 people in my network. Some are well known but most are not. What they all have in common is that they have done business across borders and in many cases, across several countries. They have also done so with some degree of success. I have captured a few of the interviews as videos such as the one you are watching but most spoke with me privately and I must therefore respect their privacy.

So where are we now? We are bruised, battered and scared. Scared of what awaits us.

It is my hope that this book helps you as it has helped me. My message? It’s simple. You must diversify your lifestyle.