Young Professionals Leaving UK for Southern Europe, Revolut Co-Founder Warns

Young professionals are increasingly choosing to leave the UK for sunnier climates and more favorable tax regimes in Southern Europe, according to Vlad Yatsenko, the billionaire co-founder of digital banking giant Revolut. This trend, he warns, could undermine Britain’s position as a global hub for talent, particularly in the competitive fintech sector.

Yatsenko, who co-founded Revolut in 2015, noted that many of the company’s employees are now using remote work options to relocate abroad. “The UK competes with Southern Europe now,” he said, adding that younger professionals who once flocked to London for career opportunities are now drawn to countries like Portugal and Italy, attracted by lower taxes, better financial incentives, and a desirable lifestyle.

Portugal, in particular, has become a hotspot for start-ups, with tax breaks designed to attract foreign talent and retain its own young workforce. Italy, meanwhile, has seen a surge in early-stage tech investments, with funding reaching $2 billion (£1.8 billion) in 2023. These developments have made Southern Europe an increasingly attractive alternative to the UK.

Yatsenko, originally from Ukraine and now based in London, urged the UK government to take proactive steps to retain talent. He pointed out that rival countries are creating environments that make it easier for professionals to thrive, warning that the UK could lose its competitive edge if it doesn’t respond to these challenges.

Despite his concerns, Yatsenko acknowledged that the UK remains an important market for fintech businesses. Revolut, headquartered in Canary Wharf, employs over 10,000 people globally and allows staff to work remotely or in a hybrid capacity, making it easier for employees to consider relocating without sacrificing their careers.

The exodus of talent is not limited to Revolut but reflects broader trends in the UK’s tech and finance sectors. Start-up founders have expressed concern that policy changes, such as the recent increase in capital gains tax, could discourage entrepreneurship and exacerbate the talent drain.

Revolut itself has been thriving, with plans to expand its offerings by introducing fully digital mortgages. The company’s growth, including a recent $45 billion valuation and over 50 million customers worldwide, underscores its success in adapting to the changing work environment.

However, as more professionals seek out opportunities abroad, the UK faces an urgent need to reassess its policies. Tax incentives in Portugal and Italy, along with their attractive lifestyles, are drawing young professionals away from the UK. The government’s ability to create a competitive environment will be key in retaining the talent needed to maintain the country’s status as a leader in innovation.

Yatsenko’s comments highlight the broader challenges facing the UK’s future as a talent hub, emphasizing the need for the government to act to ensure the UK remains a top destination for professionals and entrepreneurs.