Accountancy businesses optimistic about international business amid trade progress

UK accountancy leaders see international expansion as both an opportunity and a necessity as the UK signs trade deals with the EU, India and United States

Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of UK accountancy businesses are optimistic about future international growth opportunities, new research commissioned by Equals Moneyhas revealed. The news comes following a succession of international trade deals signed by UK government.

Nearly half (42 per cent) see international expansion as a route to growth, while 35 per cent count it as necessary for their future survival. The drive for international expansion is clear, with half of finance businesses looking to take advantage of tax and regulatory conditions.

Following news that the UK attracted the second highest number of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in Europe last year, over half (52 per cent) of accountancy businesses say international expansion is now actually easier than it was five years ago. Tax incentives (33%), market size (32%) and economic stability (38%) are the factors that most influence which markets accountancy businesses choose to expand into.

Given recent announcements, it’s no surprise that UK accountancy businesses are looking to Europe (40%) as the top destination for growth, closely followed by North America (38%). Interestingly there is a growing interest in Latin America, with a quarter of finance businesses looking to expand into the region in the next five years.

"It’s great to see that optimism is high amongst accountants when it comes to international growth,” said Thanim Islam, Head of FX Analysis at Equals Money. “Whether that comes from inward investment or companies expanding into the UK, there’s a clear opportunity for accountants. To support international clients effectively, accountancy businesses need to make their lives as simple as possible, whether that’s simply managing multi-currency transactions or even white labelling embedded finance solutions. With challenges such as exchange rate volatility and ensuring regulatory compliance, accountants need the right digital tools and financial solutions to help their clients navigate these complexities.”

Managing international payments (31 per cent) was a key challenge highlighted by respondents to the survey. For businesses looking to manage cross-border payments with confidence, Equals Money offers financial tools that simplify global transactions and safeguard margins against currency risks.

For more information on how Equals Money can support your business’s international expansion, download our free guide for accountancy businesses: equalsmoney.com/global-business

Research conducted by Equals Money and Censuswide in February 2025, surveying 509 senior decision makers in the travel, accountancy and ecommerce sectors.

About Equals Money

Equals Money offers a spend management platform and multi-currency accounts, backed by our extensive FX expertise, to power business growth.