From Edinburgh to Adelaide

Scotland's financial services workers are seeking pastures greener (and less wet and windy).

Recruitment firm 'Think Global,' says Scotland's finance professionals are increasing moving abroad in order to gain CV points - rather than for the lifestyle benefits of living in - say - Sydney.

"People are recognising that international experience is integral to gaining promotion," says Think Global marketing manager Suzanne Laporte. The company's latest survey shows that career development now supersedes lifestyle as the impetus for a move.

Laporte lists Australia, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Cayman and Channel Islands as popular destinations.

Financial services jobs currently on offer include an insurance account manager in the Cayman Islands, financial controller in Turks and Caicos Islands, fund accountant in Luxembourg, and a finance manager in Vancouver.

The financial incentives for shifting overseas can be considerable. An accountant in Scotland earning 30k can negotiate over $120k (50k) in Sydney.

"Rather than an extended holiday, or 'grown-up gap year', working overseas is seen as valuable experience by employers. And promotions can be gained that may not be achieved at home," says Laporte.

And after two years or so working abroad, she says Scots finance professionals can often return home to a more senior role.

But is all this emigration a good thing for the Scots talent pool? Yes - according to Amanda Harvie, chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise. She says the flow of people is into Scotland as well as out of it: "We are seeing high quality people coming to Scotland to pursue global careers with companies based here." This more than offsets any outflow of individuals overseas.

"It remains the case that Scottish financial services is endowed with a skilled workforce across a wide base," Harvie adds.