Some five years ago, when Sam Boboev started his career in tech, he quickly realized that his passion for finding simple solutions to complex problems aligned well with fintech. Exploring this rapidly growing niche, he launched several successful payment products and contributed to thriving startups. He also founded the Fintech Wrap Up newsletter, where he shares the latest industry news and insights, and serves as a pro bono peer mentor in product management. Seeing the UK as the ideal place to advance his fintech career, he decided to apply for the Global Talent Visa. In this interview, he explains why he believes this visa is the best option for relocation and shares his plans for moving to London!
You’ve built a career in fintech and blockchain, working with international companies, including British ones. What made you choose the UK as your new home?
Sam Boboev: The UK has always been at the forefront of fintech innovation, with a well-established regulatory framework, a thriving startup ecosystem, and a strong talent pool. Having worked with international fintech companies and contributed to various projects across Central Asia and Europe, I see the UK as the ideal place to further my career. The country’s emphasis on embedded finance, open banking, and regulatory advancements aligns with my expertise. Moreover, collaborations with UK-based fintech leaders reinforced my decision to move here, as I saw firsthand how the UK fosters technological growth and entrepreneurship.
Did you consider other relocation programs? Why did you ultimately decide on the Global Talent Visa, and what do you see as its biggest advantages?
Sam Boboev: Yes, I explored other relocation programs, but the Global Talent Visa stood out because it values contributions and impact in tech rather than just a job offer. Given my experience in fintech, product development, and thought leadership—including speaking engagements, accelerator programs, and fintech publications—I found it perfectly aligned with my career. Its biggest advantage is flexibility, allowing me to engage in multiple ventures, drive fintech innovation, and collaborate with startups, VCs, and corporates without being tied to one employer.
When you started working on your application, was there anything that surprised you? Were there any Tech Nation requirements that you found particularly challenging?
Sam Boboev: One surprising aspect was the level of detail required to demonstrate impact. Tech Nation’s evaluation goes beyond job roles and requires concrete evidence of leadership, innovation, and industry influence. While I had extensive experience in fintech and product development, compiling and structuring the supporting documents—from recommendation letters to media features and speaking engagements—was challenging. Another key requirement was showing how my contributions were unique. Articulating the competitive advantage of my work, such as how Botcommerce’s no-code e-commerce solution disrupted the market, required strategic framing.
Why did you decide to seek the help of an agency when preparing your visa documents? What difficulties did you anticipate?
Sam Boboev: Given the complexity of the application, I wanted to ensure my submission was as strong as possible. The main difficulty I anticipated was structuring my evidence effectively—making sure that my leadership, impact, and contributions were well-documented and aligned with Tech Nation’s criteria. Immigram provided guidance on highlighting key aspects of my work, refining my personal statement, and ensuring my letters of recommendation met the required standards. Your experience with successful applications helped me avoid common pitfalls, such as being too broad in describing achievements instead of focusing on measurable outcomes.
Now that you’ve gone through the application process, what advice would you give to others who are just starting their Global Talent Visa journey?
Sam Boboev:
What are your plans once you receive the visa? Have you decided on your next career move and where you’ll be living?
Sam Boboev: My immediate plan is to relocate to London, where I see the biggest opportunities to leverage my fintech expertise. I aim to continue building fintech products, collaborate with UK-based startups, and contribute to the fintech ecosystem through speaking engagements, mentoring, and advisory roles. Additionally, I plan to expand Fintech Wrap Up, my fintech insights platform, to a larger UK audience, helping fintech professionals stay ahead of industry trends. London’s fintech hub offers the perfect environment for networking, investment opportunities, and scaling innovative financial products.
