A decade ago the Swiss National Bank (SNB) shocked global markets by removing the Swiss franc’s peg to the euro, triggering the so-called “Frankenschock.” The abrupt appreciation of the Swiss franc immediately impacted Switzerland’s economy, particularly for globally mobile professionals, expatriates, and multinational companies. Fast-forward to 2020, and the world was grappling with another seismic event—the COVID-19 pandemic—which disrupted global mobility on an unprecedented scale. Two years later, as we just moved out of the pandemic, Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, leading to a devastating conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. As of early 2025, estimates suggest that nearly one million Ukrainian and Russian troops have been killed or wounded, with approximately 80,000 […]

Going on an international assignment is often a relationship challenge. Even if you have already been married for a long time, moving abroad can bring out the best and worst in the relationship with your spouse and/or life partner. Gone are the days of the “expat wife” sitting in the expat country club, playing tennis or painting her fingernails at the pool while an armada of the staff was taking care of the driving, children, household, and cooking. Today, life partners and spouses are of all backgrounds and all colors. My observation is that more and more male spouses are joining female expats. We also see more same-sex couples doing assignments together. Some couples plan to have a family while […]