The Trusted Advisor: Industry Leaders Interview with Islay Robinson at Enness Global
In the world of high-value finance, few names carry the quiet confidence and global reach of Islay Robinson. As Founder of Enness Global, Islay has spent nearly two decades building a business that sits at the very heart of the luxury property ecosystem, serving some of the world’s most financially complex and internationally mobile individuals. From founding Enness at the height of the 2007 financial crisis to pioneering bespoke financial solutions across Europe, the Middle East, and the US, Islay’s journey is one of foresight, resilience, and purpose.
In this conversation with LPF Founder Priya Rawal, Islay shares the story behind Enness, the values that underpin its success, and her vision for the future of luxury finance. If you’re curious about how discretion, agility, and deep relationships are transforming the lending landscape for UHNW clients, this is a must-read.
Islay, for those who might not be familiar, tell me about Enness Global and what you do.
Of course. Enness Global, a company I founded in 2007, is an international high-value finance brokerage. We specialise in arranging large and complex mortgages and financial solutions for high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals worldwide. Our clients include entrepreneurs, international property investors and clients with complex financial profiles. We provide services that include real estate finance, international mortgages, securities-backed lending, business finance, crypto-related financing, and insurance. At our core, we are a solutions-driven business built on access, expertise, and long-standing relationships.
Founding a business in 2007, right as the financial crisis hit must have been a wild time. What was driving you in that moment?
Enness was founded at the same time as The Northern Rock’s collapse in 2007. Great - I know! The turbulent start taught us resilience. We knew what our purpose was from the beginning. We knew there was a segment of clients, high-net-worth individuals, and international borrowers, who still needed expert, personalised advice, especially as the traditional mortgage market became more restrictive. We focused on them and built a business that prioritised flexibility, access, and global reach. Those individuals needed bespoke financial solutions, and we knew we could fill the gap in the market, a role we continue to fulfil to this day.
Your clients sound incredibly complex, with global profiles and unique requirements. What is it that really sets Enness apart?
Enness exists to solve problems others can’t, or won’t, tackle. We operate in a space where our clients often have multiple income streams, assets across jurisdictions, and highly complex structures. Our strength lies in understanding the whole picture and crafting financial solutions that take every element into account, not just what’s on paper. What sets us apart is also access: we work with hundreds of lenders worldwide, across both mainstream and private markets. That means we can secure finance options that are often entirely off-market and unavailable to most borrowers. We don’t believe in ‘off-the-shelf’ finance - we build bespoke, discreet solutions for every client.
What does a typical day look like for you or is there no such thing?
There’s no such thing as a typical working day for me. We work across time zones, so calls can start early and run into the evening. I’ll often meet lenders, advisers, or introducers during the day, as those relationships are the foundation of our success. I still work closely with our advisers; staying involved keeps me close to what our clients need, how the market is evolving, and where the business can go next. I do try to make sure, amongst the work chaos, that I find time to be with my wife and three daughters. They are growing up so quickly; I don’t want to look back and regret missing anything.
You’ve built something incredible, what have been some of the most challenging moments along the way?
Starting the business during the 2007 financial crisis was a trial by fire. The market was collapsing, and uncertainty was everywhere. But it forced us to be lean, focused, and client-driven from the outset. Fast forward to today, and we’re again seeing disruption, global inflation, interest rate fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and changing tax environments. But complexity breeds opportunity. Today’s clients are more global, mobile, and financially sophisticated than ever before. They’re looking for partners who understand not only finance but also cross-border wealth and international strategy. Our biggest challenge has always been keeping pace with that evolving demand, but it’s also our biggest motivation.
And what about the high points, those moments that really make you step back and feel proud?
The highlights have always come from growth, whether it’s opening a new international office or watching one of our brokers develop into a trusted adviser for some of the world’s most prominent individuals. Seeing Enness go from a small London office to a global brand operating across Europe, the Middle East, and the US has been incredibly rewarding. More than that, it’s the trust our clients place in us, being called upon to solve challenges that really matter to them, that has always been the most meaningful part of the journey.
Who or what keeps you grounded and inspired?
My wife. She’s someone with clear morals, unwavering boundaries, and a strong sense of what’s right. She cuts through the noise, sees situations for what they truly are, and possesses a remarkable strength of character. The world would be a simpler and better place if more people operated that way.
You’ve worked at the highest levels of the industry, what advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a leader in this space?
Put the client first, genuinely. In this sector, it’s not about volume, it’s about value. Relationships matter more than transactions. Understand that luxury isn’t just about expensive homes or big numbers - it’s about discretion, insight, and delivering something others can’t. Learn to listen, to advise, and to think creatively. And most importantly, be consistent. Reputation takes years to build and seconds to lose in this industry.
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for Enness and for your own journey?
We aim to build something enduring, a business that continues to set the benchmark for international high-value finance. That means more offices in key financial centres, best-in-class advisers, and constantly pushing what’s possible in our space. The future is about scale, yes, but also about maintaining legacy and preserving the same level of service, access, and agility, regardless of our growth. We are, however, currently expanding our existing US presence and services. The team is rapidly growing, so watch this space.
And finally, what does “luxury” mean to you?
Luxury is personal. It’s not about excess, it’s about quality, intention, and experience. It’s something that feels considered, exclusive, and tailored specifically to you. In our world, that might mean securing finance discreetly, working with someone who truly understands your goals, or having access to something that others don’t. Luxury, to me, is the absence of friction - it’s when everything works.
