Speaking to Euro Weekly News, CEO Barry Floyd highlighted how the demand for prepaid funeral plans has remained consistently strong.

“UK expats view funeral planning as practical and responsible,” Floyd explains. “Spain’s system often requires funerals to be organised and paid for within 24 to 48 hours, which can be a major shock to British families used to the UK’s slower timeline. Our plans allow customers to arrange and prepay for everything in advance, removing the financial and emotional burden from their loved ones.”

But what sets Golden Leaves apart is its regulation by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - a distinction shared by only one other provider operating in Spain. Customer funds are protected under the FCA’s rigorous rules, offering peace of mind in a sector where not all providers offer the same security.

“We’re proud to be FCA-regulated,” says Floyd. “It means we’ve passed 12 to 18 months of deep scrutiny, covering everything from financial health to staff qualifications and how we treat customers. If anything were to happen to us, our clients would be fully refunded via the FCA’s compensation scheme.”

That security is especially crucial in light of the recent collapse of Iberian Funeral Plans, an unregulated company that left more than 6,000 people without recourse. Golden Leaves avoids such risks by placing client funds into a separate trust, managed by independent trustees and entirely out of reach of creditors or company operations.

Golden Leaves partners with funeral providers across Spain, including long established firms along the Costas, to ensure consistent, high-quality service. The company operates 24/7 and coordinates with its network to arrange services seamlessly when the time comes. The brand’s ethical stance, UK heritage, and long-standing ties with local providers make it a reassuring choice for expats who want to protect their families from future hardship.

Looking ahead, Golden Leaves is expanding its presence across Europe, with operations in the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Cyprus. Notably, the company is building Cyprus’s first crematorium - a bold step reflecting its commitment to serving diverse communities with foresight and innovation.

“Planning isn’t just about money,” Floyd concludes. “It’s about protecting your loved ones from distress when the time comes. A regulated funeral plan brings peace of mind that lasts.”