An impressive return

Scotland is now recognised as one of Europe’s leading financial centres, and is the second largest financial services hub in the UK.

Scotland is particularly recognised for its strengths in:

• banking;
• life assurance and pensions;
• investment management; and
• asset servicing (investment operations).

It also has a vibrant general insurance, corporate finance and broking services sectors and is supported by a strong network of professional advisors and support companies.

Read more key facts and figures on the financial services sector in Scotland

Working in partnership

Scottish Enterprise’s Financial Services Team is working in partnership with the industry, representative bodies and the Scottish Executive to help Scotland retain and improve its position as a leading financial services centre.

A Strategy for the Financial Services Industry in Scotland is the partnership's plan for the next five years, which aims to:

• strengthen the world-class workforce and improve the business infrastructure;
• build the industry’s profile within and beyond Scotland; and,
• support and encourage innovation within the industry.

Download the Strategy for the Financial Services Industry in Scotland Annual Report 2006 (PDF, 563kb)

Download the Strategy for the Financial Services Industry in Scotland 2005 (PDF, 809kb)

For more information call the Scottish Enterprise helpline on 0845 607 8787 or email network.helpline@scotent.co.uk

Sector Challenge - Skills and People

In August 2005, the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland (CIOBS) held a roundtable discussion, which allowed delegates to pose questions to a panel of experts from the financial services sector. The resulting discussion was published in the August/September 2005 edition of Scottish Banker. You can download the article below:

Sector Challenge: skills and people roundtable discussion (PDF, 255kb)