Industry Overview

Scotland is a world leader in financial services

Scotland has an innovative, competitive and thriving international financial services industry. The country is supported by world-class infrastructure and is universally recognised as a global finance leader, offering an ideal location to further your financial services career.

The financial services industry in Scotland is a global leader in

Scotland is one of Europe’s leading financial centres and the industry contributes around £7 billion to Scotland’s GDP.

Figures show that the industry employs around 84,800 people directly and it is estimated that a further 70,000 are employed indirectly.

Scotland is a centre of excellence for financial services jobs

Scotland has more than 70 financial services companies and accounts as the industry continues to grow, TalentScotland seeks to bring the best international financial services talent to Scotland to develop their careers.

View the latest financial services job vacancies in Scotland

Academic opportunities in Scotland’s financial services industry

Scotland is leading the way with partnerships between academia and the financial services industry.

Scotland has delivered a number of 'firsts' by developing qualifications to fill vital skill gaps that have emerged from the changing demands in the world of finance.

Some of Scotland's strengths in financial services education include

  • The Scottish Financial Risk Academy at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh
  • Risk management education, consultancy and research at Glasgow Caledonian University’s Business School
  • The new Investment Accounting Diploma developed by Scottish Investment Operations
  • The University of Dundee’s Masters course in Islamic Accounting and Finance

More on Scotland's financial services industry organisations and associations