There is a proud history of financial services in Scotland stretching back over 300 years, and the tradition of excellence is upheld to this day. Leading financial services organisations continue to choose Scotland, thanks to a positive business culture, world-class academic sector and range of support services.
Indigenous companies sit alongside leading global financial institutions, and Scotland offers a great many advantages and opportunities for financial services organisations.
Financial services in Scotland – the advantages
The rate of growth enjoyed by the financial services industry in Scotland in recent years has been impressive. The sector has grown by 60 per cent since 2000 and a world-class, pre-existing infrastructure and support network help ensure continued growth.
- The financial services industry in Scotland comprises an impressive breadth of services.
- Scotland has the highest concentration of universities in Europe and produces thousands of business graduates each year.
- A bustling community of professional advisers and services exists.
- There is a flexible, stable and motivated workforce with highly developed skills related to the financial services industry.
- Scotland is an internationally recognised financial services location.
- One of the lowest tax rates in the EU, lower average salaries and fewer overheads mean substantial savings are available in Scotland.
- A critical mass of financial services operations exist throughout Scotland, although these are mainly concentrated in the central belt.
Support for financial services in Scotland
Scottish Development International (SDI) works to attract inward investment and help Scottish companies develop international business opportunities. We are actively involved in the financial services industry and all other sectors of the Scottish economy.
Contact SDI to learn out more about the range of services we offer the Scottish financial services industry
Find out from financial services companies why they chose Scotland and the opportunities presented by the sector.