Standard Life Investments have been named winners of the inaugural Scottish Financial Services Awards - an initiative from Scottish Financial Enterprise in association with Ernst and Young.
The award was presented to Keith Skeoch, Chief Executive of Standard Life Investments, at Scottish Financial Enterprise's annual dinner held in Glasgow on 28 October.
Accepting the award Keith Skeoch welcomed recognition of the company's focus on promoting stewardship, he said:
"In terms of stewardship, we've been in the vanguard of trying to set the agenda following the financial crisis.
"We've been working with regulators and other firms to make sure this is an appropriate part of the policy agenda. For us, it isn't just a theoretical question - we've also been very practical in engaging with companies to make sure we get our message across about corporate governance and working with other investors to promote the 'long-termist' agenda."
SFE Chairman Mark Tennant said:
"Chairing the panel of judges has been a tough job with the wealth of talent we have to choose from in Scottish financial services, however I am delighted that we identified seven finalists who not only represent the quality our industry has to offer but also reflect the diversity of our industry. Selecting only one winner was never going to be easy but I believe Standard Life Investments is a very deserved recipient of the first Scottish Financial Services Award. Through the leadership of Keith Skeoch, the company displays the kind of commitment, enthusiasm and innovative skills our industry relies on to be successful and compete internationally.
Hywel Ball, Ernst & Young's managing partner in Scotland, commented:
"Special congratulations must be afforded to Keith Skeoch and his team at Standard Life Investments, but every one of our finalists should be recognised as innovators, visionaries and captains of industry in their own right.
"They continue to navigate the choppy waters of the downturn, plotting a course for their peers and helping ensure Scotland remains at the centre of Financial Services excellence."
Jill Farrell, Director of Financial Services at Scottish Enterprise, added:
"The financial services sector continues to be a vital component of Scotland's economic recovery. I'm delighted that this is being recognised through the Scottish Financial Services Award and congratulate Standard Life Investments on a well deserved win. I would also like to commend all of the finalists for the high quality of entries, and wish each of them future success in their respective organisations."
FINALISTS UNVEILED FOR SCOTTISH FINANCIAL SERVICES AWARDS
Seven finalists from across the financial services industry in Scotland have been named as contenders for the first Scottish Financial Services Awards.
The new awards scheme, led by the industry body Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE), in association with Ernst & Young, is designed to recognise the very best in the industry. Entrants were judged on their contribution to Scotland's standing as a financial centre, long term perspective, benefits for customers, innovation and imagination.
The overall winner will be announced at SFE's annual dinner on 28 October 2010.
The finalists and reason for nomination are:
Aberdeen Asset Management: for succeeding in difficult markets, increasing the size of the company through considered acquisitions in times of turbulence and extending its international reach.
Archangel Informal Investment Ltd: for a track record of angel investment in Scotland, creating jobs and making a long-term contribution to Scotland's economic growth.
BlackRock: for commitment to Scotland in its decision to make Edinburgh a centre for growth, including the establishment of a worldwide accounting function.
Citi/Morgan Stanley: for their partnership with Career Academies UK, investing in work ready skills at Scottish colleges.
FNZ: for rapid growth and success in providing competitive technology and investment.
Scottish Financial Risk Academy: for academe and industry working together to think afresh about some of the most difficult questions arising from the financial crisis.
Standard Life Investments: for activity in promoting stewardship of investments and turning in an excellent performance, with growth in assets under management and internationalisation of clients and investments.
Owen Kelly, Chief Executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise said:
"We are delighted to announce seven finalists of such high calibre. There is a wealth of talent in the Scottish financial services industry so it was by no means an easy job for the judges to select only seven. Uppermost in the judges' consideration was how companies have responded to the great changes that continue to flow from the financial crisis.
"We hope this new approach to our annual awards will recognise the very best in the industry in the past year, whether that success relates to people, product or company performance."
Hywel Ball, Ernst &Young's Managing Partner in Scotland added:
"The Scottish Financial Services Awards provides a platform from which to showcase the talent and achievements of Scotland's leading companies, business people, products and services, as the industry continues to adapt and react to a changing economic and regulatory landscape. This year's finalists have shown their ability to seize opportunities and maintain their vision for growth, even in tough times."
NEW AWARDS SCHEME FOR SCOTTISH FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY
Scottish Financial Enterprise and Ernst & Young have announced a new awards scheme for the industry - the Scottish Financial Services Awards.
The Scottish Financial Services Awards will replace The Innovators, building on their success, but recognising the very best in the industry across the full range of its diverse businesses and activities.
Following extensive discussions across the industry, seven finalists have been shortlisted and their details will be announced soon. The overall winner will be announced at the SFE annual dinner on 28 October, 2010.
Owen Kelly, Chief Executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said:
"The new approach will allow us to recognise the successes generated in Scotland's financial services industry, whether those successes relate to people, product or company performance.
"The Innovators worked well for the industry, but the new awards will be more dynamic, more representative, and better reflect how our industry supports customers and wider society.
Hywel Ball , Ernst & Young's Managing Partner in Scotland added:
"As an integral part of the Scottish economy, it is vital that we continue to support and recognise the contributions of the financial service sector. The Scottish Financial Services Awards will provide a platform from which to showcase the talent and achievements of Scotland's leading companies, business people, products and services, as the industry continues to adapt and react to a changing economic and regulatory landscape."
