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CHANCELLOR ADDRESSES GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES WEEK

Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling will address an audience of senior financial services representatives on Friday 30 May in Edinburgh, as part of Scotland’s first Global Financial Services Week.

The event rounds up a week of discussion and debate on Scotland’s place in the international world of finance, including a conference at the EICC where topics include the emerging markets in China, other Asian markets and Russia.

Owen Kelly, chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said:

“ The importance of Scotland’s financial services industry to Scotland’s economy has grown substantially in recent years, and has done so in a way that brings more business diversity and broader opportunities. It has been a real success story for Scotland. “ Of course we are very aware of the challenges the current environment brings, but that is perhaps more reason than ever to take time to focus on our industry and exchange views. We are delighted to welcome the Chancellor and look forward to the discussion.”

Global Financial Services Week runs from 26 to 30 May 2008, with activities taking place around the country. The week is supported by Scotland’s Financial Services Advisory Board (FiSAB) – the collaboration between the financial services industry, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, the unions and Universities Scotland.

More information on Global Financial Services Week is available at www.globalfinancialservicesweek.com

Note to Editors
1. The Chancellor’s briefing event takes place on Friday 30 May 2008 in Edinburgh. It is hosted by Scottish Financial Enterprise and sponsored by the Clydesdale Bank.

2. Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) is the independent organisation that supports and represents the interests of Scotland’s financial services industry. SFE’s members come from all sectors of the industry operating from Scotland including banks and building societies, general insurance, life assurance and pensions, fund management, asset servicing, corporate finance and broking services, professional advisors and support services. In total, SFE members account for over 70 per cent of the 108,000 people directly employed within Scotland’s financial services industry.

The key focus of SFE’s work is: lobbying for improvements to the business environment that Scotland provides for the financial services industry; influencing government, regulators and other policy-makers, mainly in Scotland, Westminster and Brussels, by facilitating engagement between them and its members; and promoting greater awareness, understanding and support of Scotland’s financial services industry and the issues concerning it.

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