News & insights

For Scottish Careers Week, we're highlighting Gabriel Kane's journey from self-taught software engineer to Lead AI Engineer at 2i. Having started his career at just 16, Gabriel now leads the development of AI-driven solutions, helping businesses across financial services and beyond improve efficiency, software testing and quality assurance.

Meet Nicole Mallare, a second-year Financial Services Graduate Apprentice based in Edinburgh. Working as a Programme Manager in Fund Services Operations while studying towards her degree, Nicole shares how her apprenticeship has helped her build confidence, develop professional skills and industry connections, and discover new career opportunities.

As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we hear from Cameron Clancy, a third-year Graduate Software Development Apprentice at JPMorganChase in Glasgow, about his journey from school into financial services, combining university study with hands-on experience and the opportunities apprenticeships offer to develop skills and build a career.

Dame Susan Rice was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Scottish Financial Services Awards 2026, sponsored by EY. Held in Glasgow during SFE’s 40th anniversary year, the awards brought together firms and individuals from across Scotland’s financial and professional services industry to recognise outstanding achievements, innovation and contributions to the sector over the past year. Winners included Aberdeen, Baillie Gifford, Addepar and Royal Bank of Scotland.

As Scottish Financial Enterprise marks its 40th anniversary, CEO Sandy Begbie reflects on the progress made towards gender equality across Scotland’s financial and professional services industry and the challenges that remain. Alongside the launch of SFE’s new Gender Equality Report, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, he highlights the need for continued action to improve female representation in leadership, strengthen career progression opportunities and drive lasting change across the sector.

SFE Chief Executive Sandy Begbie responds to the UK Budget, welcoming some of the measures announced while raising concerns over increased taxes on the banking sector and the government's approach to supporting economic growth. He highlights the potential impact on investment, business confidence and the long-term competitiveness of Scotland and the wider UK economy.

The shortlist for the 2026 Scottish Financial Services Awards, sponsored by EY, has been announced, recognising the outstanding talent, innovation and impact being delivered across Scotland’s financial and professional services sector. The annual awards celebrate the contribution of both organisations and individuals from across the industry.

A recent SFE and Capco roundtable with FCA Chief Executive Nikhil Rathi explored how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape financial services. The discussion covered the rise of agentic AI, the evolving regulatory landscape, operational resilience, accountability, skills and the challenge of balancing innovation with strong governance and consumer trust.

SFE has launched a new General Insurance Sector Group, bringing together leaders from across Scotland’s insurance industry to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector’s future. The group will focus on areas including AI and digital transformation, talent and skills, the changing risk landscape, climate resilience and financial wellbeing.

Harry Meighan, Marketing Executive at Scottish Financial Enterprise, shares how an unexpected interest in business during his final year at school led him towards a career in marketing. He reflects on choosing an apprenticeship rather than university, beginning his career during the COVID-19 pandemic and discovering the value of learning through hands-on experience.

Psychology graduate and Internal Audit Trainee at Henderson Loggie, Molly Ross shares how curiosity, self-belief and a willingness to embrace uncertainty helped her find a career that brings together her analytical skills and interest in people. She reflects on taking an unconventional route into professional services, learning to trust her instincts and finding a workplace where she can continue to grow.