News & insights

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.

After an unexpected change in direction, a degree in Business Management with Marketing and a valuable third-year placement helped shape her path into marketing. She reflects on discovering an interest in digital content and consumer behaviour, and why taking a different route can still lead to exciting opportunities.

As part of #NoWrongPath Week, Caitlin shares her journey from medicine and biomedical engineering into business, finance and an internship at SFE, reflecting on how following her curiosity helped her find a career path that brings together her technical strengths and commercial interests.

As thousands of young people across Scotland receive their exam results today, our Chief Executive Sandy Begbie has written a piece reminding young people that there is no wrong path and that your willingness to learn, your mindset and your attitude to challenge matter just as much as exam results.

As part of #NoWrongPath Week, Bruce Fleming, Digital Product Owner at M&G, shares how leaving school at 16, completing an apprenticeship and embracing opportunities beyond his day-to-day role helped him build a fulfilling career in financial services.