This summer, Scottish Financial Enterprise was pleased to host Maya Abadan for a week long internship as part of our commitment to nurturing future talent in Scotland’s financial and professional services sector.

As part of Maya’s internship with SFE, she wrote a short blog reflecting on her experience. You can read it here.

Scotland’s financial services sector could boost GVA by 21% and create 16,000 new jobs by 2028, according to new research from EY.

The report highlights Scotland’s strengths in talent, innovation, and cost competitiveness but also outlines key barriers to growth, including high personal tax, limited R&D support, and challenges surrounding attracting top-tier international talent.

In a world where career paths often seem linear, our latest case study features an inspiring journey that defies expectations. Amanda Byrne, an Associate at BNP Paribas, whose initial aspirations lay far from the financial sector – in nursing, to be precise. It was a pivotal Career Ready internship that unexpectedly ignited a passion for finance, revealing a hidden talent and a profound sense of belonging. Read Amanda’s story here.

Many of us embark on career paths influenced by family, yet often, it's the unexpected detours and a willingness to explore that truly shape our professional journeys. That was the case with Finlay Stewart who, despite initial aspirations of becoming an archaeologist, found his calling in the dynamic world of financial services. Read more in Finlay’s blog here.

In our next #NoWrongPath blog, we hear from Jay Robertson, a successful Private Banker at Coutts on how an unexpected apprenticeship sparked a passion, reshaped ambitions, and led to a thriving career in the dynamic world of wealth management. Jay’s story champions real-world experience, continuous growth, and the profound impact of mentorship. 

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.

This week, we’re proud to support the #NoWrongPath campaign by Developing the Young Workforce, which shines a light on the many different routes people take into fulfilling careers. First up is Jess Insall, co-chair of the SFE young professional network, to share her story.

Before my internship I didn’t really know what to expect when I went into the workplace. The internship has made me realise that I might not go to college next year for joinery and would like to find a job in financial services.

Click here to read SFE’s response to the chancellor’s Mansion House speech and the Leeds Reforms.

Sponsorship opportunities Scotland’s Global Investment Summit 2025, supported by the UK & Scottish governments and promoted by the City of London Corporation (COLC) and Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE), are now open.

Ethical Finance Global returns to Edinburgh on 17 September 2025 to mark its 10th anniversary. Join global leaders at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa as part of the inaugural Edinburgh Finance Festival to explore whether finance will retreat from sustainability - or rise to meet the moment.

In this post, we'll dive into the journeys of three individuals who've successfully navigated this transition: Mark Kane, Senior Project Manager at M&G; Jamie McMillan, Operational Risk Director at Barclays; and Ben James, Director at Baillie Gifford. Their stories highlight how their military backgrounds didn't just prepare them for a new career but actively gave them a unique edge.

Check out SFE YP committee member Heather Ross's latest blog post about her inspiring experience at the 2025 All-Energy Conference & Exhibition in Glasgow. From engaging seminars to dynamic panel discussions, Heather highlights the innovative solutions and collaborative efforts driving us towards a sustainable future.

Rory Bremner takes centre stage as our compere for the 2025 Scottish Financial Services Awards, sponsored by EY.

Check out our latest blog as we reflect on a powerful conversation with Dr Cor Hutton MBE, Kasia Zduniak and Derek McEwan. Discover how their insights and personal stories highlight the importance of designing inclusive environments where everyone can thrive, and learn more about the proactive steps we can take to embed equity and inclusion into our workplaces.

We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with cancer care charity Maggie’s for the 2025 Scottish Financial Services Awards, aiming to raise funds for those affected by cancer. Sponsored by EY, the awards will be held in Edinburgh this October to celebrate the contributions of the financial services sector to both industry and society.

We have launched our latest impact report, designed to enable you to explore in detail the work that our team has delivered, and the value that we have brought to our members, and to the wider Scottish financial services industry.

Scotland’s asset management industry is harnessing AI, data, and university partnerships to drive innovation and efficiency. With Edinburgh managing over £500bn in assets, leaders aim to double assets under management to £1 trillion by 2030, cementing Scotland’s position as a global financial hub.

Click here to read what our CEO, Sandy Begbie had to say on the new Programme for Government.

The SFE Data & AI Steering Group has outlined nine key principles to guide the responsible use of this technology, emphasizing transparency, ethics, security, and continuous innovation. By following these guidelines, the industry can unlock AI’s full potential while maintaining the trust of customers, regulators, and society.