Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE), the representative body for Scotland’s financial and professional services industry, this week marks 40 years since its launch.
Celebrations commenced last week with a reception at the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the place where SFE was launched 40 years ago. The event brought together senior leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers from across the UK to reflect on four decadesof growth and to look ahead to the future of the sector.
The introduction of SFE in 1986 was billed as a “new and timely force for promoting the financial community in Scotland by helping to improve awareness… of the scale, range and quality of the expertise in the community”, with the joint roles of convening, connectingand collaborating in order to be the voice of the sector.
Since the launch of SFE, the financial services industry in Scotland has grown dramatically. From its traditional roots, the sector has evolved into a global powerhouse, establishing Edinburgh as the UK’s second-largest financial hub and Glasgow as a world-class centre forfinancial technology and operations. The sector now accounts for 10.5% of Scotland’s GVA, over 150,000 jobs and recently broke £12 billion in exports.
Speaking at SFE’s 40th anniversary reception Sandy Begbie CBE, CEO of SFE, said: “Despite bumps along the way our sector continues to outperform and contribute substantially to the UK and Scottish economy. While much has changed, the purpose of SFE todayis almost identical to what it was in 1986. Personally, it is a privilege and a career highlight to be the CEO of SFE.”
Sue Dawe, Chair of SFE, said: “As we celebrate how far we have come, today’s technological, economic, political and geopolitical backdrop means our role remains as important as it was in 1986.
“They say that life begins at forty, and I am confident that is also true for SFE. The challenges of today require the same sector boldness of those who founded SFE forty years ago. An environment where our collective voice is greater than our individual clout,where talent, diversity and innovation drive progress and where success for our industry means prosperity for the customers and communities we serve.”
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Gail Izat, chief operating officer for Standard Life’s pensions & savings business, said: “Financial services remain a core pillar of the Scottish economy and the strength lies in the skilled workforce, a long-term record of innovation and a supportiveecosystem that nurtures talent, fosters competition and drives growth. It’s an agenda that Scottish Financial Enterprise has championed for the last 40 years.”
For more information about SFE please visit: http://sfe.org.uk/
