Financial Services

“Often working in the city, it is clear to see Edinburgh’s strength lies in its infrastructure, skilled workforce, and competitive marketplace across the financial services industry, with over 30,000 people working in the sector. With a sophisticated supply chain and a growing specialism in financial technology (fintech), it’s no surprise to me that it has again become such an attractive proposition for investors."

- Fraser Gillies, Managing Partner, WJM

Edinburgh has a long history of excellence in financial services dating back to the founding of the Bank of Scotland in 1695. Over 30,000 people work in financial services in Edinburgh, with a further 4,000 working in accounting, auditing, and tax consultancy. The sector is supported by a sophisticated supply chain, including a rapidly-growing financial technology (fintech).

The March 2025 Global Financial Centres Index - a comparison of the competitiveness of the world’s leading financial centres - ranked Edinburgh 29th worldwide (9th in Europe). The March 2025 Global Green Finance Index ranked Edinburgh 18th worldwide (12th in Europe).

The Financial Conduct Authority - the state regulator for the UK financial services industry - has a base in Edinburgh. The UK Islamic Finance Council is headquartered in Edinburgh. Scottish Financial Enterprise, the representative body for Scotland's financial services industry, is based in the city, as is the professional body Scottish Investment Operations. Academic institutes include the Scottish Financial Risk Academy (an academy-industry partnership established to improve understanding of quantitative financial risk management) and the Compassion in Financial Services Hub (a multi-disciplinary hub aimed at creating a a more inclusive, sustainable, and compassionate financial system).