Working collaboratively with business leaders is key to driving
forward a wellbeing economy that delivers a fairer, greener, more
prosperous Scotland, First Minister has said.
His comments come ahead of the first meeting of the Financial
Services Growth and Development Board since the First Minister’s
appointment where he pledged to work with the sector to attract
capital investment to Scotland.
The board - which the First Minister co-chairs - will play a
pivotal role in ensuring the Scottish Government and financial
services industry work in partnership to create opportunities for
businesses and individuals. It will have a clear focus on
actions, including those which can support the growth and
continued global success of the sector.
By working in partnership with industry leaders, the Scottish
Government will double down on supporting businesses to drive
financial inclusion and wellbeing, creating well paid jobs,
developing skills for the future and investing in green and
sustainable finance to support the net zero transition.
First Minister said:
“Since coming into office I’ve made it a government priority to
build a new and stronger relationship with business and made it
clear that we will do everything we can to build on Scotland’s
key economic strengths.
“Our status as the UK’s largest financial centre, outside London
and the South-East, is one of those strengths. Economic growth is
essential in helping us achieve our ambitions – for tackling
poverty, improving our public services, and achieving net zero.
“The financial services sector will continue to play a key part
in helping us to tackle poverty and fund our public services.
That’s why we will continue to capitalise on the incredible
expertise that the industry has to offer, in order to help us
realise our ambitions for the sector – and for Scotland.”
Background
The Financial Services Growth and Development Board (FiSGAD) was
launched in 2022 to:
- act as the main forum for engagement between the Financial
and Professional Services industry and Scottish Government
- promote the long-term success, competitiveness and growth of
the industry in Scotland and globally
- engage on key issues and opportunities facing the industry
with a clear focus on identifying appropriate actions to be taken
on by the sector and/or Government
- oversee the work of the Green and Sustainable Financial
Services Taskforce
