18 events, 3 cities, one aim: to promote Scotland's burgeoning fintech scene

Eighteen events are set to take place across Scotland next month promoting the country as an international centre of excellence for the fintech industry.

VisitScotland Business Events is partnering with FinTech Scotland to create ‘FinTech Scotland Fortnight 2018’, what it describes as ‘an exciting programme of conferences and meet-ups across the country which will bring alive how the thriving fintech industry is driving innovation and the economy across the country.’

Taking place between 17^th and 28^th September, 18 events take place across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. VisitScotland Business Events’ own ‘Innovate the Nation’ event will return as part of the fortnight with a specially-hosted fintech-themed event in Stirling on the 24^th September with speakers from Fintech Scotland, University of Strathclyde, Encompass Corporation and Sustainably.

Scotland has a rich history of attracting financial services companies and the flourishing fintech sector has found its natural home in the country. The fintech sector alone has attracted £37 million worth of investment over the last 10 years and over 50 fintech companies – from start-ups to listed companies are now based there. Scotland was also recently named the best place in the UK to launch a start-up by Expert Market and Edinburgh has been ranked second on a global quality of life survey by Deutsche Bank so the path should be clear for the sector to build on its success.

Rory Archibald, Business Development Manager- Associations & Sectors, VisitScotland Business Events, said: “Through these events we want to seize the opportunity to showcase Scotland’s fintech sector to the world. By doing this we hope it will act as a springboard to attract more business events into Scotland by showcasing this is the place to be for fintech. Scotland is already a significant figure in this sector but through this, and other collaborative efforts, it’s universities, government, businesses and entrepreneurs will come together to secure and grow its future.”

Stephen Ingledew, Chief Executive, FinTech Scotland, said: “Creating Fintech Fortnight with VisitScotland Business Events’ team broadens our collaboration and allows us to be even more inclusive by sharing the fintech opportunities more widely. We are focused on growing the Scottish fintech sector by attracting more innovation, a diversity of people, greater investment resulting in enhancing our reputation as a leading global fintech centre.”