Finalists announced for Scottish Financial Services Awards 2017

Five companies are vying for the coveted Scottish Financial Services Award for 2017, with technology and contribution to the economy key themes among the finalists announced today.

Run by Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) and sponsored by EY, the awards celebrate success and recognise organisations for excellence in financial services.

Nominees are judged on their contributions to Scotland’s standing as a financial centre, their long-term perspectives, the benefits they bring for customers and their innovation and imagination. A panel of industry leaders including SFE board members and independent judges selected this year’s finalists.

Clark Thomson won the award last year for bucking the trend towards centralisation and achieving outstanding growth. Previous recipients include; the Royal Bank of Scotland, Tesco Bank, Standard Life Investments, business journalist Bill Jamieson and Aberdeen Asset Management.

The winner will be announced at the biggest annual dinner in SFE’s 31-year history on Thursday 26 October in Edinburgh, an event that will also see the winner of the award’s inaugural Rising Star title revealed.

The finalists for 2017 are:

Avaloq

For placing Edinburgh at the forefront of digital transformation projects and helping to establish a vibrant, innovative ecosystem by developing state-of-the-art mobile and web banking solutions for leading financial institutions worldwide.

Castlight

For the innovative FinTech company’s successful track record of providing financial retailers a range of digital tools to enhance the way they do business with their customers.

FreeAgent

For going from start-up to IPO in ten years. Based in Edinburgh, they are now one of the UK’s most successful FinTech companies.

HSBC Bank

For an outstanding performance which has seen delivery of significant sustainable growth for the Scottish economy and the financial services sector.

Nucleus

For leading the way in securing Scotland’s future standing as a centre of excellence in asset management and asset servicing due to its innovate technology-based business model.

Meanwhile, an award to recognise rising stars who have demonstrated outstanding potential and development in the early stages of their career, and promoting the industry and its role in the wider society will make its debut at this year’s event.

The four finalists in the running for the first ever Rising Star Award are:

Arman Eshraghi, Associate Professor of Finance & Accounting, University of Edinburgh

Arman is nominated for his active academic engagement with the finance sector, internationally reputable research excellence in finance and accounting, and extensive portfolio of executive education and consultancy.

Miro Gregorovic, Senior Information Technology Business Consultant, Sopra Steria

An inspiring advocate and trailblazer for FinTech, Miro’s enthusiasm and collaborative approach have empowered financial services organisations across Scotland to harness the transformative benefits of innovative technology.

Victoria MacLean, Equities Investment Manager, Aberdeen Standard Investments

Victoria has been identified as an emerging talent within Aberdeen and was promoted quickly in her team. She is involved in several roles outside Aberdeen aimed at promoting the industry.

Rory Marsh, Business Manager (CEO, Pensions & Savings), Standard Life Aberdeen

Rory is the driving force behind Scottish Financial Enterprise Young Professionals as its founding Chairman. Launched in 2016, they are actively involved in the work of SFE and have a growing membership and well-attended events.

Graeme Jones, chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: “We are experiencing a revolution in Scotland where tradition and technology are colliding to create an innovative financial services ecosystem. It is great to see this reflected in the 2017 finalists for the Scottish Financial Services Award, from ambitious startups putting Scotland on the FinTech map to long-standing firms creating sustainable growth for our economy.

“The wealth of talent in our industry is staggering and nurturing the next generation is key, which is why we have introduced the Rising Star Award to this year’s proceedings. Congratulations to the four finalists who prove the future is very bright for financial services in Scotland.”

Sue Dawe, head of financial Services at EY in Scotland, said: “This year’s list of finalists again reflects the breadth and strength of our industry in Scotland. The new Rising Star Award is a fantastic commitment from SFE to identify, celebrate and support Scotland’s financial services leaders of tomorrow. From what I’ve seen of the finalists, the industry’s future looks an exciting one. I am delighted that EY is once again sponsoring these awards.”