Scottish financial services industry launches talent search

The initiative, overseen by the Skills Development Scotland agency, aims to address the growing importance of digital skills and financial technology to the future of the sector that employs about 100,000 people directly and around the same number indirectly.

Developed by employers and stakeholders from across the sector, the new plan will build on progress achieved since the first edition of the Skills Investment Plan was published three years ago.

Among the plan’s themes are the continued growth of apprenticeships and workbased learning within financial services.

Jim Lindsay, former chief executive of Airdrie Savings Bank and chair of the Financial Services Advisory Board Skills Group, said: “The foundation for Scotland’s global reputation in financial services is the talent and commitment of the people working in our industry. Maintaining and enhancing this reputation therefore demands a proactive approach to skills planning that identifies the needs of employers both now and in the future, and explores how those needs should be met.”

Minister for employability and training Jamie Hepburn added: “Digital skills are becoming increasingly important in financial services and developing these will allow us to take full advantages of the opportunities offered in new areas such as fintech.”