Nicola Anderson

This implements one of the recommendations highlighted in the recent Kalifa FinTech Sector Review which referenced Scotland as the second-largest fintech cluster in the UK and the opportunity to build on this position through strategic research and innovation.

The roadmap will advance the FinTech Scotland Cluster in a number of ways, including:

• Develop priority innovation themes such as financial inclusion, net-zero and well-being
• Align research strengths and capabilities with innovation priorities and drive efficiencies
• Enhance Scotland’s national and global reputation for fintech innovation
• Shape innovation challenges and influence future Government Innovation strategies

The roadmap is being developed in collaboration with the Global Open Finance Centre of Excellence (GOFCoE) and together they have appointed Whitecap Consulting to progress the initiative.

The work builds on the FinTech Scotland “Research and Innovation for UK FinTech” report published in January 2021 as well as the academic-led research and innovation roadmap recently developed by the Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with regional Universities.

Nicola Anderson chief executive of FinTech Scotland, said: “The roadmap will further advance and grow Scotland’s fintech Cluster and it will bring insight and specific focus to accelerate fintech Innovation. Working with Whitecap consulting and across the Cluster we will identify a suite of progressive actions that will enable positive economic outcomes”.

Kevin Collins, chief executive of the Global Open Finance Centre of Excellence, added: “We’re delighted to be working with FinTech Scotland and Whitecap Consulting on this roadmap and is essential to ensuring we prioritise the needs of financial and fintech businesses, including key skills gaps as well as provide an opportunity to align businesses and academics effectively.”

Richard Coates, managing director of Whitecap Consulting, commented: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside FinTech Scotland and the GOFCoE team on this interesting project. The development of FinTech Scotland’s Research & Innovation roadmap calls for us to utilise a combination of our core strength in strategy and planning, our extensive work across the UK’s regional FinTech ecosystems, and our experience working with and connecting key stakeholders across public, private and higher education organisations.”