The Scottish Financial Services Awards, sponsored by EY, will take place in Glasgow on 29 October. The sell-out event will also welcome a record number of guests as it celebrates its fortieth year.

Baillie Gifford, Aberdeen Group and BlackRock are leading the pack with multiple nominations at this year’s Scottish Financial Services Awards shortlist.

The flagship industry celebration recognises the contribution that both firms and their people have made to the financial services sector and wider society. Last year’s sold-out event welcomed a record 730 guests from across the sector.

This year, Hampden Bank and the Scottish National Investment Bank have been shortlisted in the Business Growth category. Baillie Gifford has been shortlisted for two awards, in Innovation and FinTech, while Aberdeen Group has four nominations, two in Innovation, one in Net Zero and another in rising star for Shannon Macnamara. BlackRock was also shortlisted in three categories: Skills & Inclusion, Innovation and Rising Star with Aaron Martin.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Financial and professional services support jobs, investment and innovation in communities across the country. The Scottish Financial Services Awards showcase the talent, ambition and achievement that make the sector such a success story. I look forward to joining industry leaders from across Scotland to celebrate those achievements and discuss how government and business can work together to drive investment, productivity and sustainable economic growth.”

Sue Dawe, SFE chair, said: “Having the first minister join us at this year’s Scottish Financial Services Awards is an important recognition of the contribution our sector makes to Scotland’s economy, and the role it can play in delivering the growth and investment Scotland needs.

“In SFE’s 40 year, I’m delighted this year’s event also looks set to welcome a record number of guests, and the exceptionally high calibre of nominations highlights the strength of talent and innovation across our sector.

“The awards are a great opportunity to bring the sector together, celebrate its achievements and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. We are delighted that the first minister will be there to hear directly from the people and businesses driving the sector forward.”