The girls, who have been taking part in the annual Growing Future Assets Competition, were chosen from over 900 pupils across 100 schools around Scotland. The challenge involves researching potential company investments – this year, including Scottish media company STV Group plc, and global tech giants such as Uber Technologies Inc – and pitching these investments to a panel of professionals, mirroring the work investment managers undertake every day.

They are supported throughout the process by professionals from across financial services, who share their experience and provide career insights, advice, and inspiration, along with the encouragement of teachers. This year, more than 120 professionals from firms including Baillie Gifford, Aberdeen, and Walter Scott volunteered to guide the participants.

The competitors will take part in a final round of presentations on 20 March at the headquarters of NatWest Group in Gogarburn, Edinburgh, where both senior and junior winners will be crowned.

This year’s judges include Sally Greig, head of global bonds at Baillie Gifford, and Jen Mair, strategic initiatives lead at Franklin Templeton and Scottish chair of Women in Banking and Finance.

The candidates competing for the top spot in the senior (16–18 year) age group are pupils from:

• Kingussie High School (Highland);
• Lasswade High School (Midlothian);
• Penicuik High School (Midlothian);
• George Watson’s College (Edinburgh); and,
• Holy Rood RC High School (Edinburgh).

Hoping to take the honours in the junior (14–16 year) category are girls from:

• Mearns Castle High School (East Renfrewshire);
• Oban High School (Argyll & Bute);
• Hamilton Grammar School (South Lanarkshire); and,
• George Watson’s College (Edinburgh).

Future Asset is an initiative founded by Scotland’s investment management community to encourage girls from all backgrounds to pursue the opportunities offered by careers in finance. In the competition’s six-year history, more than 3,500 girls have taken part, learning key financial skills and gaining the confidence to work with business leaders at the highest level.

Alumni have gone on to secure roles at some of the world’s best-known financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and M&G. The project is supported by financial contributions and the efforts of hundreds of professionals who coach and guide the schoolgirls throughout the competition.

Since its founding in 2017, Future Asset – part of the Didasko Financial Education Company – has built a strong and engaged network of young women passionate about pursuing careers in finance. The wider Didasko community focuses on education for all, from school pupils to investment professionals, with the shared goal of helping the finance sector work better for society and Scottish savers.

Helen Bradley, CEO of Future Asset, said: “This year’s competition has reached unprecedented levels of quality, with a remarkable surge in enthusiasm from the younger participants and unwavering dedication from their teachers and coaches.

“Witnessing the growing interest, especially in state schools, underscores the profound impact of this contest – connecting aspiring individuals with the vast opportunities that a career in investment management can offer. It is truly inspiring to see doors opening for youngsters who may not have had prior exposure to the industry, showcasing the boundless potential that awaits them.”