Scots fintech festival hails pioneers and global reach
● Event targeting broader audience with move online ● Organiser says Covid has sped up fintech’s adoption
The programme for this year’s Scotland Fintech Festival has been unveiled – with organisers saying it showcases pioneering innovation with a significant global emphasis.
The festival, which is now in its third year, is organised by Fintech Scotland, and takes place over the course of this month. It encompasses more than 50 events, sharing fintech developments both in Scotland and from around the world.
This year events are being held online, which organisers say will provide the opportunity to reach an even broader global audience.
Events range from“very focused” one-hour sessions to full day generalist digital conferences involving varied contributions from participants.
Fintech Scotland said it has worked closely with the teams at Scottish Development International and Visit Scotland to showcase the very best in innovation with a strong global emphasis.
The organisation also said the fin tech cluster in Scotland is maintaining momentum despite current economic uncertainty, adding that in many ways, the challenges of the pandemic have driven an accelerated adoption of fintech innovation, mirroring the creativity and adaptability of fintech entrepreneurs as well as small and medium-sized enterprises.
Fintech Scotland also said the festival will offer plenty of chances for innovative firms in the community“to share their propositions as well as the collaborative and inclusive approach to reinventing the financial world and more”.
Stephen Ing le dew, chief executive of Fin Tech Scotland, commented :“More than ever before this year, we have appreciated the valuable engagement and collab - oration of our strategic partners and friends in hosting events on such a broad range of themes – from fintech firms, citizen groups, the regulator, student associations, universities, financial firms, global enterprises, government bodies and many others all reflecting the inclusive nature of Scotland’s fintech cluster.”
Economy secretary Fi on a Hyslop said the festival will “demonstrate yet again the collaborative and innovative approach of the sector”. She added: “We want the tech sector to play a key role in our economic recovery, and this festival will be a chance to discuss how fintech can lead the way in supporting growth and creating jobs.”
Fintech Scotland is a not-forprofit body, founded in January 2018 as a joint initiative by Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, the University of
Edinburgh, Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. It is also, along with the university and the Financial Data and Technology Association, one of the organisations behind the new “world first” Global Open Finance Centre of Excellence.