FinTech Scotland has announced partnerships with a series of global enterprises encompassing professional services, legal, marketing and digital transformation, and the appointment of David Ferguson, founder of Nucleus Financial, as chair of its board.

Deloitte, Pinsent Masons, Dentsu Aegis Network, and Sopra Steria will support the organisation’s ambition to make Scotland “a top five global fintech centre by 2020 that is recognised for data driven fintech innovation delivering positive social outcomes”.

Fintech Scotland’s chief executive, Stephen Ingledew, said: “It is a privilege to be working with such world-renowned organisations who are committed to supporting Scotland’s fintech economy. Following many conversations with a range of large firms over recent months, these strategic partners demonstrated their commitment and market leadership which will support our aspirations and plans.”

He added: “It was essential for us to have a highly respected fintech leader chairing our board and David, who has built one of the most successful businesses in the country managing over £14 billion on their wrap platform, ticked all the boxes and more.”

Ferguson commented: “Fintech is a fantastic opportunity for Scotland and I am excited to build on the great strides we have recently made to position ourselves as a global leader.

“The country should have a bright and prosperous fintech future ahead of it and I am greatly looking forward to helping Stephen and the team drive the sector forward and deliver meaningful action to help both start-ups to flourish and the more substantial financial services establishments to modernise.”

FinTech Scotland aims to encourage data driven innovation and collaboration activity across Scotland to deliver inclusive growth and achieve critical mass in the sector by:

  • Facilitating an integrated and innovative fintech ecosystem
  • Supporting innovative and entrepreneurial purpose driven fintech enterprises
  • Encouraging development of fintech skills, diversity and inclusion
  • Developing fintech community engagement, inclusion and collaboration
  • Building international fintech engagement and collaboration