Strengthening ties between Scotland and City of London

26 Jan 2026 11:22 AM

First Minister to promote Scotland as world-class investment destination.

First Minister John Swinney will today sign a renewed partnership agreement between the Scottish Government and the City of London, focussed on delivering investment to Scotland.

While in London, the First Minister will promote Scotland as a financial services hub, showcase current large ticket capital investment opportunities and also announce the next stage of the Scottish Government’s bonds programme.

This evening the First Minister will give a speech at a Burns supper with leaders from across the Financial Services industry in Scotland and London, where he will set out the strengths of Scotland as a world-class investment destination.  

The First Minister said:

“Scotland is a fantastic place to do business – and is the UK’s second largest financial hub after London. We have depth and strength across the full spectrum of financial and professional business services, and the ambition to lead in areas that will shape the future of finance.

“From large-scale infrastructure to innovative net zero technology, Scotland offers a stable, well-supported environment for investors looking to create lasting impact. 

“We are committed to working with global partners, including in the City of London, to advance the opportunities which will help Scotland to grow. Through working collaboratively, the City of London can support Scotland’s ambition to grow a modern, thriving and sustainable financial centre that builds on our heritage and supports our wider economic transformation. 

“Our partnership is also beneficial to the City of London Corporation which has long recognised the value of Scotland’s contribution to the United Kingdom’s standing as a world class financial services centre, with Scotland offering distinctive specialisms and strengths in banking, asset management and servicing, insurance and pensions and fintech.”

Background

While in London, the First Minister will:

• Attend a roundtable event with major financial services institutions hosted by Lloyds Banking Group and supported by industry group TheCityUK.
• Host an event at Scotland House London bringing together major financial institutions to set out the next stage of the Scottish Government’s bonds programme.
• Attend a tri-lateral engagement with the Lady Mayor of London, and the City of London Policy Chair.
• Attend a signing ceremony for the renewed Partnership Agreement, which commits to investing in Scotland, building ladders of opportunity within financial services, and supporting green finance and the development of FinTech.
• Meet financial services leaders of the future – including apprentices within Scotland’s Financial Services industry, Chevening and Marshal Scholars, outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK.
• Deliver a speech at a Burns Supper with leaders from across the Financial Services industry in Scotland and London.