Scottish Enterprise and FinTech Scotland have launched the Scotland North America Fintech Gateway, a new initiative to support the international growth of Scottish fintech firms and attract inward investment from North America. The programme was unveiled by Richard Lochhead MSP, the Scottish minister for business, at the FinTech Scotland Festival.
The 18-month initiative is the first of its kind to take a sectorial and geographical-targeted approach for Scotlandâs fintech industry. It is designed to support export-ready Scottish fintechs as they enter the North American market, while also providing tailored support for North American firms looking to establish operations in Scotland.
Connecting Scottish fintech to a key global market
The programme is firmly aligned with Scottish Enterpriseâs mission-led strategy and the Scottish governmentâs goal of strengthening inward investment from the United States.
âThis new initiative represents a significant milestone in our mission to position Scotland as a global fintech powerhouse,â said Lochhead. âThe gateway will help to cement our reputation as one of the best places in the world to create the financial technologies of the future.â
The US is a key market for Scottish fintechs, with 30 per cent of firms actively preparing to export to North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region, according to analysis from FinTech Scotland. The appeal is mutual, as a third of the 82 fintechs based in Scotland with international headquarters are from North America.
Reuben Aitken, managing director of international operations at Scottish Enterprise, commented: âScotlandâs thriving fintech sector is worth over £14billion to the Scottish economy. The launch of the North America Fintech Gateway will support new export opportunities, attract high-value investment, and help create jobs.â
A blueprint for international growth
The gateway is structured around two workstreams. The first, âAccelerating Trade from Scotlandâ, will provide Scottish fintechs with market intelligence, access to key industry events, and intensive market access support, including a place on the US MarketBooster Programme for selected companies. Participants will also gain access to a network of senior leaders in financial services and technology through the GlobalScot network and FinTech Scotlandâs strategic partners.
The second workstream, âBoosting Inward Investment to Scotlandâ, will offer support and incentives to North American fintechs looking to establish a base in Scotland, including practical guidance on location, hiring, and regulatory navigation.
Nicola Anderson, chief executive of FinTech Scotland, added: âThe North America Fintech Gateway combines FinTech Scotlandâs global network of fintech hubs with SDIâs market intelligence and incentives to help Scottish innovators land in new markets faster, while showcasing Scotland as the most collaborative and innovative place to build fintech solutions.â
One of the first activities of the new gateway will be a memorandum of understanding between FinTech Scotland and Atlantic Fintech in Canada to develop cross-border opportunities.
The post Scottish Enterprise and FinTech Scotland Launch North America Fintech Gateway appeared first on The Fintech Times.