Scottish cities shine in latest Global Financial Centres Index

Edinburgh and Glasgow have boosted their positions as leading global financial centres, according to the latest Z/Yen Global Financial Centres Index, the leading measure of international financial centres.

Edinburgh's improved score and Glasgow's impressive five-place jump underscores the continued growth of Scotland’s world-class financial services sector. The results are evidence that the sector growth strategy launched at the end of 2023 is delivering results. 

Edinburgh placed 29th overall, with an improved score, while Glasgow is placed at 32nd, up five places on last year and up from 51st the year before.  

The results highlight the strength of the financial services sector in Scotland, with the expansion of global firms establishing significant regional hubs in Scotland including Barclays, Blackrock and JP Morgan. This, combined with Glasgow and Edinburgh’s proximity to London, a growing expertise in fintech and AI, and a strong pool of talent, provides a valuable asset in the development of the sector.  

Sandy Begbie CBE, Chief Executive at Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: “To have Scotland’s two largest cities continue to improve their rankings among the leading financial centres highlights the value of financial services sector to the Scottish economy. Our outstanding pool of talent, well-established ecosystem and world leading universities, combined with our relationship with London, provide a distinctive proposition for businesses looking to establish themselves in the UK market.  

“As our sector growth strategy outlined our goal is to see Edinburgh and Glasgow break into the top 20 and 30, respectively, and we are actively pursuing strategies to achieve this ambition. We now need to capitalise on the achievements of our sector to secure Scotland’s position as a global leader in financial services” 

Koral Anderson, Site Lead for Barclays in Scotland, said: “At Barclays we recognise the strength of the financial services sector in Scotland and we are proud to be part of its continued growth which is reflected in these results. With 6,000 jobs at our Glasgow campus our investment in Scotland as a financial hub is clear and to see Scotland jump up the GFCI rankings highlights that our strategy is the correct one.”