FinTech Scotland backs industry initiative to promote 'diversity and inclusion'

FinTech Scotland and financial technology firms operating in the country are backing an initiative to promote “diversity and inclusion”.

Scotland has seen strong growth in its financial technology sector in recent years. Picture: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

The FinTech For All charter is an industry-led commitment to “use diversity and inclusion as a force for innovation and growth”.

The work is being led by InChorus and is supported by a steering committee of members from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Innovate Finance, FinTech Alliance and Level 39.

Alongside FinTech Scotland, 23 fintech firms based in Scotland have signed the pledge and commit to making fintech a sector where diversity is encouraged and businesses continue to build inclusive cultures.

Nicola Anderson, chief executive at FinTech Scotland, which has done much in its three years of existence to boost the fortunes of Scotland’s financial technology sector, said: “FinTech Scotland was established in 2018 around the values of innovation, collaboration and inclusion.

“The FinTech for All charter aligns to those values and demonstrates the ongoing commitment for diversity and inclusion.

“The FinTech Scotland cluster creates an environment of connection and belonging, welcoming a wide range of diverse participants and we’re stronger for it. Scotland has a strong reputation for fintech for good and we’re looking forward to seeing this continue to grow.”

Among the aims of the charter are ensuring that at least one member of a firm’s senior team is accountable for diversity and inclusion, and developing employee awareness around what constitutes inclusive practices.

The signatories include Blockchain Technology Partners, DirectID, FastPAYE, Float, LendingCrowd, Lightbox Rewards, Modulr, Scotcoin and Zumo.

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