We were delighted to welcome a packed audience of 80 members and guests to hear from Maggie Craig, Head of the Financial Conduct Authority for Scotland.
Virgin Money were our generous hosts at their flagship offices in the centre of Edinburgh. Sandra Benn from Virgin Money welcomed everyone and told us about their focus on diversity across the organisation, lead by CEO Jayne Ann Gadhia, who was instrumental in creating the Women in finance charter.
Maggie gave a great overview of the regulatory landscape for our industry and how the FCA fit in. She explained how she engages with financial firms in Scotland but also with Universities, consumer groups and the Scottish government. Many of us were surprised to find out that there are 90 staff in the FCA Scotland office.
One of the topics which generated the most discussion, was the role of the FCA in promoting innovation and competition through its use of the Regulatory Sandbox. This is a safe space for established and new firms to try out new concepts and products with real customers.
Niamh Simms Edinburgh co-chair thanked Maggie and outlined some upcoming events in the coming months.
It was great to see so many new members and guests have their first taste of what WIBF Edinburgh can offer, and look forward to seeing them at more events soon.