11:47 am - March 23, 2026
Scottish Enterprise and FinTech Scotland have launched the Scotland North America Fintech Gateway, a targeted initiative aimed at boosting international expansion for Scottish fintech companies while attracting investment from North America. The programme was unveiled by Richard Lochhead MSP, the Scottish minister for business, at the FinTech Scotland Festival. This 18-month initiative represents the first sector-specific and geographically-focused approach for Scotland’s fintech industry.
The gateway is designed to support export-ready Scottish fintech firms as they enter the North American market, while simultaneously providing tailored assistance for North American companies looking to establish operations in Scotland. According to the programme organizers, it aligns with Scottish Enterprise’s mission-led strategy and the Scottish government’s objective of strengthening inward investment from the United States.
Connecting Scottish Fintech Companies to North American Markets
The launch of the Scotland North America Fintech Gateway addresses a significant market opportunity for Scottish firms. According to analysis from FinTech Scotland, 30 percent of Scottish fintech companies are actively preparing to export to North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. The appeal is reciprocal, as a third of the 82 fintech firms based in Scotland with international headquarters originate from North America.
Lochhead emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative during the announcement. “This new initiative represents a significant milestone in our mission to position Scotland as a global fintech powerhouse,” the minister said. He added that the gateway will help cement Scotland’s reputation as one of the best places in the world to create financial technologies of the future.
Economic Impact and Export Opportunities
Scotland’s fintech sector contributes over £14 billion to the Scottish economy, according to Reuben Aitken, managing director of international operations at Scottish Enterprise. The launch of the North America Fintech Gateway is expected to support new export opportunities, attract high-value investment, and help create jobs across the sector.
Additionally, the programme aims to leverage Scotland’s existing strengths in financial services and technology innovation. The United States represents a particularly key market for Scottish fintech expansion, given the size and sophistication of North American financial markets.
Two-Pronged Approach to International Growth
The gateway operates through two distinct workstreams. The first, called ‘Accelerating Trade from Scotland’, provides Scottish fintech companies with market intelligence, access to key industry events, and intensive market access support. Selected companies will receive a place on the US MarketBooster Programme, along with access to senior leaders in financial services and technology through the GlobalScot network and FinTech Scotland’s strategic partners.
Meanwhile, the second workstream, ‘Boosting Inward Investment to Scotland’, offers support and incentives to North American fintech firms looking to establish a base in Scotland. This includes practical guidance on location selection, hiring processes, and regulatory navigation, according to programme details.
Nicola Anderson, chief executive of FinTech Scotland, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative. “The North America Fintech Gateway combines FinTech Scotland’s global network of fintech hubs with SDI’s 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,” Anderson said.
Initial Cross-Border Partnership
One of the first activities under the new gateway will be a memorandum of understanding between FinTech Scotland and Atlantic Fintech in Canada. This partnership is intended to develop cross-border opportunities and facilitate connections between Scottish and Canadian fintech ecosystems.
The 18-month programme is expected to evolve as it identifies additional opportunities and partnerships across North America. However, specific details about expansion timelines beyond the initial period have not been confirmed by the organizers.
