Future Asset recognised at Scottish Financial Services Awards

Future Asset has won the Skills and Inclusion award at this year’s Scottish Financial Services Awards for work helping girls build the confidence and skills to pursue careers in financial services.

The programme works with schools across Scotland, with particular attention to young people who have little exposure to the sector because of where they live or disadvantage. Its main initiative is the annual Growing Future Asset Investment Competition, which has engaged more than 4,000 students since 2020.

In the competition, pupils research listed companies, assess investment opportunities and present recommendations. The work is designed to develop their understanding of financial reports and investment, alongside skills in teamwork, communication and presenting to investors.

Last year, more than 900 girls aged 13 to 18 took part through 100 schools across 27 Scottish local authority areas. Future Asset says it wants to reach schools further from finance and investment management, including communities beyond the central belt.

Helen Bradley, who has led the programme since 2018, said its purpose was to help girls feel able to apply for finance jobs, especially those without ready access to the industry. She said the organisation worked with partner firms and teachers to help participants learn relevant skills.

The competition runs for ten weeks, a significant commitment for pupils and teachers. Future Asset is developing a computer game called Investment Investigators as another way to introduce the subject. The planned game is intended to be free to schools and pupils, with a version for S1 and S2 pupils and a more advanced one for older students. Players would manage an imaginary portfolio. Bradley said the aim was to reach pupils who could not take part in the competition; the game is still in development.

Founded in 2017 by education charity Didasko, Future Asset is backed by firms and organisations including Baillie Gifford, Aberdeen, Franklin Templeton, RBC Brewin Dolphin, Walter Scott, Aegon Asset Management and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment. Didasko also runs the Library of Mistakes.

The programme continues to support young women after school as they move into apprenticeships, college or university, promoting careers in financial services and strengthening their understanding of the industry.

Ailey Porter, one of Future Asset’s first competition winners, attended the awards. She initially entered hoping to win a trip to Edinburgh and later studied International Business and Spanish at Strathclyde University. She now works as a client reporting analyst at Maven Capital, has spoken at Future Asset events and has judged the competition she once entered.

Scottish Financial Enterprise published a gender equality report on the same day as the award. Its research found that almost 60% of 16- to 24-year-olds were unlikely to consider a career in financial services.

Future Asset said it hoped the award would raise its profile and help it secure funding for future projects. Jemma McLean, the organisation’s communications coordinator, said the team had been surprised to win and encouraged by the support from judges and industry partners.

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