The UK is the world's most open major economy with a unique network of worldwide links. The UK based financial services sector is internationally owned, managed and staffed and operates in a flexible labour market, with a principles-based regulatory framework and free movement of capital.

We invite you to explore the information about our sector strengths and our leading expertise in specialist sectors.

Sector strengths

With an extraordinary £33 billion in trade surplus, the financial and business services sector also contributes 14% of UK GDP and accounts for around one in 30 jobs in the UK.

An unrivalled concentration of capital and capabilities means that more overseas financial institutions and investors choose to do business in, and with,  the UK than any other country. 

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  • Asset Management

    The Bank of New York – one of the largest banking groups in the world –selected Manchester for its new operations centre.

  • Banking

    The UK’s banking industry is broad, deep and expanding. It has the largest assets and deposits in Europe.

  • Capital markets

    The scale and scope of UK capital markets are testament to their importance in the global financial system.

  • Insurance

    The UK insurance industry is highly respected and at the heart of global activity.

  • Professional services

    The UK professional services sector is pivotal to the prosperity of the financial services industry.

  • London's Exchanges

    The most international of all stock exchanges and the largest in Europe, the London Stock Exchange has a 300-year history of robust performance.

Specialists sectors

Being able to build competitive advantage in new business environments is a vital skill.

The UK has introduced innovations in hedge funds, property investment funds and derivatives and has taken a central role in the development of Islamic banking and carbon trading.

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  • PPP

    As an early adopter of innovative financial instruments the UK has been the first to develop many specialist skills.

  • Venture Capital

    The UK is the largest and most developed venture capital market in Europe and second only to the USA in the world.

  • Islamic Finance

    UK takes lead in Islamic financial services.

  • Innovation

    As a world-leading provider of business education and professional qualifications the UK secures the standards and skills the industry needs.