The Financial Conduct Authority said on Tuesday its Annual Public Meeting (APM) will be held in Edinburgh for the first time on 6 October 2026. It is also the first time the meeting has been held outside London, according to Chris Cummings, chief executive of the Investment Association.
The announcement coincides with a visit to Edinburgh by FCA chair Ashley Alder, who opened new office space in the city. The FCA said the move demonstrates its commitment to growing its presence in Scotland, where it now has more than 350 staff.
The APM will take place at the Assembly Rooms and will run as a hybrid event, with attendance available online and in person.
“Bringing our Annual Public Meeting to Edinburgh for the first time is a deliberate step to strengthen our visibility and accountability right across the UK,” said Ashley Alder, chair of the FCA.
“Scotland is a critical part of the UK’s financial services sector, and as we continue to grow our presence here, we want to be closer to consumers and the firms we regulate.”
For firms, the decision signals that the FCA wants more public-facing engagement in Scotland as it builds out its local operations. The new office space and growing headcount suggest the regulator’s Edinburgh footprint will continue to expand beyond a single annual meeting.
