Dormant Assets: A major milestone for Financial Inclusion in Scotland
11 Mar 2026
- Financial Inclusion for Scotland
Since Financial Inclusion for Scotland (FIFS) was first established, one of the group’s consistent and collective asks has been for financial inclusion to be recognised as a core priority within the use of dormant assets. Therefore, we are pleased to share a significant and hard-won step forward.
Scottish Government Ministerial Guidance on dormant assets has now been updated to explicitly include financial inclusion as a priority. This is a major achievement and a hugely welcome development for everyone working to tackle poverty, inequality and financial exclusion across Scotland.
This change matters. Dormant assets represent a powerful opportunity to invest in long-term solutions that improve people’s financial resilience, access to affordable credit, and ability to participate fully in our economy. Seeing financial inclusion formally recognised signals both intent and ambition from the Scottish Government to use these funds in ways that can make a real and lasting difference.
The importance of this shift has also been recognised beyond Scotland. The updated guidance was referenced in the UK Financial Inclusion Strategy, reinforcing the growing consensus that financial inclusion must sit at the heart of how dormant assets are deployed.
Sharon MacPherson
Financial Inclusion for Scotland Associate
Looking ahead, FIFS is keen to understand more about how this updated guidance will be translated into delivery on the ground. We are particularly eager to engage with the National Lottery Community Fund to share our vision for financial inclusion in Scotland and to explore how dormant assets can best support impactful, preventative and scalable approaches.
This is a moment worth celebrating, and one that reflects the value of sustained collaboration and advocacy. We’ll continue to keep members updated as this work develops.
Watch this space…
Sharon MacPherson, Financial Inclusion for Scotland Associate