New members join Financial Inclusion for Scotland Steering Group as movement gathers momentum

14 Jul 2025

Financial Inclusion for Scotland, a cross-sector coalition working to ensure fair and affordable access to financial services, has announced the appointment of new members to its steering group, alongside a leadership update from one of its founding organisations.

The group welcomes two new member organisations:

  • Responsible Finance, the UK’s network of community finance providers, bringing expertise in ethical lending and financial empowerment.
  • Citizens Advice Scotland, a trusted voice for people navigating financial hardship, offering deep insight into the lived experience of financial exclusion.
Responsible Finance (Small) (1)
Citizens Advice Scotland

In addition, Janine Rennie, the newly appointed CEO of Money Advice Scotland (below left), has joined the steering group and will attend her first meeting in the coming weeks. Janine brings a strong background in social justice and mental health advocacy, further strengthening the group’s leadership.

Peter Costello, a longstanding member of the group (below right), will continue to contribute, now representing FARE Scotland, ensuring continuity and the benefit of his experience.

Janine Rennie, Money Advice Scotland
Peter Costello, FARE Scotland

Managed by Social Investment Scotland, Financial Inclusion for Scotland brings together leaders from the public, private, and third sectors to tackle financial exclusion and promote inclusive access to financial services. The group builds on the legacy of the Carnegie UK Trust’s Working Group on Affordable Credit and is now a leading voice in shaping policy and supporting practical solutions across Scotland.

The group’s vision is a Scotland where everyone can access the financial products and support they need to thrive.

Its key goals include:

  • Universal Access to fair loans, savings, insurance, and financial wellbeing tools
  • Timely support for money management and debt advice
  • A Fair Banking Act to improve transparency and accountability in financial services
  • Unlocking dormant assets to fund financial inclusion initiatives
  • Cross-sector collaboration to deliver Scotland’s first national Financial Inclusion Strategy (2024–2026).
Stephen Pearson (2)

The Chair of Financial Inclusion for Scotland, Stephen Pearson, commented:

“With these new voices at the table, Financial Inclusion for Scotland is better positioned than ever to drive forward our ambitious strategy and ensure that no one in Scotland is left behind when it comes to financial access and opportunity.”

 

You will find more information about Financial Inclusion for Scotland here.