personal statement examples uk finance

Student Good Guide

The best UK online resource for students

• Finance Personal Statement Examples

Here are two finance personal statement examples from some of the best students in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Both examples you can use as inspiration and motivation to write your own personal statement for university . 

Finance Personal Statement

Ever since I discovered my passion for the finance industry at a young age, I have been determined to pursue a career as a financial consultant and advisor. It is this unwavering ambition that has led me to apply for the MSc course in Finance at the esteemed London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). I firmly believe that this course will provide me with the necessary tools and knowledge to achieve my career goals by expanding my understanding of financial products, the intricate workings of financial markets, and investment banking.

The reputation of LSE as a university of academic excellence is one of the key reasons for my decision to apply. I am aware of the university’s ability to equip students with critical analysis skills that are essential for becoming leaders in their chosen sectors. Moreover, being located in the heart of London provides unparalleled opportunities for networking and professional development in the world of business and finance. The course’s comprehensive approach, which strikes a balance between theoretical and practical modules, is also highly appealing to me.

My educational background in accounting has laid a solid foundation for my advanced studies in finance. Through my coursework in accounting, I have developed strong numerical skills and gained practical experience in management accounting and reporting roles within financial firms. It was during my studies that I discovered a particular interest in Strategic Financial Management, where I was introduced to financial products such as equities, derivatives, fixed income, and bonds, along with their significance in financial markets. Building on this knowledge, I have become a qualified accountant and have gained valuable work experience as an Associate at Deloitte, where I am part of the project management team, responsible for decision support. This role has honed my ability to work under pressure and within tight time constraints, allowing me to meet urgent and conflicting deadlines.

To stay up-to-date with the dynamic financial market, I avidly follow financial news through subscriptions to reputable media platforms such as the Financial Times, the Economist, and Bloomberg. Additionally, I engage in various hobbies such as travelling, watching movies and documentaries, and reading to broaden my knowledge and stay informed about current affairs. As a sports enthusiast, I follow tennis, football, boxing, and Formula One racing. These diverse interests have cultivated qualities such as ambition, intuition, focus, and self-discipline, which drive me to excel in any endeavour. I value the input and opinions of others, making me an effective team player, while also possessing the independence and initiative to work autonomously. I firmly believe that these qualities will contribute to my success as a finance analyst and enable me to excel academically.

Looking toward the future, I aspire to establish a reputable financial consulting firm in my home country, Nigeria. This firm would provide a range of financial services to both companies and public institutions. I recognise that achieving this goal will require years of experience, cultivating the right connections, and personal determination. Pursuing an MSc in Finance from LSE will better equip me to manage corporate, strategic, and financial opportunities, while also providing the opportunity to learn from talented professors and compete with exceptional graduates. I am convinced that this course is a crucial step toward realizing my long-term aspirations.

The increasingly evident impact of financial risk on our world has captivated my interest like never before. The interplay between the financial sector, government, and the general public dominates news stories, emphasizing the significance of understanding the industry. With my passion for finance nurtured from an early age, I have dedicated myself to attaining a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of global finance through high-level studies and extensive work experience in diverse industrial and international contexts.

Currently, in my fourth year of a degree in Finance, Risk, and Investment at Caledonian University, I have developed a strong foundation of knowledge in the field. Moreover, I have delved deeper into specific areas

Finance Personal Statement Example

Since my early years, extensive international travel has shaped my perspective on the world, particularly the stark economic contrasts between the ‘Third World’ and the ‘Western World.’ Having the privilege of experiencing different cultures and economies through my parents, who have lived in Africa, Europe, and the USA, I have developed a deep curiosity about the mechanisms that drive global economies. This curiosity has led me to pursue Economics at A Level, as I believe it is at the core of world discussions and can provide a comprehensive understanding of current news articles and their correlation to the subject.

Through my readings, such as Tim Harford’s ‘The Undercover Economist,’ I have come to appreciate the analogy that economics is like engineering, offering insights into how things work and the consequences of changing them. I see economics as an intricate puzzle, requiring economists to integrate economic theories with government policies to solve complex economic problems. Attending conferences at prestigious institutions like the University of Warwick and Oxbridge has broadened my perspective on economics, with theories like Freakonomics intriguing me and sparking a desire to explore the unexpected links between seemingly unrelated phenomena.

My passion for economics is complemented by a strong affinity for mathematics , which has been nurtured since my childhood. From playing mental maths games to tackling complex problem-solving at A Level, I have developed analytical abilities that were put to the test during a taster day at Cass Business School. Through quick thinking and effective teamwork, I excelled in a trading shares simulation, resulting in my group being the most profitable. Furthermore, my participation in a business management enterprise day at the University of the West of England allowed me to showcase my skills, leading to the recognition of the ‘Best Business Idea.’

To gain practical experience in the finance sector, I sought work opportunities that would provide me with invaluable insights. My time at Britannia Building Society exposed me to the inner workings of retail banking, allowing me to shadow the branch manager, work closely with financial planning advisors, and handle transactions at the tills. This experience introduced me to financial assets, including options for investing in bonds, shares, and increasing savings. Additionally, working at Harrison’s Accountancy and Insolvency Agency gave me valuable knowledge about liquidations and insolvencies of businesses, further solidifying my interest in pursuing a career in finance.

Staying updated with current financial affairs is crucial to me, and I regularly read the economy sections of reputable sources such as the BBC website and The Economist. Subscribing to a weekly update from RBS provides me with topical developments in the financial markets. Alongside my commitment to academic and professional pursuits, I have also developed essential skills through my job at O2 Retail. This experience has sharpened my interpersonal skills and honed my ability to negotiate mutually beneficial deals for both customers and the company. As a captain of my football team, I have learned the value of leadership, motivation, and maintaining high team morale, skills that have translated into success in class debates and the trading shares simulation at Cass Business School.

During a recent trip to Switzerland, I had the opportunity to meet with the assistant vice president at Credit Suisse, who shared insights into exchange rate processes within a leading investment bank. These conversations further solidified my understanding of the close relationship between economics and the finance sector.

Through a comprehensive study of Level Economics and practical experiences, I have been able to bridge the gap between theory and real-world situations. Engaging with professionals in the field has deepened my appreciation for the vital connection between economics and finance. I am confident that pursuing a university education will equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the dynamic and fast-paced world of financial markets.

My passion for finance and economics was sparked by the Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy and the subsequent financial crisis when I was 21 years old. The events of that

Other Personal Statements

• Anthropology personal statement examples
• Statistics Personal Statements
• PPE Oxford Personal Statement Example
• Classics Personal Statement Examples
• Theology Personal Statement Examples
• Physics Personal Statement Examples
• Chemical Engineering personal statement examples
• Oncology Personal Statement Examples
• Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples
• Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example
• History Personal Statement Examples
• Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University
• Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• User Experience Design Personal Statement Example
• Neuroscience Personal Statement Examples
• Graphic Design Personal Statement Examples
• Film Production Personal Statement Examples
• Events Management Personal Statement Examples
• Counselling Personal Statement Examples
• Forensic Science Personal Statement Examples
• Children’s Nursing Personal Statement Examples
• Chemistry Personal Statement Examples
• Sports Science Personal Statement Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Quantity Surveying Personal Statement Examples
• Social Work Personal Statement Examples
• Physiotherapy Personal Statement Examples
• Journalism Personal Statement Examples
• English Literature Personal Statement Examples
• Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Computer Science Personal Statement Examples
• Fashion Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Dietetic Personal Statement Examples
• Product Design Personal Statement Examples
• Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Geography Personal Statement Examples
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Politics Personal Statement Examples
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples
• Zoology Personal Statement Example
• Sociology Personal Statement Example
• Fashion Personal Statement Example
• Mathematics Personal Statement Examples
• Software Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Philosophy Personal Statement
• International Relations Personal Statement Example
• Biochemistry Personal Statement Example
• Dentistry Personal Statement Examples
• Midwifery Personal Statement
• Law Personal Statement Example
• Medicine Personal Statement for Cambridge
• ICT Personal Statement
• Primary Teacher PGCE Personal Statement
• PGCE Personal Statement Example
• Games Design Personal Statement
• Paramedic Science Personal Statement Examples
• Occupational Therapy Personal Statement

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Guide

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Accounting & finance/business personal statement example.

Business, finance and accounting has been a passion of mine for some years now. I first had the idea of becoming a chartered accountant when my uncle told me about what he does in his role as finance manager of a local hospital; he inspired me to look deeper into the field and that was where my interest in finance and economics was first rooted.

I've enjoyed studying finance and markets and I love the way the ever-fluctuating environment of the business world keeps people on their feet.

The decision making and money handling involved gives an element of unpredictability, an area that I would like to learn more about and hopefully discover a method which could perhaps help control that unpredictability.

Looking for solutions to the complex relationships of markets and businesses is something I find very rewarding as well as intriguing; it is an area I hope to be able to study in more depth as an undergraduate.

I read 'The Machine That Changed the World' and learnt how lean production has revolutionised the automobile industry.

Reading about how concepts change the way whole businesses function interests me greatly. I am an avid follower of the news and current political debates; I've learned how changes at the top level can cascade down to everyday life and completely re-write how things are done, such as cuts in corporation tax.

Current events relating to business and finance are interesting to analyse - a prime example of this being the recent recession.

As a business student, I am beginning to analyse the world around me - thinking about management and the consequences of decisions, such as what the effect of new products are on the industry.

I have sought a work placement in 2014 with the North East representative for the Bank of England and look forward to being able to shadow her to gain further insight into such enigmatic economic concepts.

My current A level courses have further engaged my mind into the aspects of financially handling a situation, by either using strategic or mathematical methods to overcome various problems. Despite it sounding over-exaggerated, I adore my subject combinations. I feel these subjects have made me into a more logical and efficient thinker.

Since studying business, I have gained an underlying respect for how business influences and structures our lives.

In the past year I have been evaluating why success has occurred and how to turn disaster into success on a micro and macro scale. Being open-minded in my approach to work and operating in groups has helped me empathise further into what it takes to be successful in this area.

I have always been a confident speaker, so airing my opinions in class discussions has helped to cement my knowledge of various topics. I am very interested in the development and layout of a business, as well as the mathematics and statistics that lie behind the scenes.

I am currently a student ambassador, and previously held a role as a prefect. I have always been one to take part in school councils and groups throughout my education due to my urge to improve things. Through my work representing my school on a town-wide scale, I was invited to sit in on my town's local Children's Scrutiny Forum.

This led me to become one of the first young people to sit in on a council meeting in the country. More recently, I was chosen to represent my college at promotional events, speaking to year groups about college life, and this certainly boosted my confidence further.

I was also fortunate enough to be selected to take part in a university shadowing scheme where I was able to sit in on some lectures in Mathematics and Economics.

This enabled me to gain valuable understanding of what business and economic related subjects are like at university - furthering my drive to become a business undergraduate and progress along this career path.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by michaelburford for application in 2014.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Add new comment.

Browser does not support script.

• Undergraduate
• Executive education
• Study Abroad
• Summer schools
• Online certificate courses
• International students
• Meet, visit and discover LSE

Personal statement

The quality of an applicant's personal statement is very important at LSE. The School does not interview for places so this is an applicant’s only opportunity to demonstrate they are a good fit for the course. Applicants should consult the advice here, as well as advice from UCAS when preparing to complete this section of their application. 

Please note that writing a personal statement following the guidelines below does not guarantee an offer of admission. Personal statements are looked at on a comparative basis and there is a great deal of competition for places at LSE. 

LSE does not accept additional or supplementary personal statements. We can only consider the personal statement submitted via UCAS.

Writing your personal statement

We expect that your submitted Personal Statement is structured and coherent and that you fully utilise the space available on your UCAS application form. We expect that you have checked spelling, punctuation, and grammar and that your Personal Statement flows in a logical order. We expect that your Personal Statement is entirely your own original work. We reserve the right to reject your application where it has been found that a statement has significant similarities to a previous submission or has been created with the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Before you start writing, do your research

Before you start writing your personal statement, you should visit our course guides . These guides give information on the course content of each of our undergraduate programmes. 

When assessing your personal statement our Admissions Selectors will look at how well your academic interests align with the LSE course. So, for example, the Anthropology Admissions Selector is likely to prefer a statement which focuses mainly on social anthropology - which is taught at LSE - over one which suggests the applicant is very interested in biological anthropology, or a combined degree with archaeology, as these courses are not offered at the School. 

Similarly, a personal statement which shows an interest mostly in modern international history (the focus of LSE’s International History course) is likely to be more competitive than one which shows a significant interest in ancient history, as LSE does not offer any ancient history units.   

If you are applying for a range of slightly different courses, we recommend that you focus your personal statement on the areas of overlap between them, so that your statement appeals to all of your UCAS choices. It is important to note that LSE does not accept replacement or supplementary personal statements. 

What to include in your personal statement

Your personal statement should discuss for the most part your academic interest in the subject you wish to study. One way to think about the personal statement is to reflect on what we expect from LSE undergraduates: we ask them to learn about topics relevant to their course, through reading or other experiences, and then discuss the ideas they have encountered in academic essays. This is the skill we look for in the personal statement and we recommend at least 80% of your statement should be dedicated to this type of academic discussion. 

How you show your wider engagement with your subject is entirely up to you. Our Selectors look for students who can best reflect on the experiences and academic ideas they have encountered through the opportunities available to them, not those who have had the best opportunities. If you are not sure where to start, you could try listening to podcasts of LSE public events or look in the prospectus for examples of suggested reading. Remember we are interested not just in a list of what you have read/encountered, but evidence you have reflected on the academic ideas. 

To help you begin, there are several questions you could think about:

• Why have you chosen the course? What attracted you to the subject? Which aspects of the subject have interested you sufficiently to want to study it at degree level? Is there a specific area of the subject you wish to focus on? What are the big issues in the subject, and what do you find most interesting about them? What are your thoughts on these topics?
• Have you developed your subject interest outside of your school studies? For example, have you undertaken any additional reading to broaden your knowledge of the subject? Have you attended lectures or explored online material relating to the subject? What did you find interesting in your reading/in the lectures you attended and what are your thoughts on the topics covered?
• Have you gained any skills from your other school subjects that complement your application to study your chosen subject? Have you had the opportunity to undertake work experience relevant to your application? If you did, how did this experience give you a wider understanding of the topics you will study at university?
• Have you attended any schemes or activities at LSE or other universities, such as Summer Schools, Saturday Schools, LSE Choice, etc? What you have learned from these? Have they furthered your knowledge of or interest in your chosen subject?

If you are applying for deferred entry, as well as thinking about the questions listed above, you may also wish to indicate (briefly) why you are taking a gap year and what you plan to do during the year. 

If you are applying as a post-qualified student (ie, you have already received your final results), you may wish to mention briefly what you have been doing since your exams. 

Please note : You are not expected to simply answer all of the questions above; these questions are merely intended to give you some guidance as to what to think about when writing your statement. 

Extra-curricular activities

At LSE you are admitted to study a particular degree course so the majority of your personal statement − at least 80% − should focus on your academic interest in that subject. Many students like to include some details of their extra-curricular activities such as involvement in sports, the arts, volunteering or student government. As our Selectors are most interested in your academic interests, we recommend that no more than 20% of your statement is spent discussing extra-curricular activities. 

Applying to combined degree programmes

LSE offers a number of combined degree programmes. If you are applying to one of these programmes, you are advised to give equal weighting to each subject in your statement. For instance, if you are applying to our Politics and Economics degree, you must show evidence of interest in both subjects; a statement weighted towards only one aspect of the degree will be significantly less competitive.

Example of a poor personal statement

"I have always dreamed of coming to LSE since I was young. It has been a dream of mine to study at this institution, which is well renowned for its social science courses.  

I am currently studying History, English and Business and Management at Higher level and Italian, Maths and Chemistry at Standard level in the International Baccalaureate, and feel that these subjects are providing me with a solid background for university study.  

I want to study History because I want to be a world class Historian, and feel that this degree will help me. I am especially interested in Ancient History, particularly the history concerning the Roman Empire. I am fascinated by the way in which the empire was run, and the events that led to its downfall.  

"I was the captain of the school football team, and this has taught me the importance of working together as a team, and allowed me to prioritise my time between my studies and football practice. I feel that this has provided me with the experience to successfully balance my academic and social life, and I plan to continue this balance whilst at university.  

It is my dream to become an alumnus of the School, and I am sure that as I am the top student of my class, you will offer me a place."  

This brief example of a personal statement is poor. The applicant has mentioned an interest in history but they have not discussed this in depth or shown any evidence of wider engagement with the subject. Where the applicant does talk about history, the discussion is superficial and focussed on ancient history, which LSE does not offer as part of our history course. 

The applicant has specifically mentioned LSE, which is likely to be unattractive to their other choices, and has wasted space listing their International Baccalaureate subjects, which would be shown in the qualifications section. The applicant has described how a history degree will help them get the job they later want, rather than what they are looking forward to studying during the degree. 

The applicant has reflected on the transferable skills they have developed leading the football team. This is good, but it would be nice to see the same level of reflection applied to academic topics - this student has spent more time talking about football than about history. 

UCAS reference Your teacher's reference: what we're looking for

Watch this presentation LSE Admissions Specialist Paul talks about personal statements

Study at LSE webinars Watch our Personal Statement FAQs webinar

Explore our Virtual Undergraduate Open Day Resources, guidance and videos on applying to LSE and more

Use our programme finder Explore our undergraduate degrees

Call us : +88 (0) 1712969390, +44 (0) 7495942849, +44 (0) 7459725824

[email protected]

Sign in  |  Sign up     

Personal Statement of Purpose Finance and Accounting MSc

• Sample personal statement

28 July, 2022

Personal statement of purpose finance and accounting msc share.

• 12 May, 2013

With my deep interest, I want to pursue the course Finance and Accounting MSc at the University of Brighton because this course has access to modern computing facilities and specialist computing packages. And this course will provide me with the skills to make these investment decisions across various business areas. This degree will give me develop an in-depth knowledge of financial theory and practice, research methods, financial markets, financial accounting and management accounting. Moreover, I found this Finance and Accounting MSc will help me to specialise and meet the growing demand for finance professionals with strong research skills. I can also progress with or continue by studying for a Ph.D. I want to develop my career in this sector and the accounting and financial services sectors require a high level of understanding of theory and practice. And this MSc course can make me professional. I believe that this course will help me become professional and proficient in my future career.

Following my Intermediate and Secondary education from the Business Studies group, I completed my Bachelor’s degree major in Accounting in February 2022 from National University, Gazipur, Bangladesh. In my home country, there are many open places to develop a career in accountancy but they require a professional applicant. From this MSc course, I can meet the growing demand for finance professionals with strong research skills. So, I decided to complete my further higher studies by choosing this Finance and Accounting MSc at the University of Brighton. While studying, I was involved in various co- curricular activities to enrich my knowledge and skills. Attended and organized different types of seminars and workshops, participated in different voluntary services and activities, and actively participated. From my last education qualification, I have realized that I need to gain knowledge about business accounting and finance part as well as I want to grow my career in this area. I also have my English language concern and I attend a UKVI IELTS test where my overall band score is 6.0. I think I should gain more knowledge in the field so I decided to continue my further studies with this course. I am confident that my professional goal makes me a suitable candidate for the course.

By reviewing the university website, I have seen the course Finance and Accounting MSc at the University of Brighton is ideal preparation for continuing my studies at MPhil or Ph.D. level, also I will be able to work as a professional researcher in finance. The course will prepare me for a specific level of accounting and financial roles, accountancy firms, consultancies and finance departments in the private and public sectors. Studying in a simulated business environment will teach me to explore business practices from regulatory and risk management issues to how financial markets operate and what makes them crash. This course has been designed to help me develop the necessary skills to solve the financial accounting standards, complex business problems in recent facing situations. Modules on the course involve both taught sessions and guided independent study. The core module units include Economics of Financial Markets, Financial Theory and Practice, Research Methods for Finance and Economics, Dissertation or Work Placement Project. Mandatory specialism modules are- Contemporary Issues in Accounting, International Investment and Trading, Economics of Money, Interest Rates, Banking and Financial Institutions. Completion of my dissertation will teach me the undertake research leading to practicable recommendations based on sound analysis and judgment. All of these modules will help me to broaden my knowledge of accountancy understanding in an international context which will prepare me for my employment in an increasingly internationalized business world. Hopefully, I have been able to clear the purpose of my admission to the university. Moreover, during times of crisis, accountancy is seen as a stable profession. By completing this course, I will be able to work with reputed organisations in my home country ranging from accountancy, banking, financial management, and management consultancy. So, I believe this course will be the right choice for my career plans and objectives.

UK’s academic reputation is globally renowned and it is known that having a graduate degree from a UK university will definitely propel one’s career to a significant level. However, the study environment in my country follows the theoretical system of education which is quite different and no soft skills are acquired. The UK maintains a quality management system with high standards in all fields. In recent years, all companies in Bangladesh are emphasizing hiring of Bangladeshi graduates with degrees from abroad, as they see the transferrable skills carried forward from the international education will play a key role in transforming their approach to the business and believe these graduates are capable of doing so. The transferable skills from the UK are key to advancing graduates through organizational growth and gaining a competitive advantage. This reason attracted me to pursue a degree in the UK. A recent survey of International Graduation Results in 2019 produced by iGraduate by Universities UK International shows that 82% of international graduates say their UK degree is valuable for financial investment and a similar number of graduates say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their careers. About 83% think a UK degree has helped them get a job. These aspects have driven my ambition to get a degree from a UK institution.

University of Brighton is one of the re-known top universities in the UK. As my study destination is the UK and I wish to study at the University of Brighton, because it offers an experience that goes way beyond the classroom. Their core values are part of a dynamic, diverse and creative community that embraces partnership working and that makes a positive difference to society. From there, I will be able to gain real-world knowledge and transferable skills that employers look for in graduate recruits. And by the time I graduate, I’ll feel confident and fully prepared to start my career anywhere in the world. The university won a Silver Award in Teaching Excellence Framework, which means that the learning environment and the teaching I will receive are consistently better than the national requirements for UK Higher Education. The university has around 18,000 students and 2,400 staff studying and working at four campuses in Brighton and Eastbourne. Also, according to Destination Leavers from Higher Education 2017-2018, 94% of University of Brighton graduates get engaged in work or further study within the first 6 months. I will also be able to make connections with local, national and international companies, as the university has links with over 1800 businesses, including Fujitsu, BT, Sky, Boots, IBM, and the NHS, while the university educates professionals from 90% of FTSE 100 companies. The university puts students on a fast track that is designed to get a postgraduate degree into faster employment with excellent career opportunities. Moreover, the University brings the workplace into classrooms so it will be beneficial for me to attain my personal career objectives by practicing in this type of learning environment. I am looking forward to studying and wish to experience all the opportunities the University of Brighton has to offer.

Find more resources

• PS - MSc Accounting and Finance [Advanced Diploma Route]
• ACCA Course
• Personal Statement of Purpose - MBA
• No objection letter from current employer for visit visa
• MSc Finance and Accounting

Read similar resources

BA (Hons) Business Management (Final Year)

Business success requires a breadth of knowledge and abilities of efficient management to survive in fierce global co...

BA (Hons) Business and Marketing

Modern business is a dynamic environment in which customer wants and needs constantly change at an ever-faster pace. ...

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Following my MSc in Financial Management qualification in 2012, I have been in constant search for a real career for ...

Are you looking to study abroad?

Touch your dream with University Admission Expert

• Offering 15,000+ courses at 100+ study locations
• Maintaining 99% visa success rate
• Serving with 14+ years accumulative admission experience
• Providing end-to-end services, almost 24/7

Newsletter Subscription

Keep up to date with the latest news on UK student visa, courses, universities, scholarships, start dates, study guides etc.

Post Comment

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Business and industry
• Financial services

The Future of UK Finance

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Bim Afolami delivers keynote speech at UK Finance at Bright Blue event in partnership with Virgin Money

Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for the introduction.

It is a pleasure to be here with you.

The last few years have not been easy for the British economy. We’ve faced the legacy of Covid, war in Ukraine and the Middle East. These challenges have made life tough for people in Britain.

Since the beginning of 2023, we have been working on five priorities. Three of them are economic. To halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt.

We have made good progress. Inflation has fallen from 11.1% to 3.2%, the economy has performed better than forecast, wages are rising, mortgage rates are down significantly from their peaks. The economy has outperformed European neighbours and debt is on track to fall as a share of the economy.

The job is not done. But because of the progress we have made, the economy is turning a corner.

But today, I want to talk about the progress we have, collectively, made on financial services over the course of this Parliament. Because this Parliament has truly been a Parliament of Success.

Over the last 3 years, my predecessors at HM Treasury and I, alongside the Chancellor and Prime Minister, have embarked on the most comprehensive set of reforms to financial services in a generation.

I will be honest with you – we haven’t been able to do everything as quickly as we would have liked to have done.

And there are things – important things – which we need to do more on.

But when you boil it down, I am confident that we are – hand in hand with industry – successfully delivering a new model for the UK’s FS sector…

…A model that is open to the world, which embraces the opportunities of tomorrow, and which is firmly at the heart of a modern, dynamic UK economy.

…And it is our hopes and our plans for this new model that I would like to talk more about today.

Underpinning my thinking is a clear assessment of the fact that our country cannot significantly upgrade our economic growth without a growing and thriving financial services sector.

Of course, to understand where we are now, and where we are going, we must understand where we have come from.

The booms, busts and bankruptcies of the last two centuries are lessons in the capacity of individuals, governments, and institutions to change the course of history.

After the “Golden Age” of the late 19th century, the trauma of the Great War, and the decision to return to the gold standard, by 1929 the Square Mile – and the wider economy – was in serious trouble.

The Macmillan Committee was set up to look at the finance sector – because, as David Kynaston says in his brilliant book on the City – “not just the City, but capitalism itself was on trial”.

There was a perception that the City existed to finance imperial and global trade, and was neglecting the necessary support of British industry throughout the regions of the UK. Plus ça change.

This phrase “capitalism is on trial” has stuck with me. Because in 2024, nearly a century on, I am struck by the way in which the health of the financial services sector remains intertwined with perceptions of the health of capitalism…

…And the reality of the health of the broader economy.

This is, in part, I think, why we care so much about it…

…And why we continue to examine and evaluate the relationship between finance, industry, government and regulators.

Back in the ‘80s, it was ‘adapt or die’, because the rules of the game were being rewritten all around us…

…Now; taking account of both the post-crisis reforms, and our current set of reforms; we have rewritten the rules…

We are adapting successfully in the face of change and challenge…

…But we should not forget the need to continually capitalise on our uniqueness.

The UK is the one place in the world where everyone can transact and interact – the Far East, Middle East, America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Yes, there are other financial centres, but they don’t have the breadth and depth that we have. To maintain our uniqueness, we must remain highly competitive…

…Taking a different approach to our EU counterparts where necessary, updating where we want to go further, better, and faster than we could when we were in the EU…

…So that, as we approach the second quarter of the 21st century, we can confidently showcase a new, world-leading model for financial services – one that is fit for the future.

So, what is at the heart of this new model?

At Mansion House nearly four years ago, the now Prime Minister – then Chancellor – set out a vision for the financial services sector. One that is technologically advanced, open, sustainable, and competitive.

One that builds on our history – including both the Big Bang deregulation of the ’80s, and the care we’ve taken since ’08 to embed and protect stability – whilst also looking forward to our future.

We are delivering this vision: through the Edinburgh Reforms in 2022, the Mansion House Reforms last year, and the progress made at Autumn Statement and Spring Budget.

We are also global leaders in the regulation of new digital assets – ensuring innovation and consumer safety go hand in hand.

The Financial Markets and Services Act 2023 is the cornerstone of our reform programme.

This Act cements, in law, growth and competitiveness secondary objectives for our regulators…

…Which I hope will precipitate a cultural shift in our regulatory approach. With our country, alongside many in Europe, having the profound problem of slow economic growth, there is no point having the safest graveyard.

I know some have questioned whether this objective will go far enough in creating a pro-growth regulatory mindset.

I don’t want to jump the gun on this, so I want to monitor how the new system beds in for now. Both the FCA and the PRA will soon be reporting on how they are implementing the new objective.

Be assured that we will go further if needed – but also, be confident in the steps that we have taken, and the change that this will bring about. 

And perhaps the reform that I am most excited about is PISCES – the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System – which we are establishing this year.

This new class of market is a world-first. It will give private companies better access to UK capital markets, and create regulatory coherence between public and private markets.

It exemplifies how we are on the front-foot; leaning into the structural shift to private markets, rather than allowing ourselves to suffer as a result of the world changing around us.

Alongside this, we are taking forward Lord Hill’s listing reform recommendations. This includes a complete rewrite of the UK’s Prospectus regime, creating tailor-made rules that make it easier for companies to list and raise capital on UK markets.

These reforms will strengthen the operating environment for our capital markets by increasing the pool of investors with a stake in UK markets…

…And enable firms to raise larger sums of capital more quickly. 

We’re also implementing a move to T+1 settlement by the end of 2027, in line with the recent recommendations of the Accelerated Settlement Taskforce.

So, there is much to celebrate in this Parliament of Success – and the Chancellor will update on our vision at Mansion House this summer.

But it would be remiss of me to not also mention the challenges that we need to do more to address.

There are three key challenges.

Pension funds

First, we have a challenge on pensions funds.

UK pension funds do not invest enough in unlisted equity in the UK, especially in comparison to international peers like Australia – where better returns for pension savers are being generated, with effective investment strategies and more investment in high quality domestic growth stocks. For defined contribution schemes specifically, comparable Australian schemes invest 10 times more in private markets as a proportion of their total assets than equivalent UK schemes.

Alongside this, UK pension fund holdings in UK listed equities have fallen – from 53% in 1997 to around just 6%.

So, we are introducing new requirements for DC and local government pension funds to publicly disclose their level of international and UK equity investments. If there is not improvement, as the Chancellor said at Spring Budget, we will then consider what further action should be taken if we are not on a positive trajectory towards international best practice.

Higher investment levels in these asset classes can help improve returns for savers and promote economic growth, by unlocking billions of investment for high-growth companies. And by doing so, this will help our capital markets to thrive.

Part of the fundamental issue is that the pension market is too fragmented. So, we are taking steps to improve consolidation of the market, particularly the LGPS, as well as ensuring that the regulatory structure rewards funds that invest for long term returns, not just for cost….

…And developing vehicles that ensure pension funds have access to high-growth assets – including in the science and tech sectors via the ‘LIFTS’ initiative, which we announced the winners of at Spring Budget.

To this end, the package the Chancellor announced last year at Mansion House, including the Mansion House Compact, will unlock up to £75 billion of financing for growth by 2030.

Demographic and regional inequalities

Secondly and thirdly, there are the challenges that demographic and regional inequalities present. I have been thinking about these issues a lot recently, and we cannot simply shy away from them. The overall economic pie needs to be much bigger, but how that pie is sliced really matters.

Securing access to SME finance is particularly challenging for women, people from ethnic minorities, and people from certain social classes.

The statistics speak for themselves. For example, only 8% of total equity funding is being invested in teams with at least one ethnic minority founder.

This is compared to an ethnic minority representation of 18% in the UK population as a whole.

And the proportion of equity capital investment going to all-female founder teams has been stuck at around 2% in the UK for the past decade.

We’re working to address this. Since 2012, of the people who received a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, funded by the government, 40% went to women, and 20% went to people from a Black, Asian or other Ethnic Minority background.

And in March this year, the PM announced a new taskforce to boost private investment in women-led businesses and make the UK the best place in the world to be female founder.

When I delivered my first major speech as City Minister last November, and in much of my engagement since, I have wanted to keep at the front and centre of people’s minds that reforms must deliver investment all over the UK. Financial services has – for far too long – been seen as London-centric, even though 2/3 of FS jobs are based outside of London.

Success does not come from trickle-down economics from the centre, which as George Bush quite rightly said is ‘voodoo economics’.

No, the economy of the future is bottom up.

I commend the individual efforts that companies have made to increase their regional presence and deliver for local communities. But I would like to extend a call to arms – to bankers, insurers, pension providers, and others – to take up the mantle on regional growth…

…To deliver ambitious investment strategies in our regions, delegating hiring decisions to local centres, which ensures that we truly develop local talent.

And I would also like to encourage the banking sector to roll out banking hubs much faster, to support local communities and businesses access in-person banking.

As a country, our FS sector will not get the public support that it needs in order to thrive without much more engagement from much more of the country.

Indeed, more broadly, this question of engagement is crucial. How do we get people to engage in the evolution of financial services?

Well, one answer is to show them how it affects them, and why it matters. Open Banking is doing just this, putting consumers at the centre of data-sharing and its benefits.  

Last month I launched the Open Finance Taskforce, who are looking at, for example, how sharing data sets can help facilitate the availability of finance for SMEs. I look forward to the findings of the Taskforce this summer. 

We led the way internationally with Open Banking. Sharing data with consumers and businesses has the power to empower consumers and businesses across the financial services spectrum - savings, investments, insurance, pensions and beyond. So, let’s continue to lead the way on this agenda.  

To conclude, I hope you’ll not mind me referencing a report I worked on in 2022 for the APPG on financial markets and services.  

In this report, I said that financial services are not just the jewel in the crown of the British economy.

In fact, they are critical to the effective working of the “real” economy.

Because financial services are a part of, not apart from, the rest of the economy.

This is our model for the future – because capitalism, the economy, society, works better when there is genuine partnership.

So let us continue building this genuine partnership – and we will, collectively, reap the rewards…

…And create a new model for the financial services sector – a sector which we can all be proud.

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Clearing Universities & Courses

Clearing advice.

Recommended Clearing Universities

Popular Course Categories

Course Search & Discover

Start the search for your uni. Filter from hundreds of universities based on your preferences.

Search by Type

Search by region.

Recommended Universities

Ravensbourne University London

London (Greater) · 88% Recommended

Swansea University

Wales · 100% Recommended

University of Surrey

South East England · 98% Recommended

Search Open Days

What's new at Uni Compare

University of Roehampton

Study a teaching degree at one of the UK's leading teacher training providers

University of Sussex

Prepare for a digitally advanced workplace with cutting edge Finance Degrees

Ranking Categories

Regional rankings.

More Rankings

Top 100 Universities

Taken from 65,000+ data points from students attending university to help future generations

About our Rankings

Discover university rankings devised from data collected from current students.

Guide Categories

Advice categories, recommended articles, popular statement examples, not sure what to search for, take our quick degree quiz.

Find the ideal uni course for you with our Course Degree Quiz. Get answers in minutes!

Take our full degree quiz

Get more tailored course suggestions with our full Course Degree Quiz and apply with confidence.

PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES Accounting personal statements

Discover personal statement examples written by students accepted onto accounting and related courses. Read through the examples to help shape your own personal statement.

Get the skills needed for an engaging and successful career

Pick Roehampton's Accounting degree for hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and paid placements setting your future up for success.

Apply for Accounting at a 5 star university (QS - Top Universities 2024).

Accelerate your dreams of becoming an accountant by studying at the University of Law on their ACCA accredited course.

Accounting Personal Statements

Submitted by Goutham

Accounting and Finance Personal Statement

New dynamic markets are offering boundless opportunities with firms g...

Submitted by Hardeka

Economics with Accounting Personal Statement

I am part of an economy that influences society in ways I am yet to d...

Submitted by Shay

Flying Start Accountancy Personal Statement | Examples | Uni Compare

Since earning my first hourly wage at fifteen, I became aware of the ...

Submitted by Ravina

My interest in business mainly stems from my experience of selling va...

Submitted by Ankush

I have always desired to understand feelings, behaviour and the human...

Submitted by Theviya

Accounting and Finance (with a Placement Year) Personal Statement

Having an interest in the world of commerce and industry, I believe t...

Submitted by Victoria

Albert Einstein intelligently once said "Try not to become a man of s...

Submitted by Alex

Accounting is a necessary activity within everyday life, without whic...

Submitted by Angel

Accounting and Finance Personal Statement*

It is my curiosity towards the application of mathematics in the real...

Submitted by Carmen

BSc Accounting and Finance Personal Statement

My interest in the world of business was sparked by my father who is ...

Submitted by Sharlyn

Accounting and Finance (with a Placement Year) Personal Statement*

Since speaking with a Careers Advisor and my mentor from Pricewaterho...

Submitted by Jean

Whether it is making financial investments or managing spending, acco...

Submitted by Rizwana

Accountancy

The wonders of the financial world caused me to gravitate towards a c...

Submitted by Uwais

Accountancy and Finance

Numbers are a large part of life and are everywhere around us. I work...

Submitted by Zara

Accounting and Finance

The complexity of numbers is intriguing, and my interest in them has ...

Recommended Course

undergraduate Universities

Undergraduate uni's.

Ravensbourne

103 courses

Swansea Uni

1319 courses

Uni of Surrey

750 courses

Uni of Portsmouth

761 courses

114 courses

Northeastern Uni

Uni of East London

575 courses

Leeds Beckett Uni

454 courses

Uni of Sunderland

340 courses

Cardiff Met Uni

501 courses

Uni of Brighton

407 courses

Uni for Creative Arts

672 courses

Uni of Chester

645 courses

467 courses

886 courses

Uni of Leicester

432 courses

Heriot-Watt Uni

334 courses

Uni of Westminster

503 courses

Uni of Winchester

259 courses

548 courses

Goldsmiths, UOL

344 courses

Uni of Roehampton

468 courses

Middlesex Uni

634 courses

Staffordshire Uni

472 courses

Uni of Bradford

390 courses

Uni of Hertfordshire

584 courses

West London IoT

Escape Studios

ARU Writtle

104 courses

Kingston Uni

617 courses

Wrexham Uni

289 courses

Uni of Suffolk

186 courses

Uni of Kent

580 courses

Bath Spa Uni

520 courses

Queen's Uni

635 courses

Coventry Uni

480 courses

Uni of Bedfordshire

656 courses

UWE, Bristol

497 courses

Leeds Arts University

Uni of C.Lancashire

798 courses

Uni of Essex

1400 courses

Uni of Huddersfield

668 courses

Uni of Reading

685 courses

709 courses

Anglia Ruskin Uni

808 courses

Edge Hill Uni

383 courses

Uni of Hull

498 courses

Nottingham Trent

912 courses

FIND THE IDEAL COURSE FOR YOU

Degree Course Quiz

Find the ideal university course for you in minutes by taking our degree matchmaker quiz today.

Find the latest from Uni Compare

Heriot-Watt University

Discover career-focused degrees at a top ranked uni for graduate employability

University of Law

Ranked Top 20 amongst English universities in the 2023 National Student Survey, click here to learn more!