The UK continues to be Europe’s most attractive location for foreign direct investment (FDI) into financial services, according to EY’s latest Attractiveness Survey for Financial Services. The UK attracted 76 financial services projects in 2022 – an increase of 13 projects from 2021 – and has extended its lead over second-placed France, which secured 45 projects in 2022 – 15 fewer than in 2021.
Germany and Spain tied in third place, both recording 31 financial services investment projects in 2022. Germany’s gain of two projects from 2021 is the country’s first annual increase in financial services projects since 2018, when it recorded 81 projects in the sector. Spain’s 31 projects were down from 39 in 2021.
Financial services FDI across Europe grew 5% from 277 projects in 2021 to 292 projects in 2022, outpacing overall European FDI project growth, which only rose 1% during this period, impacted by the war in Ukraine, high energy prices and inflation.
Fidelity Special Values PLC (LON:FSV) aims to seek out underappreciated companies primarily listed in the UK and is an actively managed contrarian Investment Trust that thrives on volatility and uncertainty.