Update
The conference concluded on 19 March 2026 at the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
Read the post‑conference article.
Innovation at the Intersection of Health and Wealth
On 19 March, leaders from financial services, health, academia, government and the start‑up ecosystem convened for a national showcase exploring how Scotland can lead the next wave of innovation at the intersection of health and financial wellbeing.
The Finance and Health Lab National Conference brought together practical insight, emerging solutions and real collaboration opportunities – focused on challenges that matter in later life and beyond.
Why this conference matters
As Scotland and the UK respond to demographic change, we need new approaches that strengthen financial resilience, support healthier outcomes, and ensure services are inclusive by design.
The Finance and Health Lab exists to accelerate collaboration across sectors – connecting industry, academia and government to test ideas, generate evidence, and help innovations move from insight to impact. This conference was a moment to share what’s been learned so far and shape what comes next.
What the programme covered
A one‑day programme combining thought leadership, evidence and innovation in action:
- Keynote and guided discussion on the future of financial health in an ageing society
- Research‑insight showcase translating health–wealth dynamics into practical implications
- Industry panel on designing future‑ready, inclusive financial services for later life
- Start‑up showcase and demonstrations featuring ventures from the FHL innovation call
- Data‑proposition session exploring trusted, ethical pathways for financial–health data use
- Fireside conversation on scaling innovation through collaboration – and what’s next for FHL
Programme at a glance (10:00–16:00)
Arrival, registration and networking with refreshments and FHL highlights playing throughout the venue.
Welcome and opening remarks, setting the ambition for the day and reflecting on FHL progress.
Keynote + guided discussion: The Future of Financial Health in an Ageing Society.
Research insight showcase: evidence and Q&A on health–wealth dynamics in later life.
Industry panel: designing future-ready financial services that are inclusive and age-friendly.
Lunch and networking, with optional demo space.
Startup showcase and demonstrators: demos, trial insights and Q&A.
Data proposition session: what’s needed, and what safeguards build trust.
Fireside conversation: scaling innovation through collaboration and national impact.
Closing plenary: FHL roadmap and opportunities to engage.
Final thanks and content capture, with signposting to post-conference outputs.
Who attended
- Financial services (banking, insurance, pensions, investments)
- Public sector, policy and health-system stakeholders
- Researchers and academic partners
- Startups, scaleups and innovation teams
- Organisations focused on later-life inclusion, accessibility and vulnerability
Outcomes we aimed for
- A shared view of the most urgent health–wealth challenges and opportunities
- Stronger cross-sector connections and clearer collaboration pathways
- Practical insight from research, trials and policy work
- Greater visibility for innovations that can scale – and what they need to succeed