Scottish independence vote could hit finance industry Scottish Financial Enterprise, which represents some of the country's largest financial institutions, said politicians needed to provide clarity on their plans for an independent Scotland. Financial services account for about 8pc of Scotland's £140bn econony with £750bn in funds under management controlled north of the border. Owen Kelly, chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: "Like our members, we believe that this is a decision that needs to be taken by the Scottish people - it's not our job to tell people how to vote. However, it is important that some uncertainties are removed. Issues like currency, membership of the EU, regulation and the possible impact on the UK as a single market can be clarified ahead of the referendum. And they need to be clarified so that companies, employees, customers and shareholders can understand the changes that independence will bring. Some of the UK's leading financial services providers are based in Scotland including Royal Bank of Scotland and Alliance Trust. Both declined to comment. Another blue-chip company, Standard Life said: "Scotland's constitutional future is a matter for politicians and voters. However, it is important to Standard Life that Scotland continues to create a competitive environment from which to do business. In a recent research note, Jim Leaviss, a senior fund manager at M&G, analysed the financial impact of Scottish independence. He said Scotland would struggle to justify an AAA rating from Standard & Poor's, warning that a United Kingdom without Scotland might also find it hard to maintain a top credit rating.