Corporate finance firm boosts Scottish presence with opening of office in Edinburgh

The firm, which is adding the Edinburgh operation to its existing Aberdeen office, is also expanding its services to include fundraising for private equity firms and infrastructure investments.

Dow Schofield Watts, known as the “challenger” company, operates a licensing model that allows professionals to run their own business under its brand. Its Scottish branch was launched in 2018 by Tom Faichnie and Melanie Clark.

The Edinburgh office will be headed by Antony Watson, a former British Army colonel who has nearly 20 years’ experience in investment banking and global advisory roles. He has worked in New York and London for companies such as Bankers Trust and Singer & Friedlander, where he headed the emerging markets department.

Watson said: “Edinburgh is one of the world’s leading financial centers and home to a multitude of institutions and pension funds. Having worked in locations around the world, it is great to be based closer to home and to work alongside Tom and Melanie to build the Dow Schofield Watts brand in Scotland.

“The new office will bring additional expertise to support companies and institutions in Edinburgh’s business and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Faichnie added: “The launch of the Edinburgh office is the first step in our longer term expansion plans in Scotland, which include adding new sites and expanding our range of consultancy services. We are particularly happy to welcome Antony on board.