International financial firm Cowen has announced a move into its new Belfast office in the recently renovated Bedford House building.
While the UK's financial sector is still firmly based around London, Belfast has become a powerhouse of financial tech and high-growth startups in recent years. US-based financial services firm Cowen set up a technology research and development centre in Belfast's Scottish Provident buildings back in 2012-2013, and has since grown its presence in the city significantly.
Originally starting with around 10 employees, the Belfast fintech office has since grown to over 60 staff and is still expanding. The company has now moved its Belfast office into the newly renovated Bedford House building, providing space to grow the team further.
Michael Page, Chief Operating Officer of Cowen Execution Services Limited and Cowen International Limited, commented: "We are excited to move our growing team into new offices at Bedford House in the Linen Quarter of Belfast. Over the past 10 years, Belfast has established itself as a growing center for technology and financial service businesses in Europe. Cowen’s investment into new office space reflects not only our commitment to Belfast, but our confidence in its high-quality talent base."
Cowen’s Chief Operating Officer John Holmes remarked on the move: "2019 marks Cowen’s seventh year with a presence in Belfast. It has been remarkable to see the steady, reliable growth of our operations not only in Belfast, but across Europe. Cowen is committed to continuing to strengthen its presence in the pan-European region, as seen through recent acquisitions and hires, and our Belfast team will be essential to support this growth. We look forward to strengthening our capabilities in this competitive space and expanding our reach on a global basis."
Source: Written based on press release
