Latest news: Financial services 'attracting European investors'

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The UK could see more finance jobs created after it was revealed it is an appealing destination for international investors looking to put their money into the financial services sector. 15/01/2013

According to a survey of 500 international decision makers, carried out by Ernst & Young , the industry is the favoured bet for international businesspeople for this year.

More than one-third of respondents revealed they planned to invest in UK financial services in 2013, with the second-most popular being energy and utilities with 18% of the response.

Mark Gregory, Ernst & Young chief economist, commented, 'In the UK, the financial services sector remains the main attraction and focus for foreign investors.

'Due to regulatory uncertainty whether these good intentions will translate into actual projects next, delivering growth and jobs is unclear.'

The analysis found the UK's most attractive qualities for investors are its language, culture, quality of life, stable political environment and infrastructure.

In addition, the survey showed 86% of investors are confident the UK will prevail over its economic problems.

The report also highlighted the growing popularity of the West Midlands region among European decision makers.

It was the preferred destination for 10% of those surveyed, behind London and the South East.

This comes after the firm's 2012 UK Attractiveness Survey, which revealed foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the region in 2011 created 6,738 jobs.