Starting this year, up to five undergraduate students studying for degrees within the department of Accounting and Finance will be selected for a scholarship which will not only help with the costs of their study, but also give them a taster of the world of work for a head start in their financial careers.

Each year, up to five of the best performing students will get the opportunity to secure a one year placement with Fitch Ratings, benefiting from the wealth of experience and professional networks within a global financial organisation and be awarded a £5,000 scholarship to help with their studies.

The Dean of Lancaster University Management School, Professor Angus Laing, said: “We are delighted that Fitch is strengthening its links with LUMS and donating so generously to this scholarship programme. Students will now have the opportunity to develop their future careers by honing invaluable business and employability skills - on top of the academic learning and life skills that university offers.”

Paul Taylor, President and CEO of Fitch Group, said: “Educating market participants is at the heart of what Fitch does. We look for young people who are well-trained, principled, inherently curious, and who represent a diverse set of perspectives and backgrounds. LUMS has a superb program that practically prepares its students, and Fitch is delighted to help develop this next generation of leaders.”

Fitch Ratings is one arm of Fitch Group, a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries. Fitch Group is also comprised of Fitch Solutions, a leading provider of credit market data, analytical tools and risk services; BMI Research, an independent provider of country risk and industry analysis specializing in emerging and frontier markets; and Fitch Learning, a preeminent training and professional development firm. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is majority owned by Hearst.