Edinburgh-based Didasko Education, the financial education charity behind the Scottish capital’s prestigious Library of Mistakes, has tapped former Standard Life Aberdeen CEO Keith Skeoch to be its new chairman and former Martin Currie CEO Julian Ide to be vice-chairman.
The appointments come as Didasko expands both in the UK and internationally.
In the UK the charity is accelerating plans to educate young people about personal finances and support young women into roles in the finance sector, as well as opening a new financial history library in London and producing a new series of financial history podcasts.
Internationally, the charity plans to open a library in Singapore in 2026 and is in negotiations about the possibility of establishing further libraries in Paris, Toronto, Montréal and Mumbai.
Skeoch, who is also chair of the Edinburgh International Festival, will succeed Tony Foster as chair and will take on an ambassadorial role, publicising the charity’s roots in Scottish finance and the values of education and long-term planning.
Ide will focus particularly on the charity’s expansion in London, helping guide the opening of a new library planned for early 2026.
Didasko has become a leading proponent of the value of education in finance since its inception more than 20 years ago and seeks to encourage learning across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from school children right through to interested amateurs, professionals and academic institutions.
Its Practical History of Financial Markets course, overseen by Russell Napier, seeks to complement the theoretical underpinnings of qualifications such as the CFA with a broad historical understanding of financial markets.
Skeoch said: “Those of us in finance, most particularly those of us who had the honour of leading companies, know the great value of learning from the past so that we can constantly improve.
“Didasko Education Company puts this philosophy into action through its broad educational remit and through understanding that diversity of background and thought is one of the most important ways to avoid systemic risk in such a vital sector of our economy.
“I’m delighted to take on this role to promote our unique Scottish and British heritage in financial services, a heritage where the first and only task is always in serving the needs of consumers, businesses and society.”
Ide said. “As someone who’s worked in both London and Scotland I understand the background and ethic that drives a charity such as Didasko – one where care, consideration and knowledge are at the forefront of the skills required to undertake the most important of tasks – looking after the savings and assets of our communities and investing them for the benefit of all.
“I’m particularly delighted to be helping to bring our unique approach right back to the heart of the City of London and I look forward to establishing a library there that will be a beacon for lifelong learning and understanding as a means of promoting a financial sector that works for all.”
Didasko CEO David Clarke said “As a charity that’s rooted in the ethics of our founding companies in seeking to provide financial services fit for the needs of the community as a whole, we are delighted to have joining our board two of the most accomplished executives that have served in Scottish companies.
“It’s a privilege to find two individuals so aligned with the aims of our charity – to use education as a way to benefit all who work for or access services from our vital finance sector.”