Demand for specialists in AI and technology drives a 12% increase in job openings within the UK financial industry, according to a recruitment firm

UK Financial Sector Sees Surge in Specialist Job Openings

According to Morgan McKinley, a recruitment agency, job vacancies in the UK's financial industry are projected to rise by 12% in 2025. This growth is largely fueled by the increasing need for professionals skilled in artificial intelligence, regulatory compliance, data analysis, and other specialized areas, as firms strive to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Despite a slowdown in hiring during the final quarter—attributed to global market fluctuations and uncertainty surrounding the government's November budget—the overall annual increase remained strong. These insights come from Morgan McKinley’s London Employment Monitor, which tracks job openings in financial services each quarter.

Mark Astbury, a director at Morgan McKinley, noted that roles in software and computer services now represent more than 16% of all vacancies, surpassing traditional positions in investment management and banking, each of which made up 15% of job openings last year.

Meanwhile, the report highlighted a significant decline in clerical and administrative jobs, which dropped by 16%, and broking positions, which fell by 20%. The adoption of AI and automation technologies has reduced the need for personnel in these areas.

Astbury anticipates that strong recruitment activity will persist into the first quarter of the year, supported by a relatively low unemployment rate of 5% and steady inflation at 3.2%.

Source: Lawrence White; Edited by William Maclean