Jobs in finance vary hugely and so do the people who work in the financial services sector – from techies to creatives and people with great soft skills. If you like being challenged, working in a team and solving problems, a career in finance could be for you.
Career opportunities
With so many different roles in banking – covering so many areas – the sector offers fantastic opportunities.
As well as retail banking, insurance and pensions, sectors include:
- business banking
- investment banking
- investment management
- life assurance and
- regulated financial advice.
And within those sectors there are a range of roles.
If you enjoy problem solving, a career in trading may be right for you. Perhaps you like computers and gadgets? IT may be a good fit. And if you’re outgoing and enjoy talking to people, there are lots of roles in sales, customer services and human resources.
There’s something for everyone in the finance sector.
Finance companies are good to work for
Fintech companies like Marshmallow and Penfold appear in the top ten of start-ups to work for in 2022.
The Stonewall Top 100 Employers List recognises efforts by organisations to create inclusive workplaces. Employers must demonstrate good practice in ten areas including senior leadership, procurement and engaging with LGBT+ communities.
The 2022 list was announced back in January. It was good to see the financial services sector so well represented, with 17 financial companies named, including one – the Macquarie Group – in the top slot.
Banking and finance pioneering in tech
Thanks to digital banking and finance, the whole industry is changing at a tremendous pace.
New markets are being discovered for innovative services, technology is taking the place of pen pushing and customer-facing roles are becoming more complex.
The fintech world is fast moving, but fintechs aren’t the only finance firms hiring people with digital banking skills. And there’s no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the digitisation of banking and finance and that trend looks set to continue.
Banks are helping tackle climate change
Working towards net zero means the world needs to change how it does business – and that has to be financed. That's why financial services are so important for our future, because financing and investment is the business of bankers.
Companies – from multinational corporations to small to medium enterprises (SMEs) – are facing a new layer of scrutiny from banks and investors.
Where a bank used to base investment decisions on financial reports, business plans and credit worthiness, now they look at a firm's sustainability and performance targets. Some banks might discontinue working with a client if the business isn’t doing enough on sustainability.
Opportunities to progress
Banking and finance is a global industry, which means that wherever you are in the world – or wherever you want to be – there are opportunities to work and progress in the sector.
The industry is constantly changing and adapting to developments in our world. This means that throughout your career you’ll be able to take advantage of new opportunities.
As with most careers, the more experience you gain, the more responsibility you can expect. That can lead to promotion, a higher salary and the chance to develop your expertise.
And you’ll never stop learning. There are professional qualifications in all kinds of subjects, including banking ethics, trade finance, investment management, risk, customer relations and financial advice. Your employer will most likely cover the cost.
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