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UK earnings in the finance sector decrease as employees proactively hone their technological proficiency

In a poll comprising 600 UK-based financial experts across 40 nations, nearly half (49%) expressed interest in job search endeavors.

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UK Financial Experts Show High Job-Seeking Tendency: A study of 600 experts across 40 global...
UK Financial Experts Show High Job-Seeking Tendency: A study of 600 experts across 40 global economies reveals that nearly half of the UK-based professionals in the finance sector are on the hunt for new job opportunities.

UK Finance Salaries Take a Three Percent Dip in 2025, Sparking Job Hunts and Tech Skill Upskill Demands

UK earnings in the finance sector decrease as employees proactively hone their technological proficiency

In the ever-evolving world of UK finance, salaries experienced a three-percent decline in 2025, fueling a wave of workers seeking fresh opportunities and bolstering their tech skills to seal better paychecks.

Currently, the average salary in the UK's wealthiest sector hovers around £102,300, falling slightly short of the US counterpart but still surpassing Germany and the EU averages as per CFO Connect and Spendesk's latest survey among 600 finance professionals across 40 economies.

Interestingly, the survey found that almost half (49%) of UK finance professionals are more inclined to switch jobs in pursuit of higher compensation and new prospects.

In a nod to technology's increasingly critical role in career advancement, nine out of ten finance workers agreed that technology-related skills are indispensable for scaling the corporate ladder and safeguarding their earnings.

Rodolphe Ardant, the Spendesk founder, hinted at a pivotal turning point for the finance sector concerning AI technology adoption. "Finance professionals are no longer viewing technology as merely a productivity tool, but as a powerful career differentiator," Ardant shared his insights.

"From my experience, the Finance professionals who excel aren't just passive observers waiting for a market turnaround," he continued, "but proactive innovators developing the indispensable technological proficiency that makes them indispensable strategic partners to their organizations, regardless of the economic climate."

The UK Financial Industry Pushes Ahead with AI Adoption

The UK financial sector has been a frontrunner in AI adoption, with productivity levels nearly triple the average UK economy figures, as revealed by TheCityUK. In addition, the industry generated £110 billion in tax receipts for the government in 2023, further underscoring the government's dependence on the sector to fund public services.

TheCityUK's recent report highlighted that more companies, particularly legal services firms, are investing significantly in AI to enhance efficiency. The UK government, in response, should focus on harnessing AI's growth potential and bolstering financial stability, according to TheCityUK.

Nevertheless, the Bank of England's Financial Policy Committee flagged potential risks associated with AI adoption. It warned that AI technology could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and lead to a crowding of investors, potentially escalating market shocks. Furthermore, AI outages could leave firms vulnerable, as evidenced by the Bloomberg terminal outage that briefly suspended bond trading.

High-Demand Tech Skills in The UK Finance Sector

In the UK finance sector, several tech skills are currently in high demand due to increasing AI adoption, paving the way for professionals to upskill and vault higher on the career ladder. Here's a rundown of some of the most sought-after skills:

AI and Machine Learning

Finance leads in AI adoption with a 75% adoption rate, making AI-related skills highly sought-after. The sector is grappling with a significant shortage of AI skills, particularly in the areas of machine learning engineering and data science. AI is projected to add £26 billion of value to the financial services industry by 2030, signalling the importance of AI expertise.

Cyber Security

The fintech sector is witnessing a surge in demand for cyber security roles driven by the increasing need for system resilience and threat mitigation. As fintechs transition from legacy systems and grapple with mounting compliance requirements, security professionals are essential for ensuring system reliability.

Data Science and Analytics

Data analytics holds great importance for financial services, especially with AI-driven growth, making data scientists and analysts valuable assets. The ability to interpret and leverage data insights will continue to be crucial in the finance sector.

IT and Technology Management

Technology-related hiring is on an upward trajectory, with a 39% increase projected, emphasizing the need for IT management and development professionals. As fintechs expand their operations, skilled IT professionals are essential for managing and developing robust technology infrastructures.

Risk and Compliance

Risk and compliance professionals are in high demand due to the increasing regulatory scrutiny, with a projected 29% increase in hiring. Financial crime professionals and fraud experts are particularly sought-after to reinforce internal control frameworks.

To succeed in this competitive industry and boost salaries, UK finance professionals should focus on acquiring these in-demand tech skills. This will not only upgrade their technical fluency but also aid them in aligning with the evolving demands of the finance sector amidst growing AI adoption.

UK's Thriving Tech Hubs Beyond London

While London stands as the epicenter of tech jobs, other British cities like Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Oxford, and Cambridge are also witnessing remarkable growth in AI-related opportunities. This geographical diversity offers professionals an array of locations to explore career advancement opportunities beyond the bustling metropolis.

  1. In light of the increasing importance of technology in the finance industry, nine out of ten finance workers acknowledge that technology-related skills are crucial for career progression and financial security.
  2. The UK government should capitalize on AI's growth potential within the finance sector, as more companies are investing in AI to enhance efficiency, following TheCityUK's report.
  3. As the finance sector continues to adopt AI, the sector is expected to add £26 billion of value to the UK economy by 2030, underscoring the need for AI expertise among financial professionals.
  4. Beyond London, cities like Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Oxford, and Cambridge are experiencing growth in AI-related opportunities, providing an alternative location for finance professionals to explore their career advancement beyond the metropolis.

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