Financial Services Hiring in 2025: Risk, Regulation and Retention
Hiring across the UK financial services sector has remained cautiously optimistic so far in 2025. While economic conditions have driven some consolidation, many employers are continuing to invest in talent, especially in areas linked to compliance, fincrime, audit, and digital transformation.
Yolk’s Financial Services recruitment team continues to see strong demand across regulatory and risk roles, particularly within insurance and fintech. Despite economic headwinds, the sector remains resilient. In 2024, fintech vacancies surged by 44% year-on-year, driven by increased investment and the adoption of AI technologies.
However, we’ve also observed a slight dip in hiring activity for senior, fully qualified finance and accounting roles. This trend may be linked to ongoing uncertainty in national economic policy, the impact of recent fiscal tightening, and delays in decision-making caused by changing government priorities. Many employers appear to be re-evaluating leadership structures and senior costs, leading to a more cautious approach at the top end of the market.
Salaries across the sector are holding steady, but candidates are increasingly selective, prioritising hybrid working, values alignment, cultural fit, and long-term career growth over immediate compensation. This is making the interview-to-offer process more complex, with counteroffers and extended decision-making timelines becoming more common. The key to your organisation standing out right now? Clear, consistent communication, structured interview processes, and flexibility where possible. In a candidate-short market, speed and clarity can be the difference between securing, or losing, top talent.
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Contact Yolk's Financial Services recruitment team direct below.
Email: af@yolkrecruitment.com
Call: 029 2022 0078