GEOKHUB | London — Jan 12 Demand for artificial intelligence specialists, regulatory experts and data professionals pushed job vacancies in the UK’s financial sector up by 12% in 2025, underscoring how banks and financial firms are racing to modernise amid rapid technological change.
According to new recruitment data, hiring momentum remained strong across most of the year despite a noticeable slowdown in the final quarter, when market volatility and uncertainty surrounding the government’s November budget made employers more cautious.
AI and Tech Roles Overtake Traditional Finance Jobs
Technology-driven roles are now reshaping the financial employment landscape. Software and computer services accounted for more than 16% of all financial sector vacancies, overtaking traditional areas such as investment management and banking, which each made up roughly 15% of roles last year.
Recruiters say the shift reflects an industry-wide push to strengthen digital infrastructure, regulatory compliance systems and AI-powered data reporting as firms compete in what many describe as a technology arms race.
Automation Shrinks Clerical and Broking Roles
While demand surged for specialist skills, clerical and administrative positions fell by 16%, and broking roles dropped 20% over the year. Analysts attribute the decline to increased automation and AI-driven tools that are reducing the need for manual processing and routine financial tasks.
Despite the late-year slowdown, hiring is expected to remain resilient into early 2026, supported by relatively low unemployment of around 5% and stable inflation near 3.2%.
Industry observers say the data highlights a structural shift rather than a short-term trend, with AI and digital expertise becoming central to the future of Britain’s financial services workforce.
