Top Banking & Financial Services Skills In-Demand for 2026
Companies hiring in the Banking & Financial Services in 2026 are being very careful about every hire. Traditional roles are being redefined by technology-enabled processes and an increasingly complex global regulatory web.
Our 2026 salary guides note that in many organisations, overall headcount growth is under heavy scrutiny, and instead of hiring more people, organisations are looking for people who have very specific skills, especially related to technology and new government rules.
If you want to stand out in your career in Banking & Financial Services in 2026, it’s not just about knowing how money moves, but also about knowing how the technology and the rules behind that money work.
Here is a breakdown of the top Banking & Financial Services skills that are currently in high demand.
1. Regulatory Compliance
Governments around the world are getting stricter about how banks operate. Because of this, companies are looking for people who can help them follow the law and stay compliant.
Key capabilities:
- Expertise in the regional rules, such as APRA in Australia, MAS in Singapore, or DORA and MiFID in Europe
- Skills in stopping financial crime, like anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customers (KYC)
- Communication skills to clearly explain their processes to government officials
For example, our Australia Salary Guide notes that in Australia, skills shortages are most acute among qualified accountants with experience in APRA reporting and financial control.
2. Risk Management
In 2026, risk management has moved from simple math to complex computer modelling. It has evolved into a highly technical field needing skills such as modelling future scenarios.
Key capabilities:
- Being able to run "what if" scenarios to see how the bank would survive a market crash
- Capability to ensure that third-party software used is safe and follows the DORA framework for digital safety
3. Technology, Data, and Automation
The line between a finance person and a tech person is disappearing. Purely operational roles are declining as they become automated, replaced by tech-savvy professionals who can build the systems that manage the data.
For example, our China Salary Guide notes that Mainland China has seen demand for tech-driven roles surge by about 15%, specifically in quantitative analysis, fintech product development, and automated risk control.
Key capabilities:
- Proficiency in SQL, Python, Power BI, and ERP systems
- The ability to apply scripting languages to automate standard back-office processes
- High-frequency and algorithmic trading system design, API integration, and digital asset knowledge
4. Fund, Investment, and Portfolio Management
As private markets continue to expand, there is an acute need for professionals who understand the nuances of non-traditional asset classes and complex fund structures.
Key capabilities:
- Fund accounting specifically focused on private equity, private credit, and real estate
- Mastery of Waterfall modeling, portfolio operations, and valuation
- An understanding of financial products and how they perform across emerging and large-cap markets
5. Client Engagement and Soft Skills
While technical skills get you through the door, soft skills are what secure senior leadership roles. The ability to bridge the gap between complex financial data and human decision-making is rarer, and more valuable than ever.
Key capabilities:
- Clear articulation of complex financial strategies to institutional and corporate investors
- In markets like Japan, bilingual capabilities (e.g. Japanese and English) combined with an understanding of local business decision-making processes
- Navigating cross-functional teams and managing the expectations of both internal boards and external regulators
To learn more about the skills in demand for professionals in the Banking & Financial Services industry, download your local 2026 salary guide, where you’ll find market overviews, salary trends, and roles and skills in demand in your region.
To get support with your unique hiring needs in Banking & Financial Services, get in touch with our experts.
