London finance vacancies are forecast to increase 17% in 2026 following strong hiring momentum The capital is expected to account for 52% of UK finance recruitment for the first time Accounting & Consulting vacancies are projected to rise 21%, while Banking grows 16% Accountant roles are forecast to jump 32% as firms invest in AI implementation and regulatory change JPMorgan Chase, Barclays and Deloitte are expected to lead recruitment growth
Financial Services accountant vacancies are forecast to fall by nearly 5% in 2026. Commerce & Industry accountancy vacancies are forecast to rise by almost 13% in 2026. London's share of Financial Services accountant hiring is expected to reach 57% of all UK vacancies. Energy & Utilities is forecast to be the fastest-growing accountancy sector, with vacancies rising by almost 75%.
UK fintech vacancies are forecast to rise by close to 14% in 2026, following 28% growth in 2025 London is expected to account for 71% of all fintech hiring as concentration intensifies IT support roles have fallen from 17% to 9% in two years due to automation IT infrastructure vacancies are projected to climb nearly 31%, outpacing broader IT growth Anti-money laundering (AML) and credit-focused hiring strengthens, while several neobanks scale back recruitment amid a shift towards payments-led business models
UK tax hiring to fall by ~10% in 2026 following a 19% surge in 2025 London share rises to ~43% as regional hiring declines ~15% Core tax roles remain dominant at around 60% of demand Specialist demand shifts toward employment tax, indirect tax and tax technology, highlighting growing skills gaps
UK internal audit vacancies rose 18% in 2025, driven by increased demand for governance and oversight roles. London strengthened its dominance, accounting for 57% of all UK vacancies after 29% growth. Regional hiring diverged sharply, with strong growth in Northern Ireland and Yorkshire but steep declines across Southern England. Hiring momentum has slowed in early 2026, with vacancies down 40% year-on-year.
Finance vacancies rose 13% year-on-year in 2025, led by tech and compliance. Fintech hiring surged 29%, with standout gains in software and product roles. Accountancy vacancies climbed 15%, with executive management roles doubling. Greater London grew 17%, reinforcing its dominance in UK financial hiring.
London sees strongest fintech hiring rebound since 2021 Technology accounts for 41% of all fintech vacancies nationwide Specialist roles in credit risk and financial crime more than double Fast growing firms including Radius and SumUp accelerate expansion
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