London finance hiring rises 10% as tech and operations roles drive growth

London’s finance jobs market is showing signs of renewed momentum, with vacancies rising 10% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, according to new data from Morgan McKinley and Vacancysoft.

The London Finance Labour Market Trends report highlights a marked shift towards technology and operations roles, with firms competing for specialist talent in fintech, AI, cybersecurity and compliance.

Across accounting and consulting, IT roles increased 39% year-on-year, while banking operations hiring rose 38% over the same period, reflecting strong demand for digital and service delivery functions.

Hiring trends in banking also showed a modest recovery. Finance vacancies in the sector were up 8% year-on-year, with IT recruitment climbing 16% and executive-level hiring up 11%, although traditional accounting roles fell 4%.

Executive management hiring in accounting and consulting also surged 66% year-on-year, as firms invested in strategic leadership positions.

David Neal, managing director at Morgan McKinley, said: “The UK financial services sector is evolving fast, with hiring trends shaped by rapid tech adoption, regulatory change and shifting workforce expectations.

“Roles in fintech, data, AI and cybersecurity are now central to operations, while regulation is driving demand in risk and audit functions.

“Vacancysoft’s latest data shows a 10% rise in London finance vacancies year-on-year, signalling renewed momentum.

“But this isn’t a return to old patterns – flexible working is now standard, competition for specialist talent is fierce and firms are widening their search beyond London to secure the skills they need.”

Among major employers, Barclays lifted hiring by 55% year-on-year after a quieter 2024, while JPMorgan expanded recruitment by 22%, supported by growth in ESG, compliance and digital retail banking.

Deutsche Bank reported a 44% rise, while MasterCard increased hiring by 35% on the back of demand in digital payments and blockchain finance.

HSBC, however, cut roles by 49% year-on-year as it scaled back investment banking and reduced costs globally.