Ryan FowlerNew research from recruitment firm Robert Half has highlighted a sharp rise in salaries for risk, compliance and cybersecurity professionals as UK businesses seek to defend themselves from escalating threats, including those linked to rogue state actors.
Recent attacks on major brands including Marks & Spencer, Co-op and Jaguar Land Rover have exposed vulnerabilities even in large organisations.
Robert Half said the fallout from such breaches has pushed resilience to the top of boardroom agendas, with 42% of employers planning to hire IT security specialists in the coming months and 48% citing cybersecurity as an immediate hiring priority.
A further 26% intend to expand permanent legal, risk and compliance teams, while 23% are boosting contract resource to strengthen resilience.
The research found that 63% of employers would offer above-market premiums to secure specialist skills, particularly in compliance, governance, security architecture and threat intelligence. Almost half (44%) said cybersecurity hires specifically will require premium pay in the year ahead.
Matt Weston, senior managing director at Robert Half UK & Ireland, said: “In today’s climate, a breach isn’t just an operational failure – it’s a financial and reputational catastrophe.
“With rogue state threats, increasingly sophisticated hacking groups and rising regulation, firms that fail to invest in risk, compliance and security talent will be exposed.
“We’re seeing salary outlays rise, roles expand in scope and expectations from boards at an all-time high.”
According to the data, salaries for senior operational risk managers in London are forecast to rise 9.5% from £94,625 in 2025 to £103,625 in 2026.
Operational risk managers will see an 11.1% increase, from £75,375 to £83,750, while chief information security officers are set for a 14.2% rise, moving from £150,250 to £171,625.
Weston added: “London’s sharp upward trajectory is no accident. Global financial institutions headquartered there face relentless scrutiny from regulators, ever-present geopolitical risks and boardrooms that now see cyber resilience as central to maintaining trust.
“The talent pool is not keeping pace with demand – particularly for senior leaders who can blend technical depth with strategic oversight with competition for top performers driving rapid pay inflation.
“Salaries in London City are even higher, reflecting the premium placed on attracting and retaining talent at the very centre of the UK’s financial system. Organisations that build resilience into their DNA – from systems to culture – will be those that survive and thrive in 2026.”
