Futureproof your fintech career: the skills employers want in H2

Fintech is evolving fast, and so are the expectations of employers. In fact, the UK’s fintech sector is powering ahead with one of its strongest hiring outlooks in recent years. Despite ongoing economic challenges, including subdued venture funding and lingering market volatility, fintech companies are advancing with recruitment plans.

As we reach the midway point of 2025, professionals in finance, IT, and digital banking are navigating a landscape shaped by AI, blockchain, ESG, and regulatory reform. Whether you're a developer, analyst, or compliance specialist, staying ahead means knowing where the demand is heading.

Morgan McKinley and Vacancysoft’s latest fintech report shows that technology-related hiring in fintech is forecast to rise by 39%, particularly in IT management, development, and cybersecurity, with London remaining the primary hub for these roles.

If you’re working in fintech, this is what you need to know for H2 and beyond.

Fintech talent hotspots to watch

According to findings from Datacity, top roles in fintech include:

• Programmers
• Software developers
• Finance analysts
• IT business analysts
• Data analysts
• Cybersecurity professionals

The fintech sector currently employs over 360,000 people across more than 3,300 companies, with London leading. It’s no secret that London is the financial capital of the world. London dominates, with major Fintech hubs in the City of London, Westminster, and Tower Hamlets. In H2, activity is growing nationwide, with strong clusters already forming in cities including Manchester, Leeds, and Edinburgh.

Technical skills that open doors

Fintech employers are prioritising candidates with strong technical foundations. Programming languages including Python, Java, and Solidity are in high demand, particularly for roles in blockchain development and AI engineering. Rust is also sought after for roles such as blockchain developers and AI engineers.

As more fintech platforms incorporate decentralised technologies, employers are looking for candidates familiar with key blockchain ecosystems. Experience with frameworks like

• Ethereum
• Hyperledger
• Binance Smart Chain

can signal your readiness to contribute to secure, transparent, and scalable solutions. If you can build or audit smart contracts, even better. This hands-on knowledge shows you understand how blockchain works in practice, not only in theory.

Cloud computing expertise, especially in AWS and DevOps, is also essential as firms scale their infrastructure and adopt more agile delivery models. Certification programmes from major technology companies are recognised globally, making them an asset for candidates seeking career advancement.

AI and machine learning continue to dominate hiring trends. Tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch are powering everything from fraud detection to customer behaviour modelling. If you can build or train intelligent systems, you’re already ahead of the curve.

Upskilling

Decide which skills you want to develop based on fintech trends. Identify the skills you need to advance your career through promotion or a  new job. When you know the skills you want to develop, set goals and make a plan. Remember, upskilling is more than being mentored, shadowing a colleague, or participating in a lunch-and-learn. You can upskill through microlearning, reading content, watching videos, listening to podcasts, attending webinars, getting certifications, and e-learning.

If you’re looking to move from tech to fintech, your core skills like software development, cloud, data, and cybersecurity are highly valued, but you may need to build financial knowledge and show interest in areas like compliance or payments. Highlight projects involving secure systems or large-scale platforms to help position yourself.

Data is the new currency

Data-driven decision-making is now central to fintech strategy. Employers seek professionals who can manage, interpret, and visualise large datasets using tools including Power BI, Tableau, and advanced Excel. Predictive analytics is also valuable, helping firms anticipate market trends and optimise performance. Ensure your CV and LinkedIn profile highlight your data analysis skills, relevant tools, and examples of how you’ve used data to drive decisions.

Cybersecurity: a non-negotiable

With cyber threats on the rise, fintech firms invest heavily in security. Skills in encryption, penetration testing, and incident response are in high demand. Familiarity with frameworks such as

• GDPR
• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
• SOC 2 (System and Organisation Controls 2)

 are increasingly expected, especially for roles handling sensitive financial data.

Risk and fraud expertise is in the spotlight

Professional roles in risk and compliance are expected to rise by 29% in the coming year, marking the third consecutive year of growth for these functions. The demand for financial crime specialists is projected to increase by 50%, with roles focused on fraud expected to double. These increases are attributed to heightened regulatory scrutiny and growing operational complexity, particularly for firms that operate across borders.

Regulation and ESG: the leadership edge

Understanding the regulatory landscape is no longer only for compliance teams. Knowledge of open banking, crypto regulation, and ESG frameworks like GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) and TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) is becoming a key differentiator. As fintech integrates sustainability into investment decisions in H2, ESG expertise is moving from ‘nice to have’ to essential. Professionals with these capabilities are well-positioned for success in this dynamic field. Ensure your CV and LinkedIn profile showcase any regulatory or ESG knowledge; even if it is not core to your role, it can give you a competitive edge.

AI and automation: threat or opportunity?

While automation is transforming traditional roles, it’s also creating new ones. Emerging job titles include AI trainers, data curators, and interface designers. The message is clear: upskilling is no longer optional. Fintech professionals who embrace change and invest in digital fluency will be in high demand.

What this means for your next move

While early-stage ventures continue to experience lower investment activity, employers are focusing on product expansion, operational growth, and the progression from start-up to post-revenue phases. Regulatory shifts and cyber-related reforms are also acting as catalysts for hiring.

Meraki Talent helps candidates navigate this shifting landscape, connecting ambitious fintech professionals with forward-thinking fintech employers. If you're ready to future-proof your career, now’s the time to act.