MARKET UPDATE

The Future of Financial Services in Europe 2026

SECTOR-BY-SECTOR HIRING INSIGHTS

Explore the key hiring trends shaping 2026 across the financial sciences and services industry in Europe. Our consultants share expert commentary on market shifts, evolving talent demands, and how AI, regulation, and macro conditions are impacting hiring strategies.

From investment banking to financial technology, each sector is explored through a dedicated video and accompanying article, offering practical guidance for both employers and professionals preparing for the year ahead.

Browse by sector. Watch the insights. Plan with confidence.

Watch insights from our European sector experts

FFS Europe Blog Image Quants

Quantitative Analytics, Research & Trading

Alex Morris explains how AI, HFT diversification, and extended non-competes are shaping quants hiring in 2026.

FFS Europe Blog Image IB

Investment Banking

Discover 2026 investment banking hiring trends from Summer-Jane Lewis, including demand in M&A, capital markets, and credit. Learn how AI and LLMs are reshaping talent strategies across investment banks.

FFS Europe Blog Image Fintech

Financial Technology

Kirsty Tutton discusses 2025 fintech hiring trends and 2026 outlook. Discover how AI, data infrastructure, and global talent strategies are shaping the future of financial technology roles.

FFS Europe Blog Image Insurance

Insurance & Actuarial

Curtis Browning runs through 2025 insurance hiring trends and 2026 forecasts, including actuarial talent demand, automation's impact, and how insurers are shifting to local markets and strategic hiring.

FFS Europe Blog Image Sales & Trading

Sales & Trading

From energy trading demand to AI’s impact on junior roles, discover how firms are competing for top market talent across sales and trading from George Carroll.

FFS Europe Blog Image IM

Investment Management

Explore investment management hiring trends and predictions for 2026 with Elliot Soards. Learn how private equity, fundraising, and AI are shaping investment and IR talent demand.

FFS Europe Blog Image Wealth

Wealth Management

David Poirier shares wealth management hiring trends and predictions for 2026 including AI adoption, ESG advisor demand, and RegTech roles across private banking hubs in Europe.

Interested in trends in the USA?

Our talent specialists across the USA outline the market developments defining their sectors in 2026, from hiring challenges and rising AI adoption, to compensation movements and new growth areas.

Find the talent you need

Get in touch with one of our talent specialists who will be able to offer bespoke and tailored guidance on hiring for your business' objectives and resourcing plans.

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We work with some of world’s largest financial institutions with vacancies across the industry from corporate banks to innovative fintech start-ups.