The Future of Financial Technology Hiring in Europe 2024

Fintech hiring in Europe shifted direction in 2024. After several years of rapid expansion, the market entered a period of consolidation. Companies became more selective, focusing on key talent instead of headcount growth. Regulation, AI, and tighter budgets reshaped the demand for skills across the sector.

Market and hiring trends

The European fintech market continued to grow steadily in 2024, driven by digital payments, embedded finance, and data-focused services. However, funding slowed sharply. Deal value and investment rounds fell across the UK, France, and Germany, forcing firms to hire more strategically.

Recruitment teams adjusted by prioritizing hybrid roles that combine technology, product, and compliance expertise. Fintech hiring across Europe still grew by about 15%, but with far more attention to measurable results and return on talent.

Key skills and roles

The most sought-after professionals were engineers skilled in payments infrastructure, API development, and automation. Data specialists remained essential as fintech companies relied heavily on analytics to guide decision-making and improve user experience.

Compliance and regulatory technology roles grew in importance as EU digital finance rules tightened. Candidates with cross-border or multilingual experience gained an advantage as firms expanded into multiple European markets.

Hiring challenges

Recruiters across the region faced several consistent challenges:

• Specialist talent was scarce, especially in API, data, and embedded finance roles.
• Slower investment cycles led to tighter hiring budgets and increased selectivity.
• The evolving regulatory environment made hiring for compliance and risk more complex.
• Candidates expected flexibility, efficient hiring processes, and clear role definitions, making the overall experience a key differentiator.

Strategic hiring approaches

Fintech firms that succeeded in 2024 adjusted their strategies. They hired for measurable impact, defined clear performance expectations, and focused on hybrid skill sets that combined technical expertise with commercial insight.

Hiring processes became faster and more transparent. Companies expanded sourcing beyond traditional hubs like London and Berlin to emerging centers such as Warsaw and Lisbon. Compensation packages evolved to emphasize hybrid work options and professional development opportunities rather than relying solely on salary.

Regional highlights

London remained Europe’s largest fintech hiring hub, followed by Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam. These cities continued to attract top talent thanks to strong ecosystems and established financial networks. Meanwhile, secondary markets in Eastern Europe gained traction due to lower costs and a growing pool of skilled engineers.

Outlook for the year ahead

The trends seen in 2024 marked a shift toward more precise, efficient hiring. Growth continued, but the focus was on quality over quantity. Companies sought fewer hires with broader skill sets who could deliver lasting value. Professionals with cross-functional expertise in technology, regulation, and data were in the strongest position to succeed.

Selby Jenning fintech support

The era of rapid hiring has ended. Fintech hiring in Europe in 2024 became about precision, adaptability, and results. Companies that moved decisively and aligned hiring with strategy attracted the best people. Professionals who combined technical ability with regulatory understanding stood out in a competitive market.

At Selby Jennings, we connect fintech firms and professionals across Europe to build high-performing teams. Our consultants understand local market shifts, compensation trends, and the challenges of identifying top talent in a changing environment.

Request a call back to speak with one of our fintech specialists and get tailored insights for your hiring or career plans.