Market Update
Inside Europe’s Risk Management Talent Market
Discover the hiring trends, salary benchmarks, and regional regulatory developments shaping the future of risk management – whether you’re building resilient risk teams or planning your next career move.
2025 risk management recruitment outlook in Europe
Across Europe, risk management is undergoing one of its most significant shifts in a decade. The function that once focused mainly on compliance has become central to how financial institutions, funds, and trading firms plan, protect, and grow. New regulation, faster technology adoption, and constant market uncertainty are reshaping how risk teams are structured – and who employers are competing to hire.
Regulation remains the biggest influence on hiring. The introduction of CRR III and CRD VI has sustained demand for credit risk and model validation specialists, while DORA has expanded operational and cyber risk functions as firms strengthen digital resilience and third-party oversight. Meanwhile, the rollout of the EU AI Act is prompting a new wave of hiring for professionals who can oversee AI use within risk frameworks – ensuring that automation, model outputs, and data-driven tools meet regulatory expectations.
Across the board, organizations are prioritizing mid- to senior-level professionals who can strengthen governance and provide credible oversight, but one of the biggest hiring challenges continues to be speed. With limited talent supply and strong candidates often engaged in multiple interview processes at once, firms that move quickly are seeing the most success.
For candidates, the market offers opportunity but also new complexity. Knowledge of regulatory change alone is no longer enough; firms value professionals who understand how regulation interacts with business strategy, data systems, and technology risk. Specialists in AI governance, ESG risk management, and operational resilience are especially well-positioned for the next phase of growth.
As Europe’s financial landscape continues to evolve, risk functions are expanding their influence, and investing in the right talent will be key to manage uncertainty and build lasting resilience beyond 2025. For a deeper look at market trends, salary data, and expert insights across Europe’s key risk hubs, download ‘Inside Europe’s Risk Management Talent Market’ by completing the form above.
LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
FAQ: Risk management hiring, compensation and careers in Europe
Risk hiring is increasingly focused on roles at the intersection of regulation, data, and technology. Stress testing, model validation, and operational resilience continue to drive headcount growth, while AI governance and digital risk management are emerging as important specialisms within the risk function.
Learn more about in-demand skills and hiring trends across Europe’s key risk markets by downloading ‘Inside Europe’s Risk Management Talent Market’ – simply fill out the form on this page and gain instant access.
France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands are among the most active risk talent markets, with consistent demand also in Germany and the UK. Each market is shaped by its own regulatory environment – from FINMA-driven liquidity oversight in Switzerland to DORA implementation across the EU.
Base salaries for risk professionals have remained stable across Europe, with Frankfurt and Zurich offering some of the highest fixed pay. However, total compensation often peaks in London and Paris, driven by larger bonus structures and competition for specialist talent. Candidates with quantitative or technology-focused skills can command significant premiums.
Download ‘Inside Europe’s Risk Management Talent Market’ today to access current salary benchmarks for each of these locations, covering Analyst to MD roles across key risk verticals.
Employers are prioritizing risk professionals with cross-functional expertise, including:
- Quantitative modeling and stress testing
- AI and data analytics within risk frameworks
- Cyber and operational resilience under DORA
- ESG and sustainable finance risk management
- Model governance and regulatory interpretation
If you’re looking for your next risk management role, browse our current vacancies across leading financial firms.
The firms who are most successful in securing and retaining risk professionals are offering hybrid flexibility, clear promotion and progression pathways, and visible investment in people. Speed and communication are critical – slow interview processes are one of the top reasons candidates withdraw from opportunities.
If you’d like further support with your risk management hiring needs, including bespoke benchmarking and competitor analysis, request a call back from Selby Jennings.
Developing technical depth while maintaining agility is key in risk. Skills in automation, data analytics, and AI governance are increasingly valued, while fluency in additional European languages and cross-border regulatory familiarity can open doors to regional leadership roles.
The introduction of DORA in 2025 has made digital resilience a board-level issue. Firms are building larger operational risk teams with stronger oversight of ICT risk, third-party providers, and cyber threat testing – blending traditional risk management with modern technology governance.
Need support with risk recruitment? Speak to our specialists
Whether you’re building resilience, meeting new regulations, or filling leadership gaps, hiring the right risk talent is essential.
Our consultants specialize in risk recruitment across financial centers globally, helping firms secure professionals with the technical depth and regulatory insight to make an immediate impact. Speak with our team to learn more about our talent solutions.
Let’s talk talent
Need the right talent for your next hire, or guidance on your people strategy? Leverage our experience to help you and your business today.
Advancing your career
Want to be one step ahead in your career? Our industry experts have the relationships and global reach to realize your full potential.