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 rather than 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 expand at a steady pace in 2024, driven by digital payments, embedded finance, and data-led services. However, funding slowed sharply. Deal value and investment rounds fell across the UK, France, and Germany, forcing firms to hire strategically rather than aggressively.

Recruitment teams adjusted by prioritising hybrid roles that mix technology, product, and compliance expertise. Fintech hiring across Europe still grew by around 15 %, but with far more scrutiny on return on talent.

Key skills and roles

The most in-demand professionals were engineers skilled in payments infrastructure, API development, and automation. Data specialists remained essential, as fintech firms relied heavily on analytics to guide decisions and customer experience.

Compliance and regulatory technology roles increased in importance due to tightening EU digital finance rules. Candidates with cross-border or multilingual experience gained an edge as firms expanded across European markets.

Hiring challenges

• Recruiters across the region faced several consistent obstacles.
• Specialist talent remained scarce, particularly in API, data, and embedded finance roles.
• Investment slowdowns led to tighter hiring budgets, pushing companies to do more with less.
• The regulatory environment became more complex, extending hiring timelines for compliance and risk positions.
• Candidates demanded flexibility, fast processes, and clarity around responsibilities, making candidate experience a key differentiator.

Strategic hiring approaches

Fintech firms that succeeded in 2024 adapted their approach. They hired for measurable impact, defined clear expectations, and focused on hybrid skill sets that combined technical knowledge with commercial awareness.

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

Regional highlights

London continued to lead as Europe’s largest fintech hiring hub, followed closely by Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam. These cities remained magnets for talent due to strong ecosystems and established financial networks. Meanwhile, secondary markets in Eastern Europe gained ground thanks to lower costs and strong engineering talent.

Outlook for the year ahead

The trends from 2024 pointed to a new phase for fintech hiring in Europe. Growth continued, but efficiency and precision defined recruitment strategies. Companies sought fewer people with broader skill sets who could deliver long-term value. Candidates with cross-functional expertise in technology, regulation, and data held the strongest positions in the market.

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The era of rapid hiring has passed. Fintech hiring in Europe in 2024 became about precision, adaptability, and results. Firms that acted decisively and aligned hiring with business strategy attracted the best talent. Professionals who demonstrated both technical and regulatory fluency stood out in a competitive market.

At Selby Jennings, we partner with fintech firms and professionals across Europe to build high-performing teams. Our consultants understand the local hiring trends, salary benchmarks, and the challenges of finding the right expertise in a changing market.

Request a call back to speak with a fintech specialist and get tailored insight into your hiring or career strategy.