The Future Workforce of Financial Services: Attraction, Perception, and Opportunity

Long-term aspirations may have taken a back seat

Our results show a clear preference for immediate concerns in the current climate. We asked our respondents to detail what factors are/were the most important to them when deciding which industries or companies to work for. Up to three options could be selected, and a good work/life balance took the top spot, with 45% selecting this option as one of their three choices.

After this came a competitive salary (43%), job security (38%), and benefits and perks (19%). The least important factors proved to be those that are much more long-term in scope.

At the very bottom of our results was the future outlook for the sector/company (9%). Opportunities to gain training or additional qualifications (10%), company values and culture which align with my own (11%), clear path for career progression (13%), and ability to make a positive impact on the world (13%) also failed to have much sway among our respondents.

It appears that applicants may be putting their long-term aspirations to one side in favour of what pays the bills in the here and now. Given our struggle to overcome our ongoing cost-of-living crisis, this is understandable.

Inflation, while down from its 2022 peak, is currently sitting at 3.8%[8], nearly double the Bank of England’s 2% target. This feeds through to how we perceive our options, with the S&P Global UK consumer sentiment index falling to 47.4 from 47.8 in September[9]. Households are feeling the pinch.

In fact, Citizens Advice recently warned that 4 million people in England and Wales are stuck in the red, spending more on essentials than they earn[10]. Also, the Living Wage Foundation found that 42% of the UK’s low-paid workers had resorted to using food banks over the last year or so[11].

Challenges linger

Our results do show that many people view working in financial services as a potential solution to these kinds of issues. But, there’s still a mixed bag.

Of those in our survey who were not working in financial services or who were retired, we asked if they would consider working in the industry. Only 46% said they would, but this rose to 60% for those aged 18-34. Our industry could do with an influx of young, motivated workers.

Sadly, it appears that financial services as an industry may be struggling to shake off its “boys club” image. The majority (58%) of females not working in financial services would not consider doing so.

Those who work in financial services also don’t seem overly convinced by its potential. Half agreed that financial services roles are mostly competitive on pay, benefits, and perks. Yet, 40% said they were proud to work in the industry.

What’s more, only 46% agreed with the statement: the financial services industry is open to people from all social backgrounds. Meanwhile, 42% feel the industry offers exciting career development opportunities.

Clearly, the wider financial services scene could do with a bit of PR. Market Financial Solutions is proud of how it has been an outlier here. We have always promoted from within, supported Bridging Loan Directory’s Women in Finance series[12], and won awards for our equity, diversity & inclusion efforts.

It’s just a shame that we seem to be the exception to the rule. Financial services still has work to do on its image.

How can the industry adapt?

Fortunately, our results also reveal how the industry at large can position itself to be more appealing for workers. Looking at the data, it’s clear financial services needs to embrace more openness in how it attracts talent.

We asked those who were not working in financial services and would not consider doing so to highlight the main reasons why. Of all the options we gave, “I believe I lack the right qualifications or skills” took the top spot, with 33% of all our respondents selecting it.

After this came “it seems too corporate or rigid” (26%), “financial services look boring” (25%), and “the work seems too stressful” (24%).

There is a lot to unpack here. It’s true, working in financial services can be challenging and for certain roles, specific qualifications are required. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t options for applicants seeking unique positions within financial services, or who don’t have the most traditional financial background.

Financial service firms require just as many varying departments as other sectors do. This includes marketing, HR, IT, and more. Not every role within our sector will involve complex calculations, or complicated spreadsheets – a fact we need to make much clearer.

Also, financial services cover an extremely broad spectrum. Everything from a small accountancy firm through to a massive hedge fund falls under its remit. If a potential applicant finds one sub-sector “boring”, there are countless others to choose from.

A career in, say, insurance may not appeal, but perhaps specialist lending will…

Reflecting on the findings – the view of our CEO

Every workforce reflects the confidence of its industry. In 2025, that confidence is being tested across the UK economy. But financial services, and the property market within it, is showing resilience.

Our research makes one thing clear: people know what they want from work, but they’re not always finding it within our sector. The desire for balance, security, and purpose is universal — yet too many still see financial services as closed, rigid, or unwelcoming. That perception must change if our industry is to thrive in the years ahead.

We cannot afford to view this as a recruitment problem alone – it’s a cultural challenge. The next generation is motivated, diverse, and eager to contribute. It’s up to us as employers to ensure their contributions are recognised, and rewarded. We must adapt by opening more doors, broadening the definition of what a financial career looks like, and ensuring progress is built on inclusion, not exclusivity.

There are encouraging signs. Young adults are more open to financial services than any other group, and job creation in real estate remains strong. That momentum should give us confidence. But sustaining it will depend on our ability to make this industry somewhere people want to belong, not just somewhere they can work.

At Market Financial Solutions, we’ve long believed that growth starts with people. Promoting from within, supporting diversity initiatives, and building a culture of meritocracy aren’t just values – they’re advantages. The wider industry must follow suit if it’s to secure the best talent for the challenges ahead.

Financial services has always powered the UK economy. The next chapter depends on whether it can inspire people who will shape it for years to come. We like to think Market Financial Solutions is already ahead of the curve here. Furthermore, we’re hiring…