The banking industry has been catapulted into the technological sphere in recent years, and fintech has grown exponentially with no signs of slowing down. So, in this changing financial industry, what skills will put candidates head and shoulders above the rest?
A financial world without technology is all but obsolete. With blockchain, PSD2 and cybersecurity taking over the banking sector, tech jobs are already shooting up in finance and banking.
But there continues to be a supply problem when it comes to tech talent, and the fintech sector is no better off. According to LinkedIn, the global skills gap for candidates with tech experience will hit 1.5m by the year 2020.
This is good news for anyone looking to break into the fintech sector. It’s a candidate’s market out there, as the big fintech giants are crying out for talent. But what skills do you need to join the industry?
Unlike straight tech jobs, there are a lot more soft skills required outside of technological language.
Philip Bourke of Hays Recruitment says fintech roles require adaptable candidates. “[A fintech company] needs someone who wants to think outside the generic IT box; people who can demonstrate adaptability and creativity.”
Fintech candidates should also be problem solvers who are “not bogged down by traditional IT practices”. This is where business acumen and analytical skills will put a candidate ahead of others.
Of course, tech skills and education remain essential components for a career in fintech. “A traditional IT/computer qualification is still highly valued,” says Bourke.
Fintech candidates should be well versed in tech languages, such as C++, Java and Python. They should also be up to speed on financial news and economics and need to be very fast learners. Time waits for no man, and the fintech industry is changing at a rapid pace, so people entering the sector should be able to adapt with it.
As for fintech jobs, there are plenty of hot skill areas for candidates to look at, with everything from big data analytics and risk management to cybersecurity and predictive modelling.
Looking for jobs in tech or science? Check out our Employer Profiles for information on companies hiring right now and sign up for our Career Republic e-zine for a weekly digest of sci-tech careers news and advice.
