Empowering the Next Generation of Financial Services and Fintech Talent

 

 

Empowering the next generation of financial services and fintech talent

 

Delivered at the Singapore FinTech Festival, this panel on the Talent Stage explored strategies to empower the next generation for a dynamic financial sector.

 

Key Highlights

1. The Evolving Talent Landscape

Diverse Hiring Trends:

  • Increasing focus on skills and behavioral attributes rather than traditional degrees.
  • Expansion of hiring pools to include polytechnic and IT students.

In-Demand Skillsets:

  • Technical Skills: Digitalization, AI, sustainability, and domain expertise in financial services.
  • Behavioral Skills: Curiosity, perseverance, resilience, and a growth mindset.

2. Education vs. Experience

Shift from Degree-Centric Hiring:

  • Panelists emphasized a growing preference for skills over formal qualifications.
  • Companies now offer alternative pathways such as internships, mentorships, and on-the-job learning.

Mid-Career Switches:

  • IBF's Technology in Finance Immersion Program (TFIP) supports early and mid-career professionals transitioning into tech roles in finance.

3. Opportunities for Young Talent

Comprehensive Programs:

  • JPMorgan: Technology Development Program (non-tech-trained grads), AI & Data Analytics programs, and IT internships.
  • OCBC: Ignite Program offering internships, apprenticeships, and sponsorships for further studies.
  • HSBC: Apprenticeships, polytechnic internships, and Voyager Program for global exposure.

Early Engagement Initiatives:

  • Long-term internships, mentorships, and exposure to real-world projects.

4. Building a Stand-Out Profile

What Employers Look For:

  • Passion and perseverance demonstrated through extracurricular activities or personal projects.
  • Curiosity and a hunger to learn, combined with resilience and the ability to adapt.

Maximizing LinkedIn:

  • Authenticity, well-rounded profiles, and a clear display of interests and skills.
  • Persistent and meaningful networking with industry professionals.

5. Ideal Candidate Attributes

Panelist Insights:

  • Values & Client Focus: Integral to financial services.
  • Drive & Winning Mindset: Motivation to learn and succeed.
  • Resilience: Ability to recover from setbacks.
  • Connecting Skills: Problem-solving, creativity, and interpersonal skills.

 

Vision for the Future

The financial sector is evolving to embrace diversity, skills-based hiring, and innovative learning pathways. Institutions and initiatives like IBF are working collaboratively to create a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem for future talent.

 

 

Speakers:

  • Jay Chan, Executive Director, Head of Talent Acquisition, Group Human Resources, United Overseas Bank
  • Justin Loi, Head of APAC Early Careers, J.P. Morgan
  • Kenneth Gan, Managing Director and Head, Talent Acquisition Advisory, OCBC
  • Mukul Anand, Head of Human Resources, Singapore, HSBC
  • Winnie Lim, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Banking and Finance

Moderator:

  • Bryan Lim, Class of 2023 Finance Graduate, Singapore University of Social Sciences
 
 

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