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.
Watch Full Session
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