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
 
 

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