Finance positions in London experience a 10% increase as the market stabilizes

Boom in London's Finance Sector: A Look at H1 2025

London's finance sector experienced a significant surge in the first half of 2025, with hiring volumes trending upward across various sectors. According to recent reports, volumes in accounting and consulting were 18% higher year-on-year, while finance hiring in London saw a 10% Year on Year (YoY) increase.

One of the standout performers was Barclays, which boosted hiring by 55% in 2025, redirecting resources into corporate banking and finance transformation. Interestingly, Barclays finance vacancies increased 55% YoY, while HSBC declined 49% YoY.

The London finance sector showed renewed momentum, with executive-level recruitment up 11% YoY. This trend was particularly evident in the banking sector, where banking operations roles were up 38% YoY, driven by digital demand.

IT roles account for the largest share of professional vacancies in accounting and consulting, with IT hiring in the banking sector increasing 16% YoY. Notably, IT roles in Accounting and Consulting firms experienced a 39% YoY growth.

MasterCard registered a 35% YoY growth in 2025, fueled by increased demand in digital payments, data governance, and blockchain finance.

Looking ahead to H2 2025, key trends and predictions for accounting and consulting, banking, and IT roles are as follows:

Accounting and Consulting: The sector is expected to see strong growth in workforce consultancy, with a reported 51% year-on-year increase in net fee income. Recruitment outsourcing is being streamlined, focusing on a core base of clients to reduce costs and improve targeting. Talent advisory services are gaining momentum, with increased cross-selling and referral conversions, as firms develop direct-to-market distribution capability to scale service lines further.

Banking (specifically investment and credit markets): Private credit is a standout growth area, with expansion in private debt and structured credit funds. Roles in origination, underwriting, portfolio management, and distressed investing are in high demand, especially for professionals with cross-border expertise. Investment banking increasingly values CFOs and C-suite executives who combine financial stewardship with commercial insight, transformation experience, and IPO readiness.

IT and Technology Roles: AI continues to be a major driver, particularly in transforming fixed income trade lifecycles and fintech innovation. The fintech sector, including digital assets, blockchain, AI applications, and insurtech, remains resilient despite broader market headwinds.

Overall, London's financial sector in H2 2025 is characterized by a strategic emphasis on digital transformation, specialized financial expertise (notably in private credit), and consultative, advisory roles that support business growth and restructuring initiatives. This drives demand for professionals skilled in finance, consulting, and advanced IT capabilities like AI and data analytics.

JPMorgan Chase & Co, Visa, Capgemini, and Deloitte are the top 5 companies in London's finance sector in terms of professional vacancies from 2023 to 2025 (Jan/June). The UK-wide finance vacancies are forecast to rise 11% YoY. Banks focused on automation, cybersecurity, and infrastructure in their IT hiring in the banking sector.

Hiring across accounting and consulting firms in Q1 2025 was up 19% compared to the previous quarter. Deutsche Bank reported a 44% rise in 2025, mainly in internal controls and private banking. In 2025, JPMorgan saw a 22% increase in roles, driven by expansion in digital retail banking, ESG, and compliance.

It's worth noting that HSBC scaled back hiring sharply by 49% YoY in 2025, following reductions in investment banking and global cost-cutting efforts. Traditional accountancy roles dipped 4% in accounting and consulting, indicating a shift away from traditional finance support roles.

The numbers of vacancies for JPMorgan Chase & Co, Barclays, Visa, Capgemini, and Deloitte in 2025 are 1996, 1048, 788, 554, and 522 respectively. These trends suggest a dynamic and evolving landscape in London's finance sector, with a focus on digital transformation, specialized expertise, and strategic hiring.