Digital transformation continues to redefine how banks and financial institutions operate and compete for talent in 2026. Interconnected systems and cloud computing are boosting collaboration and growth within organisations, but they are also increasing exposure to sophisticated cyber threats, leading to banks increasing their focus to strengthen cybersecurity and risk capabilities.
At the same time, the widespread adoption of AI and advanced analytics are reshaping banking jobs in Singapore. Talent in the banking and financial services industry are now equipped to “do more” of their existing tasks, but also taking on new, higher-value responsibilities.
Hiring priorities are now driven towards talent who can merge their industry expertise with technology, analytics and strategic thinking, where they can contribute to high-value decision making and innovation.
Download your copy of the 2026 Banking & Financial Services Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide for insights on sector trends, salary benchmarks, and talent expectations so that you can make more informed workforce decisions for the year.
front-office functions: in-demand roles and skills.
Banks are seeking professionals with a proven track record in maintaining and growing client networks, particularly private bankers and relationship managers (RMs). While AI-powered robo-advisors can help enhance efficiency and expand client portfolios, human skills such as trust-building, relationship and negotiation remain irreplaceable in this high-touch business environment.
In line with the demand for relationship managers, wealth planners are also shifting towards adopting a “high-touch, high-tech” model where human judgement is essential for handling complex wealth and estate planning that clients are not willing to leave entirely to machines.
growing demand for analytical expertise in middle & back office.
Digitalisation and digitisation continues to streamline middle and back office functions, reducing reliance on manual work. At the same time, it is driving greater demand for talent with strong analytical skills, particularly in areas such as AML analytics and credit risk portfolio analytics.
The scope of traditional compliance roles is also being impacted with the introduction of digital technologies. With transaction processing and monitoring now being an automated process, employees will have to move up the value chain to manage exception handling and oversight.
core capabilities that will drive business success in 2026.
Companies are competing for talent with the right mix of technical expertise, business acumen, and interpersonal strengths.
digital and analytical proficiency
In 2026, working effectively with AI and automated systems will be a key expectation for talent in banking and financial services. Demand is growing for talent with strong digital acumen, as well as those with skills in data interpretation and analysis, programming and coding, and Gen AI prompt design.
Professionals who can translate complex data into actionable insights will stand out, whether they are in client-facing roles or supporting operations behind the scenes.
strategic business acumen
With a growing emphasis on higher-value work, employers are now prioritising talent who have the strategic insight and critical thinking skills to interpret data, influence stakeholders, and communicate their findings.
Interview processes and skills assessments are also expected to become more in-depth, allowing employers to effectively identify talent that can contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s success.
strengthening your talent strategies in 2026.
Talent within the banking and financial services space value not just a competitive pay and work-life balance, but also clear career progression paths and the opportunity to work for a financially healthy organisation.
Employers who actively communicate growth pathways in their recruitment process, from job advertisements to onboarding, will be better positioned to attract and retain the talent that they want.
To build a future-proof workforce, employers should also look beyond just immediate vacancies and focus on hiring talent with strong foundational skills and the learning agility to pivot into new, redesigned roles.
By focusing on hybrid skill sets that combine technical expertise and interpersonal capabilities, organisations can develop a more flexible workforce that is ready to capture the full economic potential.
download singapore’s 2026 banking and financial services job market outlook report.
Navigate Singapore’s evolving labour market with confidence. Our 2026 Banking and Financial Services Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide offers valuable insights to strengthen your talent strategies:
- Salary benchmarks across in-demand roles
- Most sought-after skills that impact hiring priorities
- Actionable strategies to attract, retain and upskill talent
partner with randstad
At Randstad, we connect employers with specialist talent that can help them meet their workforce needs, while helping talent find in-demand roles that prioritise growth and digital agility.
Looking to hire? Get in touch with us for a confidential discussion, or browse our jobs here if you’re ready for your next job opportunity.