How is AI Reshaping Financial Sector Hiring Priorities?

The financial services sector is preparing for a recruitment surge in 2026, with implications for HR departments across the industry. According to research from KPMG, 55% of firms are planning to hire more staff, with artificial intelligence capabilities driving much of this demand.

The research reveals that 57% of finance leaders have identified acquiring AI capabilities as their biggest focus in 2026.

This shift is prompting financial firms to seek talent with experience in risk management, behavioural science and legal backgrounds to help manage ethical AI adoption, as companies turn their attention to how employees are using the technology, according to KPMG.

Karim Haji, Global and UK Head of Financial Services at KPMG, says: "AI is no longer just a productivity tool. It is actively shaping who firms hire and who they don't.

"We're already seeing a rise in ethical AI leadership roles going to people with expertise in behavioural and social science, law or psychology rather than purely technical or risk-based experience, this is helping firms design AI that is not only valuable, but safe, ethical and trustworthy."

Workforce challenges in AI implementation

The pace of AI adoption among finance leaders has been slower compared to other C-suite executives, according to industry data. A Spendesk report from January 2025 found that 61% of finance teams have not yet implemented AI into their workflows.

The report identifies concerns about return on investment as a factor in this hesitation. Nearly a third of respondents cite a lack of skills or training in AI technology as a limiting factor, highlighting a skills gap that HR departments need to address.

This skills shortage is creating a competitive talent market, with firms competing not only for technical AI specialists but also for professionals who can bridge the gap between technology and business strategy.

HR departments are responding by developing comprehensive training programmes and partnering with educational institutions to build internal AI capabilities.

Goldman Sachs announced its 'OneGS 3.0' AI-driven strategic vision on 14 October 2025, focusing on improving AI-led productivity across the business.

The banking firm is concentrating on upskilling employees as part of an initiative to improve AI literacy, while also seeking to hire new talent with the agility to adapt to new workflows.

David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, says: "Technology has been disrupting jobs, changing the way people work, destroying jobs and forcing us as a vibrant economy to create new jobs for decades."

Managing employee AI usage

As AI becomes more embedded in workplace practices, the focus is shifting from technology implementation to employee usage, according to the KPMG survey. This transition presents new challenges for HR departments in monitoring and supporting staff.

Leanne Allen, Head of AI Advisory at KPMG, says: "What I'm seeing is that there's a huge pressure, and this goes across all sectors, to adopt AI.

"There are cost pressures, the need to drive efficiencies … and there's still that fear in terms of job displacement."

Leanne suggests that employees may be "monitored and measured for how much AI they're using throughout the day" going forward.

The report recommends that organisations employ robust governance processes to manage human and behavioural risks with AI, while cautioning against placing sole responsibility on employees for their AI output.

Leanne says: "You shouldn't put all that pressure onto a human because of the level of anxiety which could lead to non-adoption of AI."