London finance hiring set to rise 17% as capital accounts for majority of UK finance vacancies

London finance hiring set to rise 17% as capital accounts for majority of UK finance vacancies

London Tightens Its Grip on UK Finance Hiring

London is set to account for the majority of UK finance hiring for the first time, with vacancies in the capital forecast to rise 17% in 2026, according to the latest London Finance Labour Market Trends Report from Morgan McKinley and Vacancysoft.

Representing almost 52% of all UK finance vacancies, London’s hiring growth is forecast to outpace the rest of Britain by more than five to one. The figures reflect continued investment in technology, regulatory transformation and operational modernisation across Financial Services.

Accounting & Consulting Leads the Expansion

Accounting & Consulting is forecast to deliver the fastest-growing area across London’s finance market, with vacancies forecast to increase by 21% in 2026. Demand is being driven by sustainability reporting, audit reform and AI implementation programmes, with Accountant vacancies expected to jump 32%.

Technology hiring also remains strong, with IT professional vacancies forecast to rise by 22%, reflecting continued investment by consulting firms and finance employers modernising platforms, compliance systems and reporting infrastructure.

Banks Continue Investing in Technology

Banking vacancies are forecast to increase by 16% in 2026 as firms continue prioritising investment in technology over traditional support functions. IT professional vacancies are forecast to rise 29% as firms accelerate cloud migration, cybersecurity investment and AI adoption.

Banking roles remain the largest occupational category, accounting for more than 42% of vacancies. The figures point to a sector continuing to prioritise technology and regulatory capabilities over discretionary support functions.

Global Banks and the Big Four Drive Recruitment

The strongest recruitment growth is expected among organisations investing heavily in technology and digital transformation. JPMorgan Chase is forecast to increase hiring by 27%, while Barclays is expected to expand vacancies by almost 28%. Deloitte is forecast to lead professional services recruitment with vacancies rising by more than 60%, alongside strong growth at Accenture (+50%), NatWest (+54%), State Street (+40%) and BlackRock (+36%).

Florence Edwards, associate director, finance & accounting at Morgan McKinley, said  “London is strengthening its position as the UK’s finance recruitment hub, with investment increasingly concentrated in technology, regulatory capability and specialist financial expertise. As firms modernise operations and respond to evolving regulatory requirements, hiring is becoming more targeted, particularly across banking, consulting and finance transformation.

Competition for experienced professionals is intensifying. Employers are looking for candidates who can combine technical finance expertise with digital and analytical skills, but supply remains limited. Organisations that can move quickly and offer a compelling opportunity will have a significant advantage.”

Top Companies: Finance, Professional Vacancies, London, 2024 – 2026 Est *

29/07/2026