The latest London Finance Labour Market Trends Report from Morgan McKinley and Vacancysoft suggests 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 per cent in 2026.
Representing almost 52 per cent 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 is forecast to deliver the fastest-growing area across London’s finance market, with vacancies forecast to increase by 21 per cent in 2026. Demand is being driven by sustainability reporting, audit reform and AI implementation programmes, with Accountant vacancies expected to jump 32 per cent.
Technology hiring also remains strong, with IT professional vacancies forecast to rise by 22 per cent, reflecting continued investment by consulting firms and finance employers modernising platforms, compliance systems and reporting infrastructure.
Banking vacancies are forecast to increase by 16 per cent in 2026 as firms continue prioritising investment in technology over traditional support functions. IT professional vacancies are forecast to rise 29 per cent as firms accelerate cloud migration, cybersecurity investment and AI adoption.
Banking roles remain the largest occupational category, accounting for more than 42 per cent of vacancies. The figures point to a sector continuing to prioritise technology and regulatory capabilities over discretionary support functions.
The strongest recruitment growth is expected among organisations investing heavily in technology and digital transformation. JPMorgan Chase is forecast to increase hiring by 27 per cent, while Barclays is expected to expand vacancies by almost 28 per cent. Deloitte is forecast to lead professional services recruitment with vacancies rising by more than 60 per cent, alongside strong growth at Accenture (+50 per cent), NatWest (+54 per cent), State Street (+40 per cent) and BlackRock (+36 per cent).
“London is strengthening its position as the UK’s finance recruitment hub, with investment increasingly concentrated in technology, regulatory capability and specialist financial expertise,” said Florence Edwards, Associate Director, Finance & Accounting at Morgan McKinley. “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,” she continued. “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.”
