The banking world is undergoing a seismic shift, and at the heart of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI). If you’re working in finance or considering a career in banking, you might be wondering: where are the safest jobs? The answer, according to the latest industry data, is clear—AI-related roles are not just safe, they’re thriving.
The AI Talent Surge: What’s Happening in Banking?
Over the past six months, the world’s largest banks have ramped up their AI hiring by 13%. That means one in every 50 new hires at top banks is now focused on AI. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic shift. Banks like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup are leading the charge, with UK giants HSBC and Barclays, as well as European leaders BNP Paribas and BBVA, not far behind.
Why the rush? As financial organizations relentlessly pursue digital transformation, AI is proving to be the engine that powers everything from customer service to fraud detection. The numbers tell the story: hiring for AI development professionals is up 6%, data engineers 14%, and AI/software implementation experts a staggering 42%.
Why AI Roles Are So Secure
Banking is no stranger to market volatility and cost-cutting. Yet, while overall headcount in the industry has dropped by about 3% in the last two years, AI teams are expanding. Why? Because AI is delivering measurable value. Banks with robust AI teams are seeing twice as many successful use cases and are 1.5 times more likely to report a return on their AI investments.
Alexandra Mousavizadeh, CEO of benchmarking firm Evident, puts it simply: “AI roles may be the only safe jobs in banking right now.” Banks are laser-focused on hiring talent that can scale AI use cases and drive real business outcomes.
How Banks Are Investing in AI Talent
Take Lloyds Banking Group, for example. They’re not just hiring AI experts—they’re training over 200 senior leaders in AI skills, ensuring that decision-makers understand how to leverage these technologies. Lloyds is also building a machine learning and generative AI platform on Google Cloud, empowering more than 300 data scientists to innovate at scale.
ING’s approach is equally strategic. By focusing GenAI development on five key areas—know your customer, call centers, wholesale banking, retail personalization, and internal engineering—they’re making sure AI isn’t just a buzzword, but a tool for real transformation.
What Does This Mean for Your Career?
If you’re already in banking, now is the time to upskill. AI, machine learning, and data science are no longer niche skills—they’re becoming essential. Many banks are offering training programs, and there are countless online resources to help you get started.
For those entering the industry, consider roles that intersect with technology and data. The demand for AI talent is only going to grow, and those with the right expertise will find themselves in high demand.
Actionable Tips to Future-Proof Your Banking Career
- Invest in Learning: Take courses in AI, machine learning, and data analytics.
- Stay Curious: Follow industry news and trends to understand how AI is shaping banking.
- Network with Tech Teams: Collaborate with colleagues in IT and data science to broaden your perspective.
- Embrace Change: Be open to new tools and workflows—AI is here to stay.
The Road Ahead: Key Takeaways
- AI roles are the fastest-growing and most secure jobs in banking today.
- Leading banks are investing heavily in AI talent and training.
- AI is driving measurable business value, making these roles critical for future growth.
- Upskilling in AI and data science is essential for career security in finance.
- The gap between AI leaders and laggards in banking is widening—now is the time to act.
As the financial sector continues its AI-driven evolution, those who embrace technology and continuous learning will be best positioned to thrive. The future of banking is digital, and AI is leading the way.