The War for Talent in Financial Services: How Redbridge Recruitment Helps Firms Stay Ahead in a Competitive Market
10 June 2025

The financial services industry has always been an essential pillar of global economic health. However, in recent years it has been evident that attracting and retaining top talent in this space has become more challenging than ever. Roles in audit, compliance, risk management, fund administration growing in demand, financial institutions are facing a shortage of skilled professionals. As companies continue to fight to secure top talent, it’s clear that the war for talent in financial services is now an ongoing battle of much more than salary offers.

At Redbridge Recruitment, we understand the challenges financial institutions face in this competitive hiring market. Through our deep industry expertise and tailored recruitment strategies, we explore the current talent shortage, why employer branding has become critical and how specialist recruiters like Redbridge can make a difference in attracting the right people.

Talent Shortages in Financial Services: Why It’s Getting Harder to Find the Right People

Having a shortage of talent in financial services is not a new problem but it’s reached a new height in recent years. The demand for professionals across specific areas such as compliance, audit, risk management and fund administration continue to grow while the pool of qualified candidates is currently struggling to keep pace.

At the same time, the financial services industry is facing a talent drain, with many experienced workers choosing to either move onto other sectors and industries or to simply choose to retire. This exacerbates the shortage, seen particularly in senior or niche roles, and as a result the competition for highly skilled talent is fiercer than ever.

Why Employer Branding Matters More Than Ever

 In a market where top talent is in short supply, salary alone is no longer enough to attract the best candidates. Financial institutions are now competing on a broader range of factors, including company culture, work life balance and career development opportunities.

This is where employer branding becomes crucial! An institution’s reputation as an employer can make or break its ability to attract the talent it needs. Candidates, especially millennials and Gen Z, are looking for more than just a pay check. They want to work for organisations that align with their personal values and offer opportunities for growth and development. An authentic, transparent employer brand that highlights these factors can help the company stand out in a crowded market.

The Role of Specialist Recruiters in Helping Financial Firms Stand Out

In a market as competitive as financial services, especially in Luxembourg, it’s important to have a recruitment partner that understands the intricacies of the industry at hand. Specialist recruiters like Redbridge Recruitment have a deep understanding of the financial services sector, including the specific skills and experience required for key roles.

Our recruitment experts have access to an extensive network of candidates, many of whom are not actively looking but are open to new opportunities. This is important given the high demand for talent in niche areas. By having access to this talent pool, we help our clients access the best candidates before they hit the open market.

Specialist recruiters, like Redbridge, can provide valuable insights into market trends, salary expectations and talent availability. We advise our clients on how to tailor their hiring strategies to ensure they are competitive, not just in terms of compensation, but also in creating a workplace that attracts and retains top talent.

Understanding Gen Z and Millennial Properties in Finance Careers

As Gen Z and millennials increasingly enter the workforce, understanding their priorities and preferences is key for financial firms that want to stay ahead in the talent race. These younger generations have different expectations when it comes to work culture, flexibility and career progression compared to previous generations.

For many millennials and Gen Z candidates, work-life balance is a key factor in their decision-making process. Offering flexibility, whether through remote work options, flexible hours or a strong focus on employee well-being, can make a significant difference in attracting these candidates. In addition, younger professionals are placing a greater emphasis on purpose driven work. They want to feel like their roles contribute to something larger than just profit. Financial institutions that can communicate how their work aligns with sustainability efforts will be more attractive to this demographic.

At Redbridge Recruitment, we help our clients create workplaces that not only meet the demands of this new generation but also foster a culture of growth and development. By providing clear career paths and opportunities for ongoing learning, financial firms can position themselves as long-term employers of choice for younger talent.

How Redbridge Recruitment Can Help You Stay Ahead

As the talent war intensifies, financial institutions must be proactive in their approach to recruitment. Redbridge Recruitment offers a comprehensive range of services designed to help our clients not only find the right talent but also build an environment that encourages long term employee engagement and retention.

We specialise in the recruitment of roles in audit, compliance, risk an other areas critical to financial services. With our industry expertise and deep understanding of market trends, we help our clients stay ahead of the competition by connecting them with the best candidates, offering insights into employer branding, and providing advice on how to create a workplace that appeals to top talent.

At Redbridge Recruitment, we know that the war for talent is not just about offering the highest salary. It’s about creating an environment where employees can thrive—offering flexibility, purpose, and clear development paths. By partnering with us, financial institutions can ensure they are well-equipped to win this battle and secure the talent they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.