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Banking and Finance Jobs UK

Find your ideal Banking and Finance job in the UK by applying for jobs and registering with agencies up to two years before you plan to travel to the UK.

Prepare for the experience of a lifetime by reading this page and visiting our essential tips section.

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Learn how to get the UK jobs you really want – Visit our FAQ's section

London's position as the dominant international financial centre in Europe has remained unchallenged, without even a hiccup when the Euro was recently introduced. Incredibly, The City of London, which encompasses the “Square Mile”, has a bigger economy than Belgium or Sweden. Working within banking jobs UK and finance jobs UK is excellent experience on your resume and a big reason why this UK industry is filled with an elite workforce of British, Aussie, Kiwi, South African and North American Banking and Finance professionals.

In recent years there has been a slide in investment banking and related jobs in the UK; however this is expected to stabilize followed by significant rises in the coming years. There are always good opportunities however, possessing industry experience is almost essential in during tougher economic times. Be sure to apply to suitable jobs and register with suitable agencies if you have plans to go to the UK.

" …it's good to know the interviews are organised before I get there.” Jason M.

Travelling to the UK and interested in a job in the Banking and Finance professions? Register now.

Banking and Finance Jobs UK

All about UK Banking and Finance jobs for overseas candidates!

Can I secure a UK job prior to leaving Australia/ New Zealand/ South Africa/ Canada?

For the vast majority of international job-seekers and overseas travellers you will need to be in the UK in order to secure a job in the UK. Among other reasons, you will need to attend interviews, face to face, as employers are reluctant to hire those they have not met for obvious reasons.
However, there is much you can do pre-departure to make the employment process faster and less stressful upon arrival! It is WORKgateways’ goal to establish links for traveller’s like you pre-departure that make the recruitment and general UK transition process more effective and enjoyable. Register to enjoy the benefits and see About WORKgateways and FAQ's.

Which types of Banking and Finance jobs are available in the UK?

Banking jobs – UK: Include a variety of positions at all levels within global investment banks, retail banks and clearing banks. Work environments include front desk, risk management and back office operations within investment banking, corporate finance, wholesale/ institutional, retail banking and branch networks.

Product areas range from mortgages and cards to e-banking to the full range of treasury products. Whatever experience you have gained in your home country chances are it will allow you to get your foot in the door of the UK banking industry.

UK Banking Positions include:

  • Customer Service Representatives
  • Relationship Managers
  • Transactions Operations
  • Product Development
  • Loans and Mortgages
  • Managers Risk Managers
  • Credit Analysts
  • Money Markets & Derivatives
  • Traders - FX Desk
  • Structured Finance
  • Equity Settlements

Finance Jobs - UK: Are located in a variety of areas within the UK financial services sector including Custody, Investment Management and Broking. With both private and institutional clients, the UK’s top trading houses, investment banks and fund managers often require temporary contractors of all kinds and hire overseas professionals on a permanent basis as well.

Finance Positions include:

  • Settlements
  • Front Office (Traders/Dealers & Portfolio Managers)
  • Unit Trust Administrators
  • Risk Analysts
  • Portfolio Accountants
  • Reconciliations
  • Performance Analysts
  • Investigations & Confirmations
  • Unit Pricing
  • Client Services

Some useful software experience:

  • SEATS
  • SWIFT
  • NOSTRO/VOSTRO
  • Hiportfolio
  • GMI processing systems

How much will I earn / salary / wages as in Banking and Finance in the UK?

Most Banking and Finance jobs in London are either in the City, Canary Wharf or West London. Here are some examples of the types of jobs you might expect to see.

Position Contract Rate Per Hour
Entry Level - Equities (Back Office) £10 - £13
Fund Administrator £12 - £14
Derivatives Settlements Clerk £16 - £23
Market Risk Analyst £20 - £26
Fund Manager's Assistant £13 - £15
Portfolio Administration £15 - £18
Stock Lending Analyst £16 - £18
Market Risk Analyst £16 - £18
Futures and Options Analyst £19 - £21
Cash Equities Product Controller £30 - £35
Credit Derivative Controller £40 - £50
Senior Product Controller - FX Derivatives £45 - £55

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What are the minimum qualifications and experience required?

Most banking and finance jobs in the UK usually require minimum qualifications such as a degree, certificate, or diploma for the relevant industry sector. Often, particularly when equity markets are not so buoyant, most jobs will also require applicants to have good, relevant experience. For some jobs such as customer service and sales - significant work experience within that sector may be sufficient to secure a position in the UK.

In most areas there is a strong demand for newly qualified and qualified accountants – if you want to get a job in the UK Banking industry this can be an excellent way to start a banking and finance career.

Will my overseas qualifications be recognised in the UK?

Your degree, diploma and certificate qualifications gained in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or Canada are recognised in the UK.

How do I make best use of my experience and qualifications for jobs UK based?

Because of the vast range of career paths in the UK, getting your initial banking job or finance job in the UK will be easiest if you concentrate on entering the industry sector where you hold the majority of your recent experience.

If you are an accountant, refer to:
How do I make best use of my experience and qualifications for jobs UK based?

Due to the proximity of mainland Europe and EU ties within industry, experience or knowledge of a European language can be highly beneficial.

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