MARKET INTELLIGENCE

USA Financial Services Talent Report 2026 Hiring, Careers & Compensation

Financial services in the United States is in an exciting new phase of growth and transformation. Markets have rebounded strongly, capital markets activity has accelerated, and deal volume has returned to levels not seen since the pre-rate-hike era. But beneath the headlines, a more complex talent story is unfolding, defined by a workforce that is more mobile, more confident, and more selective than it has been in years. The generational composition of the industry is also shifting in ways that are changing how firms hire and retain talent. Senior talent gaps are emerging as experienced professionals retire, meaning mid-level talent is being promoted into leadership roles faster than ever. Employers are navigating a transition that is reshaping not just who holds what roles, but what those roles demand - and what candidates expect from them. Equally, the continued evolution of AI and automation technology is forcing both employers and professionals to re-examine where human expertise is irreplaceable and where it needs to adapt.

Hiring in this environment requires more than a competitive salary, and retention requires understanding what is actually driving dissatisfaction - and acting on it before it becomes attrition. For professionals, making smart career moves means knowing where you stand in the wider market, and what the right next step looks like beyond just a pay increase. To help both firms and professionals navigate these decisions with confidence, Selby Jennings surveyed over 1,000 financial sciences and services professionals across the USA. This report translates their responses into essential benchmarks and insights. Whether you are a hiring manager building out a team, a professional considering your next move, or a business leader trying to understand what is driving talent decisions across your sector, the findings that follow offer a data-backed view of today’s talent market - and where it is heading.

Contents

Market Sentiment

Most financial services professionals believe they could land a new role right now, but not for the reasons you might expect.

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Base Salaries

As 62% of professionals report salary increases, a growing number of those without one are reassessing their worth and exploring alternatives.

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Yearly Bonuses

77% of professionals received a bonus this year, but rising payouts aren’t closing the gap between expectations and reality.

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Flexible Working

59% of professionals have flexible hours, yet remote options are tightening, and expectations haven’t followed.

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Benefits

As core benefits become universal, smaller, non-standard offerings are carrying more weight in candidate decisions.

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Career Motivations

A generational shift, rising promotions, and growing confidence are driving increased career movement and higher expectations across financial services.

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Key Takeaways

What does this year's survey data ultimately tell us about confidence, compensation, and competition for financial services talent?

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About Selby Jennings

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