Talent shortage and tighter budgets to shape bank hiring in 2026

Investment analysts and compliance specialists remain the most in-demand roles.

Talent shortage will continue to shape Hong Kong's hiring landscape in 2026, whilst companies face tighter salary budgets.

Hiring in the banking and financial services sector in the city has been "active but selective" in 2025, and is expected to remain the same in 2026, recruitment experts said in reports published in February 2026.

"We have seen a slight uptick in front office hiring at junior to mid-levels, particularly where teams need revenue support and faster execution," said Morgan McKinley Ltd.'s 2026 Hong Kong SAR Salary Guide report published on 28 February.

The most in-demand roles are investment analysts and compliance specialists, the latter favoring mid-level, business, and assurance roles, Morgan McKinley said. Contract hiring is more likely for roles in change, risk, and operations.

Finance, accounting, and banking roles were the hardest to fill roles in 2025, according to 27% of 150 employers surveyed by Ambition Group Hong Kong Limited.

Like Morgan McKinley, Ambition expects hiring in Hong Kong’s banking and financial services sector to remain steady but selective, according to a Market Insights report published in February 2026.

The resurgence of Hong Kong’s initial public offerings (IPOs) led to a noticeable rise in hiring across deal support, transaction operations, and compliance, Ambition said in the report. However, it also exposed capability gaps left by earlier hiring freezes.

“Institutions will continue prioritising roles that strengthen regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and capital markets activity,” Ambition said.

Talent shortages across compliance, risk, and digital operations roles are expected to persist in 2026.

A most-cost effective approach and overall tighter salary budgets are also influencing hiring decisions, leading to employers focusing on mid-level hiring to maximise structure and efficiency, Ambition said.

Despite this, Morgan McKinley still sees higher average salaries in Hong Kong this year.

Across all sectors, roles in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions are expected to remain amongst the most sought after, Morgan McKinley said.