Technology is revolutionising financial services, driving fundamental changes to everything from banking and asset management to insurance and consumer lending. On the one hand, this creates a wide range of exciting career opportunities for young people who are about to enter the industry. But at the same time, the rise of FinTech requires the next generation of financial professionals to possess an even broader range of skills.

As one of the world’s leading FinTech hubs, Hong Kong is a perfect launchpad for a career that combines finance with technology. The city is home to more than 600 specialist FinTechs, and over 3,700 startups¹. And with many of the world’s largest financial institutions placing their Asia headquarters in Hong Kong, there is the potential to help established global names implement FinTech strategies in a region that is digitally savvy, mobile first, and open to new ideas.

A survey conducted by Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council found high levels of interest towards FinTech jobs among local university students, with 80.5% of tertiary institution students saying that they are very likely or likely to consider a career in FinTech². The same research found that industry practitioners saw the most demand in big data, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.

Acquiring the right skills

The ideal candidate for a FinTech position will be someone that has cross-disciplinary skills that utilises both knowledge of cutting-edge information technology and applies a solid understanding of finance. Acquiring these skills requires professionals to incorporate lifetime learning into career development.

“For today’s young talents, personalised learning through diverse and flexible methods is essential to stay competitive in the world of FinTech and beyond, as it becomes clear that the traditional school package alone is no longer sufficient in equipping our workforce to tackle complex and ever-changing challenges in emerging fields,” said Dr. Stephen Wong, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Public Policy Institute, Our Hong Kong Foundation, and FSDC Board Member.

For early career professionals with an interest in FinTech, it can be challenging to understand what skills and capabilities the industry expects from candidates. Dr. Wong suggests that students stay close to the industry by taking advantage of career talks, internship opportunities, and applied learning courses to get the necessary skills. The industry also has a role to play too, as FinTechs can actively participate in curriculum development, to help students get ready for the future.

Career Day 2022 - The Perfect Pitch

Nurturing talent is a core part of the FSDC’s mandate, and our upcoming FSDC Career Day 2022 will have a technology focus. On 24 September 2022, attendees will be able to hear leading industry professionals discuss the most important trends in the digital economy, and the career opportunities that it offers. There will also be a career clinic, providing job-seeking tips, advice on interview technique, as well as a CV workshop on how to write an effective resume.

A highlight of FSDC Career Day will be the Pitch Perfect Video Competition, which invites contestants to submit a short video that showcases innovative ideas on how to promote Hong Kong as an international financial centre, and develop the city into a global innovation and technology hub.

“This competition will facilitate the exchange of ideas between individuals of different ages, disciplines, and backgrounds, embracing diverse perspectives and nurturing healthy disruption. In short, it is a rare chance for young professionals to gather and exchange ideas,” said Winnie Wong, JP, CEO and Executive Director, Asia Insurance and Avo Insurance, and FSDC Board Member.

As a member of the judging panel, Ms. Wong expects the videos to present a concrete business model, with clear objectives and value proposition. In particular, she recommends that contestants show that they understand consumer pain points and how they can be addressed with technology. The business should also explain how it is sustainable, while a demonstration will help the panel fully comprehend the proposal.

Contestants have until the end of August to submit their entries. The finalists will be invited to attend Career Day, with the winner receiving prizes that include internship and job shadowing opportunities, a masterclass on FinTech and the digital economy, as well as a lunch or coffee with a senior industry professional.

FSDC Career Day will assemble different parts of the financial ecosystem, working together to ensure that the industry in Hong Kong has sufficient human capital to thrive as an international FinTech hub. And with sufficient support, the sky is the limit: “We are excited to grow with young talents and nurture the next unicorn leader in the field,” said Ms. Wong.

Follow the link to register for FSDC Career Day 2022: https://www.fsdccareerday.com

¹ FintechHK

² FSDC