How will Hong Kong banks handle talent shortage and tight budgets?

Investment analysts and compliance specialists remain most sought after.

Hong Kong banks are expected to hire selectively in 2026 as companies manage a talent shortage alongside tighter salary budgets.

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

Hiring remained active but focused, particularly in front-office roles tied to revenue generation, according to recruitment firm Morgan McKinley Ltd.’s Hong Kong salary guide released in February.

“We have seen a slight uptick in front-office hiring at junior to mid levels, particularly where teams need revenue support and faster execution,” it said.

A rebound in initial public offerings (IPO) drove recruitment in deal support, transaction operations and compliance, Ambition said in its February report. The rebound also revealed skill gaps caused by earlier hiring freezes.

“Institutions will continue prioritising roles that strengthen regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and capital market activity,” it pointed out.

Morgan McKinley said investment analysts and compliance specialists remain the most sought-after positions, whilst contract roles are increasingly used in risk, operations, and change management.

Talent shortages in compliance, risk and digital operations are expected to persist this year.

Tighter salary budgets are also shaping hiring decisions, with employers focusing on mid-level roles to control costs whilst maintaining operational needs, Ambition said.

Despite budget discipline, Morgan McKinley expects average salaries in Hong Kong to rise this year.

Across sectors, demand for skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity and cloud computing is projected to remain strong, it added.

Questions to ponder:

• Which roles and skills are likely to see the strongest demand in Hong Kong’s banking sector this year?
• Will tighter salary budgets slow wage growth for top talent, or will competition keep salaries rising?