Flow of talent a concern for booming fintech sector

Last Updated: 10 July 2026
Read time: 2 min

Expert: Greg Wilson
Founder, CEO & Insurance Expert

Author: Katie Gawley
Insurance PR Writer

Fact-checked by: QuoteZone Editorial Team

Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines

The UK’s thriving fintech sector is facing a growing skills gap unless more young people are encouraged to pursue careers in the industry, experts have warned.

Fintech is one of the fastest growing sectors with around 76,500 people working across digital payments, regulatory technology (RegTech), cybersecurity, data analytics and insurance technology.*

As the top-ranking investment destination in Europe, the UK fintech sector has access to world-class talent and is adopting a progressive approach to regulation – accounting for 11% of the global industry, and home to an estimated 2,500 firms.*

Despite a world-class university system providing a large pool of talent for fintech, industry leaders warn that the sector’s long-term growth could be under pressure, as the demand for tech-savvy financial professionals outstrips the supply of candidates.**

A recent survey conducted by leading fintech firm Quotezone.co.uk, revealed that just 14% of students have considered a career in the fintech industry.

Of the 100 students questioned, only one in five (20%) knew about the industry’s reputation for lucrative salaries, generous benefits packages and rapid career progression.

To help combat this lack of awareness, Quotezone’s Fintech Scholarship – now in its sixth year – aims to support emerging talent while shining a light on the wide range of career opportunities available within the sector.

Offering financial support and work experience within fintech, the scholarship aims to support recruitment efforts and allow students the chance to glimpse behind-the-scenes. 

This year’s winner Jordan Wright, studying for his Master of Physics degree at the University of Liverpool, has urged his fellow students to explore the prospect of a career in fintech, stating: “I was unaware fintech was a career I could pursue or even what it was about until I applied for the Quotezone Fintech Scholarship.

“Students have ever increasing costs, so do their parents, yet the loans system doesn’t provide a big enough jump to cover inflation differences per year. Having a job with clear career progression is key, with structured financial incentives as you develop and work hard to move further in your role. Something the fintech industry appears to do well.” 

Professor Danielle McWall, Associate Dean (Partnership and student recruitment), at Ulster University, said: “For many students, fintech isn’t resonating with them as a career option. They may have an interest in technology or finance, but many don’t tend to merge these areas together.

“There are really fabulous careers out there in the world of fintech and I think many students will eventually end up circling back to these after they have done a more traditional degree, but it is about getting them to understand that there are specialised degrees in fintech that will open up wonderful careers for them.”

Greg Wilson, CEO and Founder of one of the largest price comparison sites in the UK, Quotezone.co.uk, added: “Our company creates and manages comparison technology, giving us the opportunity to launch multiple price comparison sites and partner other high traffic websites and media outlets with various white label comparison products.

“Whilst rooted in fintech, Quotezone hires staff from a huge variety of other disciplines, enhancing our skillset and boosting our innovation.

“It is worrying that students aren’t aware of what the fintech industry has to offer and the successful careers it could create.

“Our hope is that the scholarship project gives students the opportunity to do some research and explore for themselves what the world of fintech has to offer.”

As part of the scholarship award, Jordan received a £1,000 bursary to support his studies and can also avail of work experience with Seopa, the fintech company behind Quotezone.co.uk.

Seopa has been continuously investing in growth and recruitment, with new fintech roles readily available. 

The company has been recognised with six Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards and has been awarded a Deloitte Best Managed Company Award each year for the past nine years. Most recently, Seopa was named Employer of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2026. 

References:
*https://www.business.gov.uk/invest-in-uk/investment/sectors/fintech/
** https://financialservicesskills.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FSSC-Future-Skills-Report-2024.pdf

Survey – Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 100 students during June 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

Photo credit – iStock.com Phynart Studio