As innovation drives new technologies and developments in Singapore’s fintech sector, there is an increased demand for skilled professionals.
Amidst a dynamic economy, the sector is thriving and its growth potential remain strong, with an estimated 30% growth from the previous year.
Despite this talent explosion, fintech companies remain wary of changes in the global economy. They face a further dip in funding, as venture capital and other private equity firms stress profitability above all else.
With many enterprises restructuring or streamlining their teams to conserve operating costs, fintech firms are more prudent with their hiring than before. Candidates interested in this field must show more skills and talents that will allow them to shine amid the crowd, if they are to get ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.
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What are the hot roles the fintech marketplace is hiring for?
According to the FinTech Talent Report 2023, majority of fintech demand lies in technical roles, with a growing emphasis on commercial and operational positions.
Fintech companies need to stay ahead of market demands, which will require professionals with diverse skill sets to drive innovation, support operations, and manage growth, all at once.
The key talent profiles needed can be broadly categorised into four main scopes:
- Technology Wizards: Roles like software engineers, AI architects and cybersecurity specialists who drive technological innovation in product and service development. Key roles include software engineers.
- Commercial Evangelists: Roles like account managers and sales and marketing executives who focus on business development and revenue growth.
- Operations Champions: Roles in service operations and customer service that support users and infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations.
- Corporate Drivers: Roles in Finance, HR and compliance that provide strategic services across the organisation.
What are the emerging roles in fintech to look out for?
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain have created numerous career opportunities. For instance, AI engineers and blockchain developers are now in demand worldwide.
Cybersecurity professionals are also needed as many firms seek to use technology to change established industries. These jobs call for a deep understanding of their field and are important to the sector’s development.
The perks of joining the fintech sector
Here’s some reasons to consider:
- You get to be at the forefront of innovation: working in fintech gives you the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that can transform the financial services industry.
- There are many opportunities for growth: professionals in this sector can expect to grow their expertise and take on increasingly significant roles within their organisations.
- The compensation is competitive: Fintech companies are offering competitive compensation packages for the best-fit candidates, including attractive compensation packages and opportunities for career progression.
5 tips and advice to get into the fintech industry
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Enroll in relevant courses and certifications to enhance your skills.
- Networking: Join relevant communities and attend industry events to connect with like-minded professionals.
- Practical Experience: Get hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or project-based work.
- Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to learn new skills that could set you apart from other professionals.
- Highlight Relevant Skills: When applying for jobs, emphasise your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and any experience in financial services or technology.
You can also get more information from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS’s) online Talent Pavilion, that showcases the resources and capabilities available to support individuals’ various fintech journeys. It highlights an array of events, job opportunities, and upskilling courses.
Co-sponsored by Workforce Singapore (WSG), you can partake in a variety of fintech talent-related activities such as:
- Educational workshops on useful fintech skills, industry networking sessions at the Talent Pavilion Booth at the Singapore FinTech Festival
- Professional reskilling and upskilling courses
- Seek career support with professional career coaches and mentors
- Find institutions that provide advanced learning in the fintech space
- Apply for grants to support career conversion and training
- Explore job and internship opportunities
Networking for fintech: The latest talking points
As with any other industry, there will be a fair bit of networking either to get into it, or while you’re in it. And given it’s such a fast-paced industry and environment, there’ll be so shortage of topics- here’s a quick cheat sheet below, shared by Ben Scuffins, head of APAC at eFinancialCareers:
- Industry trends: Discuss the latest developments and trends in fintech, such as AI, blockchain, or digital payments.
- Regulatory updates: Share insights on recent regulatory changes and their impact on the fintech industry, for example Crypto & DeFi regulatory change or new anti-fraud regulation impacting the payments space
- Innovation and disruption: Explore how fintech is transforming traditional finance and banking.
- Cybersecurity: Discuss the latest cybersecurity threats and solutions in fintech.
- Partnerships and collaborations: Share experiences or insights on successful partnerships between Fintech companies and traditional financial institutions.
- New technologies: Discuss the potential applications and implications of emerging technologies like quantum computing or 5G in Fintech.
- Fintech ecosystem: Explore the growth and development of the fintech ecosystem in Singapore or globally.
- Investment and funding: Discuss the latest investment trends and funding opportunities in Fintech.
- Customer experience: Share insights on how fintech companies are improving customer experience through digital channels.
- Talent and skills: Discuss the evolving talent landscape in fintech and the skills required for success.
In fact, there are a plethora of good fintech events in Singapore, accessible to professionals and they are a great opportunity to network and meet your future peers, for example, at the Singapore Fintech Festival. Go check that out — it’s happening on 6-8th November 2024 at Hall 1, Singapore EXPO.
This article is contributed by the Singapore FinTech Association.
