What Benefits Do Financial Services Candidates Really Want?

Flexibility & wellbeing remain top priorities across all levels. Hybrid working
and mental health support consistently rank high in candidate decision-
making.

Professional development (sponsored qualifications, CPD, certifications) is
a key retention lever, particularly at early and mid-career stages.

Bonuses and long-term incentives become more important as seniority
increases, with equity/LTIP expected in executive-level offers.

Clear career pathways and upskilling opportunities attract candidates in tight
markets.

Graduate / Junior Analyst

Early-career FS candidates prioritise learning, structure, and stability.

Offer: Paid study & exam fees for sector-relevant courses (CFA Level 1, CISI, ICA/ACAMS), 5–10 days paid study leave, structured mentoring, hybrid working with core hours, and entry-level medical or wellbeing allowance.

Mid-level Professional (Associate → Senior Manager)

At this stage, candidates want autonomy, faster progression, and performance-based reward.

Offer: Sponsorship for advanced qualifications (CFA L2/3, ICA Diplomas, PRINCE2, FRM), conference budgets, 10–30% performance bonus or niche-skill retention bonuses, 25–30 days holiday, enhanced parental leave, flexible work perks (home office stipends), and opportunities for secondments or project rotations across functions or regions.

Head of Department / Function Lead

Senior leaders value influence, autonomy, and visible long-term reward.

Offer: Funding for executive education (INSEAD, LBS short programmes) or sector-specific leadership training, hybrid work with autonomy, significant annual bonus plus deferred or equity/LTIP, and executive coaching with board-level exposure.

C-Suite (CEO, CFO, CRO, CCO, etc.)

Executive hires seek stability, strategic influence, and long-term wealth creation.

Offer: Competitive base with market-leading LTIP/equity aligned to multi-year goals, full family medical cover, generous pension, tax-efficient benefits, tailored executive coaching, media training, personal brand support, and enhanced leave including sabbaticals and international secondments.