Hiring in Banking & Financial Services: Guide and Trends in 2025

Strong hiring market projected for Banking & Financial Services industry

Even with global economic and political uncertainties, hiring sentiments in the Banking & Financial Services industry were optimistic and upbeat throughout 2024.

Hiring volumes were propped up by numerous factors, such as Indonesia’s GDP growth. The industry also ramped up its digital transformation efforts and wrestled with new regulatory changes, particularly in digital banking, financial technology and insurance.

According to Rini Kusumawardhani, Senior Manager at Robert Walters Indonesia, these conditions boosted hiring demand.

“Across the industry, businesses sought out tech-savvy, agile professionals. Hiring was robust for revenue-making positions in corporate banking and SME banking, private wealth management specialists, as well as business development positions in banking, insurance, securities and financial technology. More compliance and risk management roles were also created to help financial institutions stay compliant,” she notes.

Read on to find out more about Rini’s expectations for Indonesia’s labour market and hiring trends for Banking & Financial Services professionals in 2025.

More opportunities for revenue makers and regulatory experts

As businesses transition into the new year, many existing hiring trends are expected to persist.

Key areas with strong hiring demand include risk, policy and compliance, as well as SME banking. Global corporate banking will also see increased headcounts, with a preference for candidates fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Employers are particularly drawn to professionals with a robust understanding of government regulations and compliance, coupled with the ability to drive revenue growth.

In banking and insurance, specialists in sharia compliance and Islamic finance will be in high demand. Technical expertise in these fields is especially valuable, given the Indonesian government’s mandate requiring companies to spin off their sharia units.

Across all roles, employers will prioritise candidates who demonstrate agility, technological proficiency, and operational efficiency.

Candidates most drawn to culture, career growth and business stability

“Recently, more candidates have shown a preference for working at state-owned enterprises,” reveals Rini. “These companies are viewed as more prestigious, offering features that align with what today’s candidates value.”

Key attractions include clear career growth opportunities – often highlighted through employee success stories – and business stability. While compensation and benefits remain important, candidates increasingly value hybrid or flexible work arrangements.

Rini observes that organisations led by inspiring leaders and those with strong mentorship programs are better positioned to attract and retain talent. She explains,

Candidates appreciate a management style that fosters a supportive culture, empowering employees to make decisions and learn from their mistakes.

To remain competitive in hiring, companies are encouraged to streamline their recruitment processes, avoiding unnecessary delays or excessive interview rounds.

Modest rise in salaries

Salaries are expected to increase to a limited degree in 2025 due to cost control measures and regional comparisons. However, to attract and retain talent, companies may offer other types of incentives such as bonuses, stock options and employee stock ownership plans.

Find out more

Request access to our 2025 Salary Survey to benchmark salaries and to find out more about key hiring trends in Indonesia.