Fexco research shows demand for fintech staff

NEW research announced by Fexco in partnership with the world’s largest jobs site ‘Indeed’ has found that job seeker interest in financial technology – or fintech – has surged.

According to the Fexco research interest in fintech careers has increased dramatically in just the last six months in Ireland.

In 2016, searches for jobs in fintech increased by 85 per cent worldwide, a trend reflected in the Irish market with an increase of 90 per cent seen here in the past six months.

Meanwhile on the employer side Ireland ranks second in demand for cyber security professionals, as measured by open roles versus searches, with Israel top of the list and the UK in third.

“It’s clear both through the research we have carried out with Indeed and anecdotally from our day-to-day business experience that fintech presents a significant opportunity for the Irish economy – now more so than ever,” said Fexco Corporate Payments CEO Ruth McCarthy.

“The Brexit referendum result means that Ireland will be the only English speaking country remaining within the EU and we have the additional advantage of being part of the Euro zone,” said Ms McCarthy.

“With over 80 per cent of all fintech investment coming from the USA, this is a unique advantage we cannot squander,” she said.

EMEA Economist at Indeed Mariano Mamertino said there is currently a global shortage of qualified and motivated fintech workers.

“Worldwide, there is talent shortage in financial technology and employers have large numbers of vacancies and not enough candidates to fill them,” he said.

“This demand for talent will only increase in the years ahead. That is why the surging job seeker interest in financial technology roles is good news for Ireland, reflecting the rapid expansion of the sector and a healthy talent pool,” Mr Mamertino said.

“Ireland has the potential to grow to become a major global financial technology centre if the right policies are put in place and the right investment in the best and brightest tech talent is made today,” he said.