Demand for human skills will stay amid rise of AI

Amid threats of waning employment opportunities due to the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the banking sector remains assured that demand for human talents will be sustained.

“Many of the roles and job titles of tomorrow are unknown to us today,” said Wick Veloso, President and CEO for HSBC Philippines.

However, he said one thing is certain, AI will not replace human intelligence.

“Blending the best technology with the power of people will be the difference between good and great when it comes to customer experience,” explained Veloso.

In a study commissioned by HSBC, entitled “Human Advantage: The Power of People,” it underscored the challenges and opportunities facing the banking industry and also predicted six roles of the future.

The bank is currently recruiting more than 1,000 roles to support its digital evolution globally, over 500 of which are based in Asia Pacific. The report offers a glimpse into the future of a career in banking, predicting six surprising new types of jobs and how the digital revolution will evolve the role of people in the workforce.

Designing these complex three-dimensional interfaces and making them slick and intuitive will be a major new employment area for the future, requiring skills in aesthetic design, branding, user experience and 3D mechanics.

Algorithm Mechanic, the report indicated is a rising proportion of decision-making is made by algorithms, fed on a variety of input data to reach rapid conclusions. However, these algorithms operate in a fast-changing environment of shifting regulations, new information, and evolving products. Constantly tuning these algorithms to optimize banking customer experience, and avoid ‘computer says no' moments, will be a skill in growing demand.

“As we shift to a low-code/nocode environment for technology operation, this role will require skills in risk management, service design, and financial literacy, rather than technological proficiency,” the report further revealed.

According to the report, lifelong learning and the need to upskill employees will become essential as the shortage of skilled candidates in digital and technology disciplines continues.

Employers have a huge role to play in helping people to continue their personal development, including working with existing staff to upskill them.

HSBC is currently recruiting for over 1,000 digital roles including UI Designers, Digital Product Managers, Software Engineers, Solution Architects, Exploratory Testers and Delivery Managers.