AI Surge Forces Rethink of Fintech Hiring in Singapore

Singapore’s fintech sector is entering a new stage of maturity, defined by the adoption of artificial intelligence, tighter regulation, and regional expansion – and companies are sharply rethinking how they hire, develop, and retain talent as AI-related roles surge.

Demand for AI-related roles has climbed by 40 percent year-on-year, with fintechs accelerating recruitment of AI engineers, data scientists and MLOps specialists. Yet while technical expertise remains essential, hiring managers increasingly value human skills.

This is the central message of the Singapore Fintech Talent Report 2025, released by the Singapore Fintech Association (SFA) and Page Executive.

92 percent of employers rate communication and teamwork as the most important attributes for success – ahead of academic qualifications. Adaptability and learning agility follow closely, with 85 percent citing them as critical in an AI-driven workplace.

Upskilling Accelerates

Despite 90 percent of job seekers already holding at least a bachelor’s degree, the sector is shifting towards continuous learning.

Nearly one in four professionals is enrolled in online programmes, especially in AI, data analytics and advanced Excel, reflecting a stronger commitment to upskilling as competitive pressure rises.

Hybrid Workforce Models Gain Ground

Singapore remains the anchor for Asia’s fintech ecosystem, hosting around one-third of all fintech teams in the region. However, firms are adopting more integrated onshore-offshore operating models as they scale across ASEAN.

71 percent of fintechs still prioritise local hiring for strategic functions – including compliance, enterprise sales and regulatory roles – but regional scaling is driving more distributed workforce structures.

For 2026, 32 percent of organisations plan to increase headcount, and 21 percent expect to expand contract and freelance roles. Another 22 percent are investing in upskilling and reskilling to close emerging skills gaps.

Diverging Expectations on Pay and Rewards

The report highlights a widening disconnect in remuneration expectations. While 67 percent of fintech professionals cite salary as their primary reason for changing jobs, 70 percent of employers say cost optimisation and budget pressure will shape hiring plans next year.

Specialists in AI, cloud, and compliance enjoy salary premiums of 20 to 35 percent, prompting firms to boost investment in training. 72 percent of companies are funding certifications and structured learning, with more than half viewing professional development as a key retention lever.

Strategic Recommendations for Fintech Employers

The report sets out four priorities for organizations:

  • Adopt a skills-first hiring approach that values adaptability alongside technical depth.
  • Strengthen the employee value proposition by balancing pay, purpose, progression and flexibility.
  • Build leadership pipelines and prioritise critical roles.
  • Invest in training and mentorship to develop a future-ready workforce.

The Singapore Fintech Talent Report 2025 was launched during the Singapore Fintech Festival on 13 November 2025.