The Singapore Fintech Association (SFA), in collaboration with Page Executive, has released the seventh edition of the Singapore Fintech Talent Report 2025, highlighting the sector’s shift towards AI adoption and evolving workforce strategies. The report, based on insights from industry leaders and professionals, reveals a 40% year-on-year increase in demand for AI-related roles, with a significant focus on AI engineers and data scientists.
The report underscores the importance of balancing technical skills with human capabilities, as 92% of hiring managers prioritise communication and teamwork over formal qualifications. Additionally, 85% emphasise adaptability and learning agility, reflecting a shift towards a “skills-first” hiring approach. Despite 90% of job seekers holding at least a bachelor’s degree, many are pursuing online courses in AI and data analytics to stay competitive.
Singapore remains a key player in Asia’s fintech ecosystem, with 71% of companies prioritising local hiring for strategic roles. However, firms are increasingly adopting hybrid workforce models to enhance regional scalability. Looking ahead, 32% of organisations plan to increase headcount in 2026, whilst 21% aim to expand contract roles for greater flexibility.
The report also highlights a gap between employee salary expectations and employer constraints, with 67% of professionals citing salary as a primary job change motivator. Despite this, many are open to equity options over higher base salaries. As competition for talent intensifies, fintechs are focusing on strong culture and leadership trust to attract and retain employees.
Tawishi Singh, Vice-President of SFA, stated, “Future-proofing the sector means equipping employees with both hard and soft skills to thrive alongside evolving technologies such as AI.” The report concludes with recommendations for employers to adopt a skills-first hiring approach and invest in training to close skill gaps. The findings will be further discussed at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2025 on 13 November.
