International financial centers drive economic connectivity and the movement of capital and financial services worldwide. The industry is undergoing a profound transformation: digital technologies such as AI and blockchain are redefining financial operations, ethical and ecological concerns are shaping sustainable finance, and the future of work keeps evolving after the pandemic. Remote working, meaningful personal development, the international deployment of talent, future skills and the alignment of personal and organizational purpose all have an impact on the talent market.
The project was led by Luxembourg for Finance, in collaboration with World Alliance members. Its report, Strategies for Attracting, Developing, and Retaining Talent, published in February 2025, gives a global perspective on the changing talent landscape in financial services: the key challenges in recruitment, the impact of emerging technologies, and the best practices already in place in financial centers.
What the report covers
Financial centers and the growing need for expertise
- Financial centers as hubs for high-caliber talent
- The changing landscape of jobs and skills in financial centers
Talent strategies: training, development, retention and attraction
- Education and training
- Investing in talent
- Talent attraction and retention
“This publication serves as a vital exploration of the strategies and best practices that international financial centers are deploying to address evolving workforce challenges. From upskilling initiatives and cross-border talent mobility to the integration of artificial intelligence and sustainable finance expertise, the industry is adapting at an unprecedented pace.”
Lynn Robbroeckx, Secretary General, Luxembourg for Finance (coordinator of the paper)
“In an era of rapid transformation, fuelled by digital innovation, sustainability imperatives, and shifting workforce expectations, the ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent has never been more crucial. Financial centers are not just places of business; they are ecosystems that foster expertise, innovation, and resilience in a global economy.”
Lamia Merzouki, Chair of the Board of Directors, World Alliance