UK finance firms to boost hiring in 2026, focusing on AI ethics and human-centered roles amid rising trust concerns.

British finance firms are planning a major hiring increase in 2026, with 55% of surveyed leaders intending to expand staff, particularly in AI and technology roles. This follows one of the weakest recruitment years since the 2008 crisis. Demand is rising for experts in ethical AI, behavioural science, psychology, and law to address risks like misuse, bias, and human error—such as an AI hallucination that led to a wrongful fan ban. Firms are shifting from purely technical AI roles to prioritizing non-technical, human-centered expertise to ensure responsible AI use and build trust.