Inside the Finance Talent Pipeline: Annual Insights

Insights from 550+ students and 100+ industry and university leaders — revealing what’s really holding talent back, and what’s needed next.

OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS

We partner with world-leading financial institutions including:

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Citibank logo
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JP Morgan
Millenium
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UBS logo
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insights from 550+ students and 100+ industry and university leaders

Here’s what the data reveals about skills gaps, AI-powered assessments, and the real-world training students say they need — plus what employers believe will genuinely move the needle.

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Stats

What Students Are Telling Us

98%

said AmplifyME hashelped me gain clarityon the right financecareer path

93%

said AmplifyME has helped me becomemore employable

84%

said My AmplifyME simulation experience has helped, or will help, me to secure a role in the industry more quickly

73%

said AmplifyME has improved my interview skills

98%

said AmplifyME has helped me to level up my skills and/or knowledge

93%

said My AmplifyME experience has made me take career planning more seriously

98%

said AmplifyME hashelped me gain clarityon the right financecareer path

93%

said AmplifyME has helped me becomemore employable

84%

said My AmplifyME simulation experience has helped, or will help, me to secure a role in the industry more quickly

73%

said AmplifyME has improved my interview skills

98%

said AmplifyME has helped me to level up my skills and/or knowledge

93%

said My AmplifyME experience has made me take career planning more seriously

University_of_Oxford 1

At Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, we are committed to preparing our students for successful finance careers. Since 2017, our partnership with AmplifyME has been a vital part of that approach.

Sean Thomey

Employer Engagement Executive for Finance Careers at Said Business School

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skema

AmplifyME’s simulations have become the cornerstone of our programme, bringing the industry to life in a way no traditional teaching can. They give our students a truly hands-on experience that we now couldn’t imagine delivering the MSc without.

Amaury Goguel

Head of MSc Financial Markets & Investment at SKEMA Business School

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Lboro uni logo 1

AmplifyME’s simulations now sit at the heart of our postgraduate and undergraduate finance programmes. Students consistently rate the experience as excellent, highlighting how much they enjoy and learn from the hands-on approach.

Dr Kavita Sirichand

Senior Lecturer in Financial Economics, Loughborough Business School

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University of Leeds logo 1

The results speak for themselves: exceptional student feedback and global recognition for our Finance Masters. Our MSc Accounting and Finance now ranks in the FT’s top programmes worldwide, including 2nd globally for salary increase.

Kostantinos Bozos

Professor of International Accounting & Finance at Leeds University

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uni_stirling

We began to integrate AmplifyME’s simulations into our postgraduate programmes back in 2013 and quickly saw improved academic performance, higher levels of motivation and engagement, and increased employability.

Doctor Kevin Campbell

Senior Lecturer in Finance & Accounting at the University of Stirling

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University of Edinburgh logo 1

The enthusiasm and engagement from the students were proof of the excitement generated by the simulation, making it a highlight of our course. A truly immersive learning experience.

Luca Taschini

Professor and Chair of Climate Change Finance

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uni-stanford

This type of experiential learning exercise was outstanding for our students. If you’re looking to go beyond theory and incorporate practice into finance exploration for your students, connect with their team!

Michael Joiner-Hill

Associate Director of Career Coaching & Education at Stanford University

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University of Bath logo 1

The impact on our students has been transformative. When they can ‘touch, taste, and feel’ what these roles are like - rather than just reading about them - they gain clarity and confidence in setting their career direction.

Matthew Lewis

Careers & External Engagement Lead

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What’s Inside the 2026 Report

A concise breakdown of the key findings — from AI-driven hiring and student confidence gaps, to the role of practical training in getting graduates job-ready.

Access now
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The AI Confidence Gap

Students are entering an AI-heavy hiring world without the training to navigate it. 82% say their university hasn’t taught them how to use AI in applications, yet 74% don’t trust AI to judge their potential.

Skills Misaligned With Employer Demand

Academic theory alone isn’t enough. Students want practical experience — and 94% rate simulations as valuable for building real-world skills.

Practical Training Drives Outcomes

Students who engage with hands-on, role-specific training see clearer direction and stronger applications. 33% of AmplifyME students have already secured finance roles — compared to just 1 in 188 nationwide.

Insider opportunities you shouldn’t miss

Both sides agree: practical training and transparent hiring processes are essential. Leaders from firms like TwentyFour Asset Management and universities like Leeds call for deeper collaboration to help students succeed.

awards

Recognised worldwide for innovation
in finance education and recruitment

AGCAS-awards-rgb FStech awards LIBF award SME London 2025_Winners-GOLD Target Jobs Image THE TALENT TECH INNOVATION AWARD (30+ EMPLOYEES) Winner logo