The projects and transformation market has been consistently busy but without a single dominant driver.

Hiring has been broad, spanning cloud transformation, risk and compliance initiatives, enforceable undertakings and M&A activity. Demand is coming from across the market, including the big four banks, challengers, insurers and wealth managers.

Permanent and fixed-term hiring are both active, reflecting ongoing cost pressures and the need for flexibility.

Where the market is heading

Organisations are still planning to hire and deliver programmes over the next six months but cautiously as they balance the need to progress transformation with wider economic uncertainty.

The practical takeaway

For candidates, using AI tools is increasingly common but authenticity still matters. AI can support CV writing, but candidates need to ensure their profile reflects their own voice and experience.

For hiring managers, the diversity of demand means competition for transformation talent remains strong. Clarity on requirements and flexibility in hiring approach will continue to be key to securing capability.