Northern Ireland has spent years building a reputation as one of the world’s leading fintech destinations, yet the very thing that has fuelled that rise, a steady supply of skilled people, may now be its biggest vulnerability. New research suggests the region’s young talent simply is not looking at the sector, and industry leaders are warning that the boom could stall unless that changes.
Fresh figures from CompareNI.com, the price comparison firm, found that just 14% of students in Northern Ireland have considered a career in fintech, despite the region being recognised globally as a hub for financial technology innovation and investment. The survey of 100 students also found that only one in five, or 20%, were aware of the industry’s reputation for lucrative salaries, generous benefits packages, and rapid career progression.
It is a striking awareness gap given the scale of the sector locally. Fintech is now one of the fastest growing industries in Northern Ireland, with one in five people in the region working across areas such as digital payments, regulatory technology, cybersecurity, data analytics, and insurance technology. Belfast, meanwhile, consistently ranks among the world’s top cities for fintech development and inward investment, drawing in major multinationals with its blend of a highly skilled workforce, specialist expertise, competitive operating costs, and strong government support.
The concern voiced by industry figures is straightforward. Demand for tech-savvy financial professionals is outpacing the supply of candidates, and without a stronger pipeline of homegrown talent, the region’s hard-won status could begin to slip.
Ian Wilson, Managing Director of CompareNI.com, said:
“Our research suggests there is still plenty of work to do when it comes to helping students understand the opportunities available in fintech. Having a steady supply of talented graduates to meet the growing demand is vital if Northern Ireland is to continue attracting investment, creating high-value jobs and retaining its position as a global fintech powerhouse.”
Wilson added that the firm is keen to work closely with educational institutions to nurture and develop homegrown talent, ensuring a steady flow of opportunities for both the next generation of professionals and local companies.
An awareness problem, not an aptitude one
A recurring theme among the experts quoted is that the issue is one of perception rather than ability. Students may be drawn to technology, or to finance, but few think to combine the two.
Professor Danielle McWall, Associate Dean (Partnership and student recruitment) at Ulster University, said Northern Ireland has a proven track record of attracting significant investment from major fintech companies, but warned that a stronger talent pipeline is needed to prevent growth from stagnating.
Professor Danielle McWall, Associate Dean (Partnership and student recruitment) at Ulster Universityc, said:
“For many students, fintech isn’t resonating with them as a career option. They may have an interest in technology or finance, but many don’t tend to merge these areas together. There are really fabulous careers out there in the world of fintech and I think many students will eventually end up circling back to these after they have done a more traditional degree, but it is about getting them to understand that there are specialised degrees in fintech that will open up wonderful careers for them.”
Her colleague Barry Quinn, Professor of Finance and Financial Technology at Ulster University, argued that fintech skills are becoming increasingly relevant for almost anyone entering the workplace, and that the sector needs to reach young people far earlier:
“Fintech now touches almost every aspect of our daily lives. From digital payments and online banking to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, almost all businesses use fintech in some capacity, so it is a skillset that will serve young people well. More needs to be done to introduce young people to fintech at an earlier stage, and we at Ulster University are front and centre of that. We were one of the first places in the UK to introduce an undergraduate degree apprenticeship in fintech, allowing students to apply the skills learned in the classroom to the workplace.”
Backing the next generation
The research has been released alongside CompareNI’s Fintech Scholarship, now in its sixth year, which aims to support emerging talent while raising the profile of the career paths available within the sector. This year’s winner, Anna Donnelly from Armagh, has just completed a Master’s degree in fintech at Ulster University and used the moment to encourage her peers to take a closer look at the industry.
Anna Donnelly, winner of the CompareNI Fintech Scholarship, said:
“The great thing about fintech is that it thrives on a diverse range of specialisms, meaning it can open doors for graduates from many different backgrounds. The skills learned in fintech can be applied to so many jobs and there are lots of opportunities if you look for them, particularly in Belfast. Fintech graduates are in a great position to access lots of different career paths, from software development and cyber security to data analytics, fraud detection and many more.”
As part of the award, Donnelly received a £1,000 bursary to support her studies, along with the offer of work experience at Seopa, the fintech company behind CompareNI.com. Seopa has been recognised with six Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards and has earned a Deloitte Best Managed Company Award in each of the past nine years. The company was most recently named Employer of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2026.
The message from across the sector is consistent. Northern Ireland has built something genuinely impressive in fintech, but its continued success depends on convincing the next generation that the opportunity is sitting on their doorstep. On the current evidence, that work has some way to go.
