The fintech sector is, at its core, a people industry. It relies on the ingenuity of highly skilled people to develop new applications and constantly update existing ones.
Those skills are in short supply despite the recent downturn in the tech sector. Much needs to be done to ensure Ireland has the talent pipeline required to fuel the industry’s continued growth and attract new investments from overseas.
“Developing a skilled workforce that can adapt to the rapidly changing fintech landscape is essential to the future success of the sector in Ireland. This requires targeted training in key areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology,” says Nicola Sheridan, director, PwC Ireland, and the professional services firm’s fintech and payments committee lead.
Government investment in upskilling initiatives will be vital to support the continued growth and competitiveness of this sector, she points out.
“Establishing a centralised hub for fintech companies – ranging from early-stage start-ups to established enterprises, both domestic and international – could also propel the industry forward from a skills perspective by providing valuable industry expertise, networking opportunities and collaboration prospects,” says Sheridan. “This dedicated space would foster innovation, drive sectoral growth, and cultivate a thriving fintech ecosystem.”
Skillnet, the national in-work training agency, is helping. Its International Financial Services (IFS) Skillnet supports businesses of all sizes in the international financial services sector by enhancing the IFS skills base nationwide. The network supports all related industries including fintech, international banking, cross-border insurance and more.
By collaborating with industry it designs, develops and delivers responsive, bespoke and flexible subsidised training courses to meet the ongoing needs of businesses.
IFS Skillnet is promoted by Financial Services Ireland, an Ibec business association, and is open to private enterprises in the IFS sector. As Ibec has pointed out, thanks to advances in technology, every financial services company is now a fintech.
That blurring of the lines speaks to the approach that Revolut, a digital disrupter to legacy banking, takes.
“At Revolut, every team plays a particular role in driving results. Each department has a clear function and sharp focus – but skills alone aren’t what set people apart,” says Malcolm Craig, general manager at Revolut Bank UAB – Ireland Branch.
“The company is making efficient use of generative AI tools every day. But at a time when AI can do more than ever, Revolut is focused on hiring for what AI can’t deliver – strategic thinking, creativity and that proactive mindset that consistently delivers impact. That’s what makes someone exceptional within the fintech sector generally, but especially at Revolut.”
According to an Ibec report, Ireland’s Fintech Future, published in 2023, fintechs listed skills shortages as their top concern, above regulatory and funding challenges.
Revolut is an employer of choice in Ireland and is growing fast. It employs almost 200 people here and had 23 per cent more staff here in 2024 than in 2023. Many of its employees hold highly skilled roles, working out of either Dublin or remotely across the country, and the company is actively hiring for 60 roles at present.
Specific roles aside, what it is actively looking for are people who Craig calls “A-players – not just good performers”.
“The company is really after those who move the needle, elevate the bar for the organisation, and shape the trajectory of the business. That means being customer-first, with solving customer pain points as a priority. It also means being data-driven, having KPIs clearly defined and owned, grounded in local execution but always aligned to the global vision, and obsessed with outcomes, not just task completion,” he explains.
“Those who chase impact over easy wins are the ones who can move Revolut forward, while also helping to shape the future of fintech – both in Ireland and globally.”
As a major player in the Irish financial services sector, Revolut already boasts many talented Irish leaders who hold senior leadership roles across the bank and, Craig points out, “are steering the company towards becoming the world’s first truly global financial app”.
