UBS and major banks mandate AI skills for junior recruitment

The global job market is undergoing significant shifts driven by artificial intelligence, digitalization, and demographic changes. In the financial sector, major institutions are integrating AI proficiency into their core hiring requirements.

Swiss investment bank UBS has become one of the first major European banks to explicitly require junior bankers and interns joining in 2027 to demonstrate AI skills. Candidates must show how they use AI to ‘improve results and efficiency,’ with interview questions specifically targeting AI fluency. This move follows a trend where banks utilize AI for routine tasks—such as financial analysis, research, and client presentations—that were historically handled by junior staff. Similarly, Spain’s Santander has sought ‘advanced AI users’ for its corporate and investment banking graduate programs.

Broader labor market projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2025–2035 highlight growing demand in sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and industrial engineering. While AI automates certain roles, it is also creating a demand for specialized professionals who can manage talent, optimize production through robotics, and navigate complex digital landscapes.