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Big tech isn’t the only sector pushing to attract workers with skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The banking and financing industries have invested heavily in AI trends, technology, and research, and workers are flocking to opportunities with banks and other financial institutions.

The Wall Street Journal that colleges and universities across the country are seeing more graduates in technology-focused fields accepting employment with banks and financial services over the last four years. These industries have aggressively sought talent across the AI stack including those with skills in neural networks, model building, training, and fine-tuning. At the same time, big tech companies have announced rounds of layoffs.

With the stability of working for a banking institution more appealing to college graduates rather than taking a chance with a tech company navigating changes, banking could be one of the coolest jobs in tech today. 
 

Here’s what you should know:  

Why are banks investing in AI—and in graduates of AI and computer science programs?

Banks and other financial institutions say that they feel that AI has transformational power and can be part of every product and service they build, and they are invested in showing talented candidates that they can work on meaningful problems.  

And banks and other financial institutions are backing this up: they are hiring for roles in machine learning engineering, data engineering, generative AI, responsible AI, and information security.

In particular, they have been on a hiring spree for AI developers and computer scientists. These areas are where colleges and universities are not currently graduating enough students with these needed skills and who are ready to tackle problems in banking.

How is AI and other technology skills used in banking?

There are a multitude of ways that people with technology- and AI-focused skills are being utilized by banks and other financial institutions.  

One such example is ��ñ�� graduate Ismail Iyigunler (Ph.D. AMAT ’12).  

As director of global markets risk analytics at Bank of America, Iyigunler develops and maintains mathematical and algorithmic models that outline the best-case and worst-case scenarios—and everything in between, which allow bank officials to make valuable risk management decisions.

“My main focus is to ensure that the models are adequate, stable, and fit for risk management,” he says. “The modeling is a complex statistical analysis. It’s the math-related aspect of risk management.”

Iyungler’s knowledge of the models helps him communicate how the model works so that those relying on them understand how the results are determined.

“Stakeholders need to understand, and be comfortable with, the computations and limitations of the models,” he says. “You must be able to defend your model. You must prove that the model is fit for purpose.”  

What skills do I need to get into these tech careers?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a handful of general skills that banks and other financial institutions are looking for:

• Analytical skills: You will evaluate a range of information in finding profitable investments.
• Communication skills: You must be able to clearly explain your recommendations to clients.
• Computer skills: You must be adept at using software to analyze financial data and trends, create portfolios, and make forecasts.
• Decision-making skills: You must reach conclusions so that you can recommend whether to buy, hold, or sell a security.
• Detail oriented: You must pay attention to every detail, as even small issues may have large implications.
• Math skills: You will use mathematics to estimate the value of financial securities.

But you must also have the technical know-how to maximize what technologies such as generative and responsible AI, machine learning engineering, data engineering, and information security.  

��ñ��’s incorporates AI techniques into all of its computing degree programs, which can help equip the next generation of tech bankers and innovators. Just some of the programs that ��ñ�� offers includes:  

you can kickstart a tech-driven career in banking or another field today.  

Key Takeaways: AI Trends and Careers in Tech Banking

As artificial intelligence trends continue to reshape industries, tech banking is emerging as one of the coolest jobs in tech for graduates with skills in AI and machine learning. With big tech facing layoffs, top talent is increasingly choosing the stability and innovation offered by tech banks and financial institutions, which are investing heavily in AI-driven roles such as machine learning, engineering, data science, and responsible AI. These tech bank careers offer graduates the chance to work on meaningful, high-impact projects, making banking one of the most exciting and rapidly growing AI career paths today.