Over the past 12 months, the Company Secretarial recruitment market in the UK has been marked by significant growth and transformation, particularly within the financial services sector. Among its key sub-sectors, insurance and fintech have played a central role in driving changes, influenced by evolving regulatory landscapes, technological advancements, and the rising prominence of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
Interestingly, recruitment activity across the financial services sector experienced a temporary slowdown in the months leading up to key global elections. During these periods, organisations often take a cautious approach, delaying hiring decisions due to political and economic uncertainty.
This was particularly evident during the run-up to the 2024 UK general election and the U.S. presidential election. Employers preferred to pause strategic hires, including Company Secretarial (CoSec) roles, as they assessed potential regulatory changes and market impacts stemming from new political leadership. However, this slowdown proved temporary, with recruitment picking up pace after election outcomes became clear.
The financial services sector as a whole has seen a sharp increase in demand for qualified CoSec professionals, particularly those adept at navigating complex governance frameworks. Heightened regulatory scrutiny, including evolving rules from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), has spurred firms to bolster their compliance and governance capabilities.
Across financial services, ESG considerations have also become central to the CoSec role, particularly as firms aim to meet growing stakeholder expectations and new regulatory frameworks. Similarly, the adoption of digital governance tools has reshaped the operational landscape, requiring CoSec professionals to possess technological fluency alongside governance expertise.
Regulatory changes have significantly affected the insurance industry, such as Solvency II reviews and the UK’s post-Brexit adaptations. This has driven demand for CoSec professionals who understand insurance-specific governance requirements, including risk management and reporting standards.
Additionally, insurers are under increasing pressure to integrate ESG considerations, such as climate risk disclosures, into their operations. Company secretaries with experience in regulatory compliance and sustainability reporting are in high demand, as firms seek to enhance board-level governance and stakeholder engagement.
The fintech sector has emerged as a dynamic area for CoSec recruitment, fueled by rapid growth, innovation and evolving regulatory expectations. Startups and scale-ups often lack robust governance structures, prompting a surge in demand for professionals capable of implementing frameworks that comply with regulations such as the Payment Services Directive (PSD2) and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements.
Fintech firms are also increasingly seeking governance professionals who can navigate the challenges of scaling operations while adhering to regulatory demands. Expertise in digital transformation and the ability to integrate tech-based solutions for governance processes are particularly valuable. This shift reflects the fintech sector’s focus on maintaining agility while ensuring compliance and investor confidence.
The demand for skilled governance professionals across financial services, insurance, and fintech has far outstripped supply, leading to a talent shortage. Chartered Governance Professionals, particularly those with sector-specific expertise, have become highly sought after, often commanding premium salaries.
To address this gap, firms have invested in upskilling programs and apprenticeships, with some leveraging hybrid and remote work models to attract talent from broader geographies. Additionally, professionals with transferable skills, such as a legal or compliance background, are increasingly transitioning into CoSec roles to fill the talent pipeline.
In the year ahead, the insurance and fintech sectors are likely to continue driving demand for governance talent. Insurers will prioritise professionals skilled in sustainability reporting and regulatory compliance, while fintech firms will focus on candidates with the ability to balance innovation with governance rigour. Firms across the board must offer competitive compensation, flexible working arrangements, and robust career development opportunities to attract and retain top-tier governance professionals.
The intersection of regulation, technology, and ESG ensures that the Company Secretarial profession remains a cornerstone of effective governance in the UK financial services sector. Looking to develop your team’s CoSec and governance capabilities? Get in touch to discuss your 2025 business goals and search requirements.
