Technology and finance are two industries that have always been closely intertwined. This has never been truer than right now with the rise of FinTech in recent times and we are now seeing an increasing number of tech-talent migrating to the financial sector. So, what is the reason for this?

Need for Tech-Talent

There is currently a major skills shortage in the UK which has had a big impact on both the tech and finance industries. This means that there is a large demand for those with the latest tech skills and knowledge particularly in industries which are undergoing enormous change like finance.

The Rise of FinTech

There are constantly new startups emerging in the finance industry which rely on new and impressive technology which is transforming not only the finance industry but also the way in which people live their lives. A few examples of how FinTech has changed modern life in recent times include cryptocurrency, mobile payments, digital lending, crowdfunding and Robo-advising. These financial products have disrupted traditional financial and banking industries and pose a threat to various financial institutions which creates more space for tech-talent to move into the financial industry.

A Lucrative Career in Finance

With such big change, it is clear that there is a lot of money to be made in the new finance industry. Therefore, those with a solid background in tech will start to look to this industry as a way to make money and embark on a rewarding career where you make a difference to the world.

New Technology

Additionally, with so many new and exciting technologies being developed the possibilities are endless and there are many new business ideas constantly being generated. A few key technologies that will be used now and in the near future include artificial intelligence, automation, virtual reality and augmented reality.

Finding Talent

This means that any business in the financial industry needs to find the right talent for their company if they are to succeed. This can be a huge decision which will impact the success of the operation so the business needs to be thorough with the recruitment process and avoid rushing into a decision. This could require using an interim recruiter who can find a suitable candidate to fill the vacancy until the right candidate is found for the full-time role.

The financial industry is seeing an influx of tech-talent as modern technology continues to transform the financial sector and disrupt more traditional forms of banking and finance. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for tech and finance with some amazing technological advances being made and people relying heavily on technology to manage all financial aspects of their life. It is easy to see the industry continue to attract tech-talent as there is a lot of money to be made here.

The success of just about any business rests on attracting and retaining the right talent. To do this, we need to offer the right incentives and employee benefits. This might be a simple matter of offering more money, but additional perks can also help to sweeten a particular deal, and encourage the employee to view the company in a positive light.

Done badly, perks can look like a gimmicky fig-leaf for low pay. Done the right way, on the other hand, and they can encourage employees to value the company, and to stick around for longer.

Let’s look at some of the more effective, valuable perks.

Flexible Working Hours

When a job gets in the way of an employee’s home life, they may feel that they have to choose one or the other. This generates resentment, and a long-term desire to switch to a job whose hours are more manageable. Not having time to see your children because you’re working every evening is a definite downer – especially if you could really be doing the same work at a different time of day.

Working From Home

A related perk is the ever sought-after ability to work from home. This will allow employees to get the job done under their own motivation. But, perhaps more importantly, it demonstrates a level of trust on the part of the employer, which employees value.

Vacation Time

Granting paid time off is always a trade-off. If employees are to remain productive and focussed, then they’ll need to have the time put aside to unwind. If they’re not given it, then they’ll seek employment elsewhere. It’s important that vacation time is not only allocated, but that there are no cultural barriers to actually taking it. If employees are given reproving looks and excluded from lunchtime trips to the pub every time they decide to go on holiday, then the effect might be much the same as if they weren’t granted any extra holiday at all!

Employee Loans

Sometimes, employees might need short-term finance. That’s where employee loans come in. You’ll link repayments to the salary you’re paying out each month, and improve credit scores in the process. Loans of this sort are safer and carry a lower interest, and will effectively allow employees to earn an advance on their pay-check whenever they like, which can help them to manage short-term finance.

Health Insurance

This is something that’s often-cited in polls of American employees. But even in the UK, with our nationalised healthcare, employees might look for financial support so that they can go private when an emergency arises. When you pay out to one employee, you’ll demonstrate to the rest of your workforce that they’ll be looked after if they should find themselves struck by sudden illness or injury.

Starting out

The nature of the trade, i.e. investing, is complicated business and as a beginner the world of finance might seem more than a little daunting. Delving into the subject of investments you have most likely come across concepts such as bull and bear, booms and busts, rise and fall. Then there is the market itself, a battle arena of magnitude if there ever was one. Even the most experienced traders still find its volatility unsettling. Maybe you find yourself trying to keep up and learn by reviewing forex trading by DailyFX on a regular basis but you are still not quite grasping the rules of engagement. This is not uncommon. Many who start out wanting to create their own successful financial venture struggle. In the midst of trying to create the best financial strategy it might be desirable to have some tips on what to keep in mind when going after that first elusive deal.

3 useful tips

Make sure too align your investments with your own personal agenda, objectives and goals. 
– Exercise caution when deciding on which investments are most suitable for your individual financial strategy. It is important to stay objective when reviewing different investment possibilities and too not let personal emotions lead the way. With this said, many investors swear by their “gut feeling” and wouldn’t do business any other way. What is important is to make sure that your gut feeling is also backed by relevant market information. There are many sites, such as FxScouts, that are able to offer guidance. Your investment portfolio should reflect your values and beliefs in everything from methodology to holding structure.

Be prepared for the volatility of the market
– It is notoriously difficult to create accurate projections of where the market will go. With constantly fluctuating asset prices due to both micro and macroeconomic events, keeping track is challenging. One way to learn how to read the market is to acquaint yourself with different stock chart patterns. By mastering the art of the patterns there is a fighting chance of being able to have some sense of control when it comes to your investments. Make sure to only invest what you can stand to lose in the first instance as it will cushion the blow somewhat of the first fall, because there will be a fall.

Seek professional advice
–  By seeking advice from a qualified advisor you will most likely avoid a lot of headaches. Especially if you are just starting out in the investment world. The complex nature of the trade entails many pitfalls and even though there will be times when mistakes will be made and bad investments will follow, having the opportunity to run strategies by a professional will at least put the odds in your favour, hopefully. Investing in an advisor might just turn out to be the soundest one you will ever make.

In conclusion, before you make your first investment, these tips might help you along the way. Seek professional advice and learn which of the most common approaches to acquiring assets might be most suitable for you, then align your investment portfolio with your own personal goals and objectives and finally, make sure you are prepared for the ups and downs of the market.