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Banks, insurers, and fintech organizations are investing heavily in digitization, data, and risk management. As a result, demand for external professionals remains high, with a clear emphasis on business, IT, and analytical profiles.

 

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According to the Talent Monitor, organizational consultants, software developers, financial analysts, and ICT managers are the most sought-after professionals. They play an important role in transformation programs, technological innovation, and complex change processes. 

Most in-demand professions: finance

Source: CBS, compiled and analyzed by the Intelligence Group

The variation in rates shows how diverse the demand is. Insurance agents receive an average of around €65 per hour. Strategic management roles are well above that, with rates exceeding €120 per hour. Managers in business and administrative services stand out with an average hourly rate of €121.29. Information and communication technology managers and organizational consultants are also among the better-paid profiles.

From operational roles to strategic positions that help organizations with digitization and compliance, the spread in rates reflects the broad need for expertise in this sector.

Rates show a slight upward trend

The development of hourly rates shows a varied but predominantly upward pattern. In the first quarter of 2022, the average hourly rate was around €92. In 2023, rates will rise further, with peaks above €98. Minor corrections will follow in 2024, after which rates will pick up again in 2025. At the end of that year, the average hourly rate will be €102.07. For 2025 as a whole, the average hourly rate will be €98, a slight increase from €97 in 2024.

Over the years, some periods show slight declines, while other quarters show growth of more than 8%. This movement demonstrates how sensitive the sector is to economic developments, changing legislation and regulations, and internal investment cycles. The upward trend confirms that specialist knowledge in the fields of finance, IT, and consultancy remains structurally valuable. 

Trends in average hourly rates: financial

Source: CBS, compiled and analyzed by the Intelligence Group

Demand moves with the market

In addition to rate developments, demand for professionals also shows clear fluctuations. In 2022, the number of assignments was exceptionally high. In the first quarter, 695 assignments were posted, and in the third quarter, 678. In 2023, demand stabilised at a lower level, with an average of around 493 assignments. In 2024, fluctuations followed again, including a clear upturn in the third quarter with 601 assignments.

The year 2025 started strongly with 615 orders, but ended with 354 orders in the fourth quarter. The average for the whole year was 458 orders. 

Trend in the number of orders: financial

Source: CBS, compiled and analyzed by the Intelligence Group

Changing priorities within financial institutions

Digitization, stricter legislation, and new sustainability targets are changing the way financial organizations operate. Many institutions are investing in data analysis, risk management, and compliance programs.

This requires professionals with specialist knowledge. Organizations are also taking a more critical look at their external hiring and projects are increasingly being organized on the basis of long-term planning. As a result, external professionals are being deployed in an increasingly targeted manner. Not only to fill temporary capacity gaps, but above all to add specific expertise to strategic projects. 

Looking ahead in a dynamic market

The combination of fluctuating demand and rising rates calls for clear planning. Identify in good time what expertise is needed and when projects will start. This will prevent important initiatives from being delayed because specialist knowledge is not available. It also helps to consciously choose how you deploy external professionals. Some projects require a short, intensive contribution from a specialist. Other projects benefit from a professional who works within a team or program for a longer period of time.

By looking ahead and organizing flexibly, your organization will remain capable of successfully implementing innovation and change processes.

Talent Monitor: insight into a changing sector

The Talent Monitor, a joint publication by HeadFirst Group and Intelligence Group, provides a quarterly overview of how demand, rates, and expertise are developing within various sectors. The research paints a clear picture for the financial sector. Specialist knowledge in IT, data, finance, and consultancy remains in high demand. Rates are rising slightly, while the number of assignments can fluctuate significantly due to economic developments and investment cycles.

For financial organizations, this means that strategic use of external expertise is becoming increasingly important. Those who follow the market closely and plan ahead will remain able to pursue innovation, compliance, and digital transformation.