Financial services are an important part of the UK economy, making up 6.9% of total output in 2018. The UK is the second largest financial centre in the world with organisations consisting of financial intermediaries (such as banks and brokers), institutional investors (such as investment managers, pension funds, insurers, hedge funds), and issuers (such as companies and governments).
The largest four banks in the United Kingdom, HSBC Holdings, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group and the Royal Bank of Scotland Group have combined assets totalling more than £4tn. They provide an essential service to over five million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and 8,000 large businesses (more than 250 staff) across the UK. These businesses rely on the existence of corporate and investment banks to succeed. Leading UK professional industry bodies such as PIMFA and The Investment Funds Association provide advice and support to professionals and firms within the industry both in the UK and across the globe.
Investment banks are increasingly keen to attract a diverse workforce, with UK-based positions almost exclusively based in London. Most have internal support networks for under-represented groups and a number of banks are members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme.
Our Lombard Street based consultants are specialists in corporate and investment banking, recruiting top talent for organisations in this market across the UK and Europe.
