Skills for career development in banking and finance

May 15, 2025

The banking and financial sector in French-speaking Switzerland, particularly in Geneva, is a key pillar of the regional economy. According to the 2025 Banking Barometer published by the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA), the number of people employed in banking has continued to rise. For 2025, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) forecasts a slight upturn in economic growth to 1.3%, driven by solid domestic demand and the recent decline in the Swiss franc – but in the current situation, these forecasts are highly uncertain.

Against this backdrop, the Institut Supérieur de Formation Bancaire (ISFB), as the Skills and Career Center for banks and financial institutions in French-speaking Switzerland, identifies and promotes the key skills needed to succeed in this field.

Faced with this dynamic, it's becoming crucial for professionals in the sector - whether they're just starting out on their career path or in the process of repositioning themselves - to understand which concrete skills enhance their employability and support sustainable progress. With this in mind, ISFB is offering a structured mapping of the most sought-after skills in the banking industry today, reflecting market expectations, current transformations and the specific requirements of the sector's key functions.

AI is increasing the need for hybrid skills, blending technological understanding, critical analytical ability, risk management, and emotional intelligence - all unevenly distributed across generations.

Technical and analytical skills

Mastery of financial products, regulations, and analytical tools is fundamental. For example, understanding the mechanisms of mortgages, investment products, and derivatives is essential for effectively advising clients. In addition, the ability to interpret complex financial data enables the assessment of investment risks and opportunities. These skills form a fundamental basis, but are not sufficient on their own. These skills are developed in initial training programs (CFC commercial employee, banking option; HEG-GE Bachelor's degree in Business Economics, banking and finance option; Bachelor's/Master's degree in Economics and Social Sciences at various universities (notably in French-speaking Switzerland: UNIGE, UNIL, UNIFR, UNINE). Specializations are then developed by these same players, as part of long CAS/DAS/MAS programs, or in short courses that the ISFB, as a professional association specifically for the industry, offers to various experts (e.g., ISFB Credit Certificate, ISFB Private Banking Advanced SAQ Certificate, ISFB Compliance Officer Certificate, etc.).

Interaction skills

Professionals must excel in communication, negotiation, consulting... and listening! For example, during a meeting with a client, it is crucial to understand their needs, explain the available options clearly, and propose appropriate solutions. These skills help build trust and customer loyalty. We develop these skills in our internal seminars with our member institutions, as well as in interbank face-to-face formats at the Institute, for example, as part of the SAQ Business Development recertification seminar.

Strategic skills

The ability to anticipate market trends and develop appropriate strategies is paramount. For example, a portfolio manager must be able to adjust asset allocations in line with economic trends and client objectives. This strategic vision maximizes returns while minimizing risk. It is also the ability to grasp the challenges of tomorrow's world. We develop strategic skills in particular in our ISFB Certificate in Internal Control and Risk Management, where several C-levels from our ecosystem are involved as trainers, or the ISFB Certificate in Staff and Support, aimed at staff specialists in financial institutions, or the ISFB Certificate in Investment Advisor, aimed at front-office specialists.

Adaptability skills

In a constantly changing environment, adaptability is an indispensable quality. Professionals must be ready to learn new regulations, adopt emerging technologies and adapt to organizational changes. For example, the integration of artificial intelligence into banking processes requires an open mind and a willingness to learn continuously. ISFB offers several formats in this area: continuing education through the ISFB Certificate in Banking Management and Adaptability, where our participants work on their cognitive malleability with numerous speakers from different disciplines off the beaten track, as well as collective formats throughin-house seminars, or individualized formats in the form of coaching.

Awareness skills

Time management, organization, and a sense of responsibility are essential to ensuring optimal performance. For example, meeting regulatory deadlines for submitting financial reports demonstrates a professional attitude and rigor that are essential in this sector. This requires a methodical approach. Success often stems from a good dose of method and systematicity. This can be acquired by example, particularly by spending time with inspiring people, through reading, but also through personal willpower and discipline.

Concentration skills

The ability to focus on complex tasks without getting distracted is crucial. For example, when analyzing a complex case, sustained attention is required to identify critical elements and assess the legal, financial, or interactional implications. This ability to concentrate can tend to be lost with excessive use of various social distractions (social media, email, etc.). Here too, it becomes useful to exercise discipline. This can be acquired through training, particularly in the context of continuing education programs.

Emotional skills

Emotional stability, resilience and stress management are major assets. For example, when faced with an uncertain situation, a professional must remain calm, make informed decisions and support customers with empathy. These qualities help them to manage difficult situations effectively. We measure these elements, for example, during the assessments we carry out on behalf of our members, and we also help to forge these key emotional skills during seminars organized internally by our member organizations.

Language and computer skills

Proficiency in foreign languages, particularly English, is often required to interact with an international clientele. In addition, proficiency in IT tools, such as portfolio management software, trading platforms, or simply Excel, is essential to ensure efficient and modern service delivery. In terms of developing technological skills, we offer two cutting-edge programs: the ISFB Future of Finance Certificate, which aims to provide a better understanding of today's and tomorrow's world from a technological perspective, and the ISFB Data Management Certificate, which provides training in data management within the regulatory framework of finance in Switzerland, without requiring any prior IT training.

The banking and finance sector in French-speaking Switzerland offers numerous opportunities not only for university graduates but also for professionals who have completed vocational training (CFC banking option, followed by higher education). Developing these key skills, as defined by the ISFB, is essential for success and advancement in this dynamic field. This is what we bring to the attention of our contacts, whether they are human resources professionals responsible for supporting the skills development of their organization's employees, participants in our continuing education or certification programs, or those involved in assessments, coaching, mentoring, or during skills assessments that we carry out for our members' employees and for the cantonal employment office.

Mathias Baitan

General Manager

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