Skills for career development in banking and finance

May 15, 2025

The banking and financial sector in French-speaking Switzerland, and Geneva in particular, is an essential pillar of the regional economy. According to the Banking Barometer 2024 published by the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA), employment in the banking sector continued to rise in 2023, with growth of 1.4% despite an uncertain global economic environment.

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 mechanics of mortgages, investment products or derivatives is essential to effectively advising customers. What's more, the ability to interpret complex financial data enables investment risks and opportunities to be assessed. These skills form a fundamental foundation, but are not sufficient in themselves. It is these skills that are developed in initial training courses (CFC commercial clerk, banking option; Bachelor HEG-GE Business Economics, banking and finance option; Bachelor/Master in Economic and Social Sciences at various universities (notably in French-speaking Switzerland UNIGE; UNIL; UNIFR; UNINE). Specializations are then developed by these same players, within the framework of long CAS/DAS/MAS-type programs, or in short courses that ISFB, as a professional association specifically for the industry, offers to various experts (e.g. ISFB Certificate in Credit, ISFB Certificate in Private Banking Advanced SAQ, ISFB Certificate in Compliance Officer, etc.).

Interaction skills

Professionals must excel in communication, negotiation, advice... and listening! For example, during a meeting with a customer, it's crucial to understand his or her needs, explain the available options clearly and propose appropriate solutions. These skills help build trusting relationships and customer loyalty. These are skills that we develop, for example, in our in-house seminars for our member institutions, but also in face-to-face inter-bank formats within the Institute, for example as part of the SAQ Business Development re-certification 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 for optimum performance. For example, meeting regulatory deadlines for the submission of financial reports demonstrates the conscientiousness and thoroughness that are essential in this sector. It's all about being methodical. Success is often the result of a healthy dose of method and systematicity. This can be acquired by example, by rubbing shoulders with inspiring people, by reading, but also by willpower and self-discipline.

Concentration skills

The ability to concentrate on complex tasks without distraction is crucial. For example, when analyzing a complex file, sustained attention over time is needed to identify the critical elements and assess the legal, financial or interactional implications. This ability to concentrate can tend to be lost through overuse of various social distractions (social networks, e-mail, etc.). Here, too, discipline comes in handy. This can be acquired through training, particularly as part of ongoing training 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

Mastery of foreign languages, particularly English, is often a prerequisite for interacting with an international clientele. In addition, proficiency in IT tools such as portfolio management software or trading platforms, or simply Excel, is essential for efficient, modern service delivery. When it comes to developing technological skills, we offer two cutting-edge programs: the ISFB Future of Finance Certificate, aimed at gaining a better understanding of today's and tomorrow's world from a technological perspective, and the ISFB Data Fundamentals Certificate, for training in data management within the regulatory framework of finance in Switzerland, without having any initial IT training.

The banking and finance sector in French-speaking Switzerland offers a wealth of opportunities not only for university graduates, but also for professionally-trained professionals (CFC banking option, then higher education). Developing these key competencies, as defined by the ISFB, is essential for success and advancement in this dynamic field. This is what we focus on with our contacts, whether they be Human Resources professionals responsible for supporting the skills development of their organization's employees, participants in our services as part of continuing education measures or certifications, but also as part of assessments, coaching, mentoring, or the skills assessments we carry out for the employees of our members but also for the cantonal employment office.

Mathias Baitan

General Manager

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