Naming jobs to better track their evolution

October 1, 2026

37 roles, 220 skills, 89 training programs: the ISFB Observatory is launching its database of major banking roles. This freely accessible tool allows users to explore these professions, better understand the skills associated with them, and track their evolution.

The same job title can vary from one institution to another. Advisor, relationship manager, account manager: behind these different titles sometimes lie very similar activities. Conversely, the same title can encompass quite different realities. To analyze the evolution of banking professions, it was therefore essential to begin by establishing a common language.

The framework developed by the ISFB Observatory describes, in its first 2026 edition, 37 major functions based on missions, activities performed, and skills used. The terms commonly used in institutions are then linked to these functions.

Describe the professions beyond the job titles.

The choice of 37 functions provides a sufficient level of detail to distinguish the main professional realities, without reproducing the hundreds of job titles specific to each organization. The level of responsibility is addressed specifically: the same function can thus be performed as a specialist, manager, or executive, based on the premise that an executive typically progresses from one or more initial roles throughout their career.

This way of describing jobs also allows us to look at what lies behind a title: the activities carried out and the major skills needed to accomplish them.

Finding your way in banking professions

The ISFB framework for major functions is designed for several audiences, with different uses. A young person considering a career in banking can discover the main functions and better understand what they entail. A professional already in the role can situate their current activity and the associated skills, comparing them to other functions. A job seeker can better understand the expectations for a given position and align their experience with the desired profiles to facilitate discussions with their advisor, for example, during a skills assessment. The tool can also be used by career counselors, recruiters, and training managers to establish a common understanding of banking professions.

Each job title also links to recognized training programs. These programs come from universities, professional associations, and Swiss or international certification bodies. The goal is to provide access, from a single job title, to the main existing development opportunities.

Observe what changes over time

Initial work by the ISFB Observatory shows that banking professions are evolving largely through restructuring: some activities are declining, others are emerging, certain skills are becoming more important, and technologies are gradually changing how various functions are performed. To track these changes over time, a common reference framework was needed. This framework will now serve as the basis for the Observatory's work to monitor the evolution of activities and skills. It will also allow for a more precise study of the impact of technologies, including artificial intelligence, on job content. A project focusing on the connections between functions and career pathways has already begun and will enrich the framework in 2027.

The rosette of major functions

Example of a job description

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The analyses and content published by the ISFB may be quoted or reproduced in part, provided that the source is clearly mentioned. Any full or substantial reproduction of this article in another medium or format is subject to the prior written authorization of the ISFB. In order to facilitate reading and without any intention of discrimination, the masculine gender is generally used, in accordance with the grammatical rule that allows it to be used as a neutral value to refer to a group of people comprising both men and women. This publication is intended for ISFB members and their employees in Switzerland, as well as anyone interested in finance in Switzerland. It is not intended to be read or distributed in any jurisdiction where its distribution would be prohibited.

Opening of the ISFB Reference Framework for Major Banking Functions

ISFB Observatory of banking and financial skills

To keep up with the evolution of banking professions, a common language was first needed.

Mathias Baitan, General Manager