London vs the Regions: Where Are Finance Jobs Growing Fastest?

For decades, London ruled the UK finance scene. But in 2025, the game is shifting. A mix of remote work, regional investment, and rising living costs in the capital has pushed firms to look beyond the M25 — and they’re finding strong finance talent in cities across the country.

So, where are finance jobs growing fastest? Let’s look at the contenders: Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Bristol — and how they stack up against London.

What’s Fueling the Regional Rise?

• Hybrid work is now embedded, letting teams operate from anywhere.

• Top firms are setting up second HQs or shared service hubs outside London.

• Cost-conscious candidates are choosing cities that offer career growth without the price tag.

Manchester: The Northern Powerhouse

Growth rate: SurgingHot roles: Financial analysts, fintech ops, internal audit, reporting

Manchester is a magnet for finance jobs. With a strong fintech ecosystem, major banks, and Big Four offices, it's become a go-to for finance teams scaling fast. Major firms like Barclays and Deloitte continue to grow headcount here, particularly in mid-level and analyst roles.

Why it’s growing:

• Lower costs than London, but still a big city feel

• Strong pipeline from universities

• Government support for northern finance hubs

Birmingham: The Underrated Heavyweight

Growth rate: Rapid and under the radarHot roles: Risk, compliance, shared services, credit control

Birmingham has quietly become a finance hub with national reach. HSBC’s UK head office is here. PwC and Deutsche Bank both have major operations. Demand is growing fast for finance professionals who can blend regulatory know-how with commercial insight.

Why it’s growing:

• Central location = strong logistics and talent reach

• Big employers relocating support functions

• Strong local graduate pool and business infrastructure

Edinburgh: Scotland’s Financial Capital

Growth rate: Solid and steady. Hot roles: Asset management, treasury, ESG reporting

Edinburgh remains a specialist hub, especially for roles in investment management, risk, and sustainable finance. It attracts experienced professionals and is home to firms like Baillie Gifford, NatWest, and Aegon.

Why it’s growing:

• Established financial ecosystem

• Strong focus on ESG and regulation

• High-calibre finance talent pool

Leeds: Fast-Growing Fintech Engine

Growth rate: Accelerating Hot roles: Credit risk, data finance, regtech, payments

Leeds is now home to the UK Infrastructure Bank and a rising number of fintech players. Accountancy, credit risk, and compliance roles are in high demand as firms lean on data-driven decision-making.

Why it’s growing:

• Big public and private sector investment

• Strong overlap between finance and tech

• Attractive to early-career professionals priced out of London

Bristol: Green Finance & Planning Hub

Growth rate: Consistent, with digital edge Hot roles: Financial planning, green finance, advisory

Bristol’s reputation in digital transformation and sustainability has carved out a niche in green finance and advisory roles. Candidates here often value lifestyle and career balance — and firms are responding.

Why it’s growing:

• Talent from local universities and London relocators

• Focus on ESG, startups, and digital finance

• Lower attrition and high engagement rates

London: Still the Global Anchor

London’s not going anywhere. It’s still the UK’s centre for investment banking, private equity, and large-scale corporate finance. But it’s no longer the only path to a top-tier finance career.

What’s changing:

• Some roles are being moved to regional hubs

• Hybrid-first policies mean location matters less

• Salary expectations are flattening between regions