The world of AI in financial services recruitment is evolving fast. If you’re not preparing for what’s next, you risk falling behind.

In 2025, we predict big changes—not just because the calendar flipped, but because AI is reaching a tipping point in how it transforms talent acquisition.

Based on our recent study with Aptitude Research, surveying over 100 HR and TA leaders in financial services, we’ve identified the top trends that will define the year ahead.

These trends are not just predictions—they’re opportunities to get ahead of the curve and shape the future of your recruiting strategy.

Prediction 1: AI Regulation Heats Up

Financial services is a highly regulated industry, and AI in recruiting is bound to attract scrutiny. In 2025, we expect more focus on AI bias, data privacy, and transparency.

Laws may emerge requiring regular audits of AI tools, fairness guarantees, or candidate notifications about how AI is used in hiring decisions.

Recommended Action:
Stay ahead by working with AI vendors that prioritize transparency and compliance (like Oleeo 👋). Begin documenting your AI processes now, so you’re prepared to meet future regulations.

Prediction 2: The Rise of the “AI-Augmented Recruiter”

While some recruiters fear AI will replace them, 2025 will be the year of the “AI-augmented recruiter”—professionals who use AI to work smarter, not harder.

Tasks like sourcing, resume screening, and scheduling will be streamlined by AI, freeing recruiters to focus on relationship-building, soft skills assessment, and crafting personalized strategies.

Recommended Action:
Embrace AI as a tool to empower your team. Highlight the uniquely human aspects of your work, such as connecting with candidates and evaluating cultural fit, to differentiate yourself in an AI-driven world.

Prediction 3: Skills-Based Hiring Goes Mainstream, Powered by AI

The shift towards skills-based hiring is accelerating, and 2025 will cement it as the dominant model.

With AI’s ability to analyze resumes, work samples, and even social media profiles, financial services recruiters can assess candidates based on demonstrable skills rather than traditional credentials.

Recommended Action:
Focus on identifying the specific skills required for each role, and leverage AI to find candidates who match those needs. Partner with hiring managers to create robust skill-based interview processes that tap into non-traditional talent pools.

Prediction 4: Infoships Become Essential for Early-Career Talent

Recruiters in financial services are already experimenting with “infoships” – short, low-commitment programs designed to provide candidates with exposure to the company and the industry. In 2025, expect to see an explosion of these opportunities as companies compete for early-career talent. 

Companies will use AI to create personalized virtual experiences, assessments, and content, giving candidates a taste of the industry while building stronger pipelines for early-career talent.

Recommended Action:
Invest in infoships as part of your recruitment strategy for engaging with early-career talent and building their pipelines. Use AI to deliver engaging, customized experiences and gather data to refine your approach and help differentiate your organization from your competitors. 

Prediction 5: Sentient AI Recruiting Assistants Go Rogue

It’s fun to imagine a future where AI assistants become so smart they ditch recruiting, gather top talent and use their insider knowledge of corporate strategies to run hedge funds—but let’s save that plotline for Hollywood.

The reality is far less dramatic (and far more useful). In 2025, AI will continue to focus on what it does best: automating repetitive tasks, enhancing decision-making, and supporting human recruiters in finding top talent. While we’re not expecting rogue robots, the importance of using AI responsibly and ethically can’t be overstated.

Recommended Action:
Stay focused on practical, low-risk applications of AI that are transforming recruiting today—like candidate scoring, scheduling, and personalized candidate experiences. And, yes, keep an eye on the future.

The AI Transformation: Are You Ready for 2025?

Each of these trends reflects one undeniable truth: AI is transforming financial services recruiting.

From regulation to skills-based hiring, 2025 will be a pivotal year for AI adoption. The question is—will you be ready?

Download the full report, AI in Talent Acquisition: Key Trends Shaping the Future in Financial Services, to get the data, insights, and strategies you need to lead the charge.