UK Financial Markets Look to Attract More Talent in 2023

What’s going on:      

The UK is looking to update its market rules so that it can focus on keeping its financial markets competitive with the US, Europe, and the rest of the world. The UK parliament is in the midst of approving a law that will allow regulators to revise financial rules that the country inherited from the European Union (EU), according to Reuters. 

Why it matters:         

The country is shifting its plans to attract and retain talent by revitalizing its financial sector. The future of work in the UK’s financial sector is significantly impacted by the country’s ability to remain competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.  

The UK’s City Minister Andrew Griffith emphasized the need for competitive pay packages for top executives, as this can play a crucial role in incentivizing talent choose to work in the UK rather than in rival financial centers like New York or those within the EU. 

Reuters reported that UK Finance has set out recommendations for improving the country’s capital markets and data. One recommendation was that the country’s 0.5% stamp duty charged on share purchases be dropped in order to reduce investment costs and boost wider participation. UK Finance’s Chief Executive David Postings urged the government to fast-track the issuance of digitized UK government bonds to make them more accessible to a wider range of investors. 

How it’ll impact the future:          

Competitive pay and other incentives have become increasingly important this year in attracting and retaining top-tier professionals. The UK’s focus on improving the country’s capital markets – and making investments more accessible – could lead to increased opportunities for businesses, individual investors, and talented employees. Overall, these changes on the horizon aim to strengthen the UK’s financial sector and ensure its continued competitiveness in the global market.