Financial services

Sector introduction

This profile covers the finance industry, including management consultancy, investment and retail banking, insurance and pensions and other related financial activity. The sector is very large and of crucial important to the UK economy.

It is a popular destination for doctoral graduates, who tend to be clustered into four main professions; financial analysis, actuarial work, financial advice and investment banking. Salaries in the sector are often high, and capable doctoral graduates, particularly with specialist quantitative training, can earn a great deal of money.