2025 Hong Kong Financial Services Salary Guide

We know that Hong Kong’s financial services industry is grappling with a complex web of challenges and changes. Skills shortages persist in credit risk and compliance functions while critical support talent such as office managers are hard to come by. Cost optimisation remains a top priority with firms seeking to streamline processes and reduce reliance on external vendors. Plus, rapid technological advancements are forcing firms to adapt quickly and navigate increased regulatory scrutiny.

That’s why we have curated the 2025 Robert Half Financial Services Salary Guide to provide you with the expertise and clarity to make the best employment decisions. Whether you're a hiring manager looking to attract top finance talent or a risk and compliance jobseeker hoping to find your next role, this guide provides valuable insights and Hong Kong salary benchmarks based on Robert Half’s placement data to help the decision-making process.

Financial services industry market update

Across all industries, there's a growing emphasis on strengthening front-office capabilities, driven by the need to boost business development and revenue generation in a challenging economic climate. Roles such as relationship managers in banking, deal sourcing specialists in private equity, and traders and portfolio managers in hedge funds are in high demand. The priority to onboard front-office talent reflects a strategic shift towards proactive business development and client acquisition.

View salaries by category

Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, company size and demand for the role.

Banking - Retail / Commercial / Virtual - Front Office

Banking - Retail / Commercial / Virtual - Compliance

Banking - Retail / Commercial / Virtual - Finance

Banking - Retail / Commercial / Virtual - Internal Audit

Banking - Retail / Commercial / Virtual - Risk

Insurance - Actuarial

Insurance - Compliance

Insurance - Finance

Insurance - Internal Audit

Insurance - Risk

Investment Bank & Brokerage - Compliance

Investment Bank & Brokerage - Finance

Investment Bank & Brokerage - Internal Audit

Investment Bank & Brokerage - Operations

Investment Bank & Brokerage - Risk

Private Equity / Hedge Fund / Asset Management - Compliance

Private Equity / Hedge Fund / Asset Management - Finance

Private Equity / Hedge Fund / Asset Management - Internal Audit

Private Equity / Hedge Fund / Asset Management - Operations

Private Equity / Hedge Fund / Asset Management - Risk

Administration & Secretarial

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Head of Corporate Banking

1800000

2160000

2760000

Senior Relationship Manager / Team Head, Corporate Banking

900000

1080000

1320000

Relationship Manager, Corporate Banking - Associate / AVP

420000

540000

624000

Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking - Associate / AVP

300000

456000

600000

Credit Analyst - Corporate Banking - AVP / VP

480000

576000

720000

Global Market Sales - Associate

480000

660000

780000

Global Market Sales - VP / SVP

960000

1200000

1440000

Transaction Banking Sales - Associate

300000

420000

504000

Transaction Banking Sales - VP / SVP

660000

900000

1200000

25th percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills and may have specialised qualifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or the Mandatory Provident Fund.

The race for quantitative and data expertise in hedge funds

Despite a brief setback at the start of 2024 due to regulatory changes, Hong Kong's hedge fund industry is recovering. New funds are being established and existing ones are expanding rapidly, with a particular focus on attracting specialised talent. Expertise in data, quantitative analysts and professionals with expertise in automated trading strategies are in high demand, reflecting the industry's shift towards data-driven and quantitative approaches.

Capital inflows fuel growth in private wealth sector

Hong Kong's private wealth management sector remains resilient, fuelled by the recent surge in net capital inflows thanks to strong performances in private banking and private wealth management businesses. This influx of wealth has led to a surge in hiring, particularly for relationship managers. Banks are expanding their private wealth management teams and investing in new office spaces to accommodate this growth.

Landing a significant pay raise is becoming more challenging in Hong Kong's financial services industry. While hedge funds are still hiring, economic uncertainty and cost-cutting measures are compelling companies to be more cautious about salary increases. To boost their earning potential, professionals in financial services may need to explore alternative avenues such as upskilling, seeking promotions or negotiating non-monetary benefits.

of financial services workers say it has become more challenging to negotiate a pay rise compared to last year of financial services workers say it has become more challenging to negotiate a pay rise compared to last year

of financial services workers say they will work harder (like work longer hours or take on extra responsibility) if they are not given a pay rise in the next 12 months of financial services workers say they will work harder (like work longer hours or take on extra responsibility) if they are not given a pay rise in the next 12 months

Rather than fearing AI, finance professionals in Hong Kong are embracing its potential to optimise their work. They're upskilling in areas like data analysis and AI-powered tools to enhance their capabilities and drive better decision making. Hiring managers should prioritise candidates with a blend of traditional finance skills, AI competency and a growth mindset.

of finance workers say learning and enhancing AI skills related to their role is necessary for their future career success of finance workers say learning and enhancing AI skills related to their role is necessary for their future career success

of finance workers say automation will have a positive impact on their current job and career prospects of finance workers say automation will have a positive impact on their current job and career prospects

In-demand functional areas in financial services

Compliance

Credit risk/credit approval

Actuarial

Fund accounting/operations

Corporate accounting/Financial Planning & Analysis

Corporate and transaction banking

Equity and research

Trade support

In-demand administration jobs in financial services

Office Manager

Executive Assistant

Personal Assistant

In-demand technical skills in financial services

Client-facing skillset and strategic finance experience

Storytelling (senior roles)

Communication and bilingual skills (Mandarin, Korean, Japanese)

First-line risk or compliance experience

How much should I earn or pay?

Top industries hiring for financial services talent

Hedge fund

Private wealth management

Family office

FinTech

Insurance

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers in Hong Kong.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or the Mandatory Provident Fund. We report salaries in three percentiles, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

The non-salary data presented in this Salary Guide is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 300 finance, accounting, financial services, and IT and technology professionals employed by a diverse range of organisations in Hong Kong, including SMEs and large companies.