2025 Japan financial services Salary Guide

The financial services industry is poised for growth, driven by technological advancements and globalization. However, like many sectors, it faces a significant talent shortage, particularly in attracting skilled young professionals. Many of these individuals are gravitating toward emerging fields like IT, fintech, and cryptocurrency, leading to increased movement between industries.

Within this highly regulated environment, there is a growing demand for experts in compliance management. Additionally, bilingual professionals fluent in both Japanese and English are especially sought after, particularly for roles that require international or cross-regional collaboration. While Japan's financial services sector has been cautious in adopting new technologies, the demand for AI professionals continues to rise.

Job candidates' priorities are shifting. Many now focus more on clear career progression, skill development programs, and opportunities for advancement, rather than just higher salaries. In response, companies are offering competitive compensation packages, including attractive base salaries, performance bonuses, and equity options, to attract top talent.

To secure the best candidates, companies must look beyond financial incentives. Providing robust career development opportunities, tailored benefits, and flexible hiring practices will be essential for attracting and retaining skilled professionals.

View salaries by category

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

Risk

Finance

Operations & Transformation

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Compliance Analyst

6000000

7500000

8000000

Compliance Associate / Manager / AVP

8500000

9500000

11500000

Compliance VP

13000000

15000000

20000000

Compliance SVP / Director

19000000

21000000

25000000

Compliance Managing Director

18000000

24000000

30000000

Credit Risk Analyst

5500000

6500000

7500000

Credit Risk Associate / Manager / AVP

8000000

10500000

13000000

Credit Risk VP

14000000

16000000

18500000

Credit Risk SVP / Director

20000000

22000000

24000000

Credit Risk Managing Director

25000000

28500000

32000000

Market Risk Analyst

5500000

6500000

8000000

Market Risk Associate / Manager / AVP

8500000

11000000

13500000

Market Risk VP

14000000

16000000

18500000

Market Risk SVP / Director

20000000

22000000

24000000

Market Risk Managing Director

25000000

28500000

32000000

Operational Risk Analyst

5500000

6500000

8000000

Operational Risk Associate / Manager / AVP

8000000

10500000

13000000

Operational Risk VP

14000000

15500000

17500000

Operational Risk SVP / Director

18500000

19500000

20500000

Operational Risk Managing Director

22000000

27000000

32000000

25th percentile

The candidate is new to the role and building the needed skills, experience and autonomy.

50th percentile

The candidate has the experience to perform core responsibilities without direct supervision and is comfortable with the role’s processes and subject matter.

75th percentile

The candidate delivers value beyond the stated job duties, has advanced qualifications and experience, and is ready for the next career level.

There is a marked demand for AI expertise in Japan, particularly in the application of GenAI technologies for risk management, portfolio optimization, and enhancing customer experiences with personalized services. However, adoption rates are slow due to stringent regulatory frameworks and concerns regarding the protection of customer personal information.

of financial institutions in Japan are beginning to adopt GenAI, with around 60% either trialing it or considering its use.* of financial institutions in Japan are beginning to adopt GenAI, with around 60% either trialing it or considering its use.*

of Japanese financial institutions are implementing robust management practices for GenAI, focusing on security and data integrity.* of Japanese financial institutions are implementing robust management practices for GenAI, focusing on security and data integrity.*

Japan's financial services sector is undergoing major hiring shifts due to labor market changes and economic recovery. Companies are targeting talent with specialized skills, such as GenAI and GRC expertise, to address growing complexities. While pay rises are expected in 2025, professionals with these in-demand abilities are better positioned to negotiate higher salaries.

of Japanese firms are looking to raise wages, with the majority aiming for increases similar to those of 2024.** of Japanese firms are looking to raise wages, with the majority aiming for increases similar to those of 2024.**

In demand jobs in financial services

Compliance SVP / Director

Internal Audit Associate / Manager / AVP

Tax SVP / Director

Financial Control SVP / Director

In-demand skills and experience in financial services

IFRS / GAAP

AML / KYC

GRC system implementation / automation

Regulatory compliance

How much should I earn or pay?

In-demand certifications and degrees in financial services

Bachelor or Masters Economics / Accounting / Commerce

CA, CPA, CPTA

ACAMS

CIA, CISA

Top industries hiring for financial services specialists

Private equity

Investment management / asset management

Banking / securities

Insurance

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The salary benchmarks listed in Robert Half's Salary Guide 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 across the country.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Company size, industry and the availability of remote work options can influence salaries. Our salaries do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognizing that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on third-party research. All external data sources are explicitly cited throughout.

^*Bank of Japan, Financial System and Bank Examination Department. Use and Risk Management of Generative AI by Japanese Financial Institutions.

^**Nippon.com. More than 80% of Japanese Companies Plan to Raise Wages in 2024.