While these sectors offer growth prospects for early-career professionals, the fintech revolution has also opened up many job opportunities for mid-career professionals.
Mid-career positions and associated salary expectations
Product management and data science are segments of the fintech industry that offer lucrative positions to mid-level professionals. With regulations constantly evolving, there is also a high demand for regulatory technology or regtech professionals, says Abhijit Roy, CEO, GoldenPI. Individuals can expect a salary of Rs 15-25 lakhs per annum.
According to Vijay Kumar Jamwal, head of human resources at Biz2X, key roles for mid-career professionals include data scientists, credit risk analysts, artificial intelligence engineers, product managers, engineering managers and growth marketers. While factors such as experience and location can influence salary, he points out that employers ensure wealth creation opportunities through ESOPs. This allows team members to directly benefit from the company’s growth and success.
According to Neha Juneja, Co-Founder and CEO, IndiaP2P, high-demand roles for mid-career professionals include data scientists, cybersecurity experts, product managers, AI specialists and regtech experts.
On salary expectations, she explains that mid-career professionals can expect a competitive salary based on experience, expertise, company size and market position. It is typically in the range of Rs 10 to 40 lakhs per annum.
Skills to prioritize for a smooth transition to fintech
Apart from knowledge of financial markets and products, Roy says those looking to make the switch to fintech should be familiar with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. Since fintech applications often collaborate with financial institutions for seamless data exchange, an understanding of application programming interfaces (APIs) is also highly valuable. Additionally, problem-solving and analytical skills are essential to solve complex financial challenges. Jamwal stresses the need to develop a mix of technical and soft skills. On the technical side, he says key skills include mastery of data science (covering Excel, SQL and Python), knowledge of cybersecurity and a strong understanding of blockchain technology and AI. Soft skills include expertise in regulatory compliance, deep product understanding, credit fundamentals, effective communication, leadership abilities and adaptability.
Juneja says mid-career professionals should acquire skills in data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and programming languages like Python and Java. When it comes to soft skills, she emphasizes strategic thinking, project management, and a deep understanding of financial regulations and compliance, as well as effective communication, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Advanced courses to follow to succeed in this sector
With RegTech professionals in high demand, Roy says mid-career candidates might want to consider certifications in regulatory compliance and risk management. Certificates in blockchain, cybersecurity, or data analytics can also add significant value to a portfolio. Additionally, he adds that widely known certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), still hold great value.
Additionally, for those looking for a faster entry into the sector, he says boot camps offer intensive learning experiences focused on developing specific fintech skills. The SEBI-certified NISM certificates are also something he highly recommends as they are highly regarded in the finance and fintech sector.
To build a thriving career in the fintech sector, Jamwal says mid-career professionals should focus on improving their skills in several key areas, including data analytics and visualization to derive insights from complex financial data, as well as blockchain and cryptocurrency, as these technologies continue to refine financial services. Additionally, basic knowledge of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and learning about regulatory compliance can be extremely helpful, he adds.
While certifications from renowned institutions and online platforms like Coursera and edX can be valuable, Juneja says that specialized fintech programs and certifications such as Certified Fintech Professional (CFP) or Certified Regtech Professional (CRP) are also widely recognized.
Freelance Opportunities for Mid-Career Professionals
Freelancing is also gaining ground for mid-career positions in the sector, Roy says. Content writing, UI/UX design and freelance consulting are all in-demand fields, he says.
According to Jamwal, freelance opportunities are mostly available in technical roles, especially those that require specialized skills in software development, data analysis and implementing specific marketing tools. There is also a growing demand for freelance trainers who can upskill teams in new technologies and methodologies. Process management is another area where freelance expertise is gaining ground, he says.
Fintech companies often need to streamline operations or implement new systems, so having experienced professionals who can manage these transitions on a project basis is invaluable, he adds.
There is also a high demand for agents who can sell financial products such as insurance, wealth management products and mutual funds. These positions offer a lot of flexibility and allow professionals to work on diverse projects, which leads to tremendous personal and professional growth, Juneja adds.