CFA Institute conducted a “Skills and Careers Survey” in November 2021 and recently published a report on their findings. The table below highlights the professionals that believe their job function is likely to substantially change over the next 10 years.

Fintech roles are, not surprisingly, the most likely to be substantially different in the next 5–10 years, given the pace of technological developments, with 63% of professionals in these roles expecting significant change and 9% expecting their role will not exist in the same way in the future. Traders and those in sales are the other roles where a majority expect significant change. Accountants and auditors, chief investment officers, and risk analysts are also above average in terms of anticipating change.

Why are these roles likely to be disrupted?

The most common answer among respondents was the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Half of respondents also cited the incorporation of sustainability considerations into investments and the changing regulatory landscape. Expanded datasets, including those with alternative and unstructured data, are a potentially disruptive factor for nearly half of respondents. Fee pressure, client expectations, and the hybrid working model also rank highly as disruptors as the business and operating models of investment firms change. These factors are likely to affect some roles more than others.

Curated by Michelle Ouyang, research findings from CFA Institute
Date: 5 December 2022

Keen to understand how these industry changes may shape your future career choice? Download the report and discover more about the future of work in investment management.