How to write a Financial Services CV
After more than 25 years supporting professionals across banking, investment management, insurance, and fintech, I can confidently say this: a strong Financial Services CV is not about listing responsibilities. It is about clearly communicating value, credibility, and commercial impact. When written well, your CV becomes a powerful marketing document that speaks the language of the financial sector and reassures employers that you can be trusted with responsibility, risk, and results.
Understanding what recruiters in financial services really want
Financial Services recruiters work at speed and with precision. They want to see evidence of regulated environments, commercial awareness, strong analytical skills, and a proven ability to deliver under pressure. Your CV must therefore be structured, factual, and achievement-led, while still remaining concise and easy to scan. This is especially important in the UK financial services market, where competition is intense and expectations are high.
A well-written Financial Services CV should immediately communicate your professional identity. Whether you are a financial analyst, relationship manager, compliance officer, investment banker, or finance director, your positioning must be clear from the opening lines. Ambiguity is the enemy of progress in CV writing.
Start with a compelling professional profile
Your opening profile is prime real estate. This short section should summarise who you are, what level you operate at, and the value you bring. Think of it as your personal investment case. Use keywords such as financial services professional, risk management, regulatory compliance, financial analysis, stakeholder management, and commercial strategy where relevant, as these help with both recruiter engagement and ATS optimisation.
Avoid generic statements. Instead, highlight your years of experience, sector specialisms, and standout strengths. Confidence is essential here, and it should be grounded in fact rather than hype.
Focus on achievements, not duties
One of the most common mistakes I see on Financial Services CVs is an over-reliance on job descriptions. Recruiters already know what a finance manager or investment analyst does. What they want to know is how well you did it.
Each role should include measurable achievements. This could include revenue growth, cost reduction, risk mitigation, portfolio performance, audit outcomes, regulatory approvals, or process improvements. Numbers are incredibly persuasive in financial services CV writing because they demonstrate accountability and results.
Where possible, show progression and increasing responsibility. This signals trust, competence, and long-term value, all of which are highly prized in the financial sector.
Demonstrate regulatory and technical credibility
Financial services is a regulated industry, and your CV must reflect that awareness. Clearly reference relevant frameworks, regulations, and standards you have worked with, such as FCA requirements, AML, KYC, IFRS, Solvency II, or Basel frameworks, depending on your role. This reassures employers that you understand compliance and governance, not just commercial performance.
Equally important is showcasing your technical skills. This might include financial modelling, forecasting, data analysis, risk assessment, systems expertise, or specialist software. Be specific and relevant, as this strengthens both credibility and keyword performance.
Structure, clarity, and professionalism
A Financial Services CV should be clean, structured, and professional in tone. Use clear headings, consistent formatting, and logical progression. Two pages is ideal for most professionals, even at senior level. Clarity signals competence, and in finance, competence builds trust.
Education and professional qualifications should be clearly presented, particularly if you hold certifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CFA, or equivalent. These carry significant weight and should never be buried.
Optimising your CV for today’s hiring market
Modern Financial Services CVs must work for both human readers and applicant tracking systems. This means incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the CV while maintaining a smooth, engaging narrative. When done correctly, this improves visibility without compromising authenticity.
Finally, ensure your CV aligns with your LinkedIn profile. Consistency across platforms strengthens your personal brand and reassures hiring managers that you are credible and well-prepared.
A final word of encouragement and next steps
Writing a strong Financial Services CV is an investment in your future. When it clearly communicates your value, it opens doors, builds confidence, and positions you for the roles you truly deserve. I have seen first-hand how the right CV can transform careers, even in the most competitive financial markets.
If you would like expert support, I warmly invite you to book an appointment to have your CV and LinkedIn profile professionally reviewed and improved. You can work directly with me, Jerry Frempong, or one of CVLondon’s highly experienced financial services CV writers. Together, we will ensure your CV reflects your true worth and attracts the opportunities you are aiming for.
Financial Services CV Sample
Book your appointment here and take the next confident step in your financial services career:
https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
