UBS exige que los nuevos banqueros junior dominen la IA

UBS, a major Swiss bank, is now requiring junior investment banking recruits to demonstrate their proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI) as part of the hiring process, signaling how this technology is reshaping entry-level hiring at some of Europe's largest banks. According to sources familiar with the matter, UBS is mandating that future graduates and interns in global banking and markets divisions entering in 2027 showcase how they can utilize AI to enhance performance and efficiency.

This new stipulation complements more traditional requirements, such as pursuing a degree, making UBS one of the first major financial institutions to explicitly require AI skills for junior bankers. The move underscores how AI skills are becoming essential for both traditional banking roles and technology- and data-related positions, as financial entities increasingly implement these tools for routine tasks that historically were performed by junior employees, ranging from financial analysis and research to preparing client presentations.

A source familiar with UBS's decision stated that explicit AI-related questions will be added to the selection and internship interview selection process to evaluate how candidates have utilized the technology. Spanish bank Santander has also explicitly sought advanced AI users in some advanced programs for its corporate and investment banking.

These new requirements come amid warnings of widespread job losses across the banking sector as advances in new technologies enable credit institutions to automate more tasks. Morgan Stanley analysts recently forecasted that over 200,000 jobs in the European banking sector could be at risk in the next five years as financial entities adopt AI and close more branches.

Some executives have cautioned that banks must ensure junior staff continue to learn the fundamentals as technology takes over routine tasks. Conor Hillery, co-head of JPMorgan Chase for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, emphasized that companies must be very careful to ensure employees do not lose sight of basic and fundamental concepts.