Banking giant UBS wants all new employees to have AI skills

Swiss investment bank UBS is requiring all junior bankers to demonstrate proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its hiring process. This new requirement, announced by the FT, applies to graduates and interns applying to UBS's 2027 intake. The change marks a shift in how AI is viewed within the company, from a desirable skill to an essential one.

To meet UBS's new standards, recruits must be able to show an understanding of AI and its responsible use to enhance business outcomes. This is beyond simply being familiar with popular AI chatbots like ChatGPT. UBS is adding AI-related questions to its recruitment interviews, alongside existing questions and traditional requirements such as a 2:1 degree.

The bank's decision to prioritize AI skills aims to ensure its workforce is productive and adaptable in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. UBS's initiative includes an AI Fluency Pathway, a training program designed to teach real-world banking AI use cases and responsible AI practices. This indicates the bank's focus on developing workers who can demonstrate proficiency and a willingness to learn rather than expecting full AI expertise upfront.

While the immediate impact on junior workers may seem concerning, UBS sees AI as a productivity booster for human staff rather than a replacement. The bank's approach suggests that roles within the company are evolving, with junior workers potentially taking on more responsibility for AI management. The long-term effects of AI on banking employment, however, remain unpredictable.

A Morgan Stanley report from early 2026 warned that 200,000 banking jobs could be lost in Europe over the next five years, but current indications suggest that the outlook for junior workers is more optimistic.