The survey, which gathered responses from 64 senior professionals across sectors including funds, trust, insurance, banking, wealth management, accountancy, pensions and law, sought to identify the skills that will be needed to support the industry’s future growth.
AI was by far the most prominent theme, featuring in around 80% of responses. However, respondents suggested that its impact would extend well beyond technical knowledge, influencing areas such as digital transformation, regulation, sustainable finance, data literacy, client relationships and decision-making.
The findings also highlighted growing demand for skills linked to digital assets and sustainable finance.
At the same time, industry leaders stressed that human capabilities would remain critical as technology becomes more embedded in the workplace. Leadership, people management, communication, adaptability, resilience and critical thinking were all identified as essential skills for the years ahead.
Giba chair Joanne Peacegood said AI had the potential to transform how finance firms work.
‘AI has the potential to fundamentally change how our industry works, improving productivity and enabling our people to spend more time on the higher-value work where their expertise, judgment and relationships really matter,’ she said.
She said the island’s ongoing AI Sprint initiative was helping organisations build confidence in the practical and responsible use of the technology.
‘If Guernsey can combine the deep expertise and human skills that have always been strengths of our finance sector with the opportunities presented by AI and new technology, we can strengthen our competitiveness and ensure our workforce is equipped for the future.’
GTA chief executive Simon Le Tocq said it was no surprise that AI had emerged as the dominant theme, but he welcomed the emphasis respondents placed on human skills.
‘AI is changing the way we work, but it isn’t replacing the need for human judgment, leadership and adaptability. It makes those skills even more valuable,’ he said.
‘The organisations that succeed won’t simply adopt new technology. They’ll create a culture of continuous upskilling so their people can use it responsibly, creatively and strategically.’
The GTA and Giba said the results indicated that future skills requirements would centre on three interconnected areas: AI and digital capability, technical and regulatory expertise, and leadership and people skills.
The findings will help shape future training and development programmes for finance professionals across the island.
Professionals and businesses interested in developing their teams can find out more about the GTA’s current courses and development opportunities at www.gta.gg.
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