New research urges UK financial sector to expand structured pathways and inclusive recruitment opportunities for young people

New research urges UK financial sector to expand structured pathways and inclusive recruitment opportunities for young people

(IN BRIEF) Deutsche Bank and the Sutton Trust have published new research showing that long-term outreach and structured work experience programmes can significantly improve access to careers in banking and finance for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Conducted by The Bridge Group, the study found that many alumni of the Pathways to Banking & Finance programme have either entered the sector or plan to pursue finance-related careers. However, the report also identified continuing barriers including limited professional networks, lack of role models and unequal access to work experience. The organisations are calling for broader sector reforms to create more transparent, inclusive and regionally accessible career pathways in financial services.

(PRESS RELEASE) AUSTRALIA, 18-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Deutsche Bank and the Sutton Trust have released new independent research examining how long-term outreach and work experience initiatives can improve access to careers in banking and finance for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The research, conducted by The Bridge Group, evaluates the long-term impact of the Pathways to Banking & Finance programme, which was launched in 2016 through a partnership between Deutsche Bank and the Sutton Trust. The findings suggest that structured and sustained engagement can significantly influence students’ educational and career pathways while also highlighting persistent barriers that continue to limit social mobility within the financial services sector.

To understand its findings in full, read Pathways to Progress: Widening Access to Banking and Finance and consider how collective action can continue to expand routes into banking and finance.

According to the report, 17% of surveyed programme alumni are already employed within banking or finance, while 51% of those still in education intend to pursue careers related to the sector. The study found that structured work experience placements were consistently viewed as the most valuable component of the programme, helping participants gain practical insight, professional credibility and access to early career opportunities. Find out more about student journeys and career pathways on page 23 of the report.

Participants also reported long-term improvements in professional confidence, communication skills and networking abilities. Many alumni said the programme contributed to stronger resilience, maturity and a greater sense of belonging through peer support networks, mentoring and ongoing guidance.

Despite these positive outcomes, the report identified several ongoing challenges facing young people seeking to enter the banking and finance industry. Alumni highlighted limited understanding of how the sector operates in practice, including recruitment expectations and workplace culture, as well as the continuing importance of personal networks and informal connections in securing work experience opportunities.

The research also pointed to difficulties accessing relatable role models and balancing academic responsibilities with part-time employment. These barriers, the report suggests, continue to disproportionately affect students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

To address these issues, the report outlines a number of recommendations for the financial services sector. These include replacing informal recruitment channels with structured, paid and openly advertised work experience opportunities; creating clearer links between outreach programmes, internships and graduate recruitment pathways; and expanding opportunities beyond London to improve regional access.

Additional recommendations include strengthening support during the transition from university into employment and placing greater focus on long-term career progression through inclusive workplace cultures, sponsorship initiatives and data-driven approaches to advancement.

Since its launch, the Pathways to Banking & Finance programme has supported nearly 2,000 young people through two-year development programmes that combine soft skills training, professional networking, industry insight and work experience placements. The initiative begins when students enter sixth form or college and forms part of Deutsche Bank’s corporate social responsibility education strategy in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Read more about our global strategy here.

Background 

The Sutton Trust is a leading UK social mobility charity and a long-standing partner of Deutsche Bank, working to improve access to education and careers for young people from lower-socio economic backgrounds.

The Bridge Group is an independent research charity promoting socio-economic inclusion through evidence, insight and collaboration.

For further information, please contact:

Email: db.media@db.com
Media Relations hotline (24/7): +49 69 910-37777

SOURCE: Deutsche Bank AG