There’s a common assumption that jobs in financial services are only for people with finance degrees. That you need a specific background, a set career path and a strong focus on numbers to even get started.
At L&G, that’s not how it works.
The work we do - supporting people’s homes, retirements and financial wellbeing - depends on far more than financial expertise alone. It takes people who can explain things clearly, make good decisions when it matters and see the world from a customer’s point of view.
So if you’ve ever ruled yourself out of financial services careers in the UK because your experience doesn’t “fit”, it might be time to take another look.
Can you work in financial services without a finance background?
Yes, you can build a successful career in financial services without a finance degree or previous experience in the industry.
Across L&G, colleagues have joined from retail, hospitality, education, technology, the arts and public services. What they bring with them often matters more than the industry they’ve come from.
We see it time and again: people who succeed here tend to be curious, thoughtful and good with people. They’re comfortable learning on the job and asking questions early. They spot problems, explain options clearly and follow things through.
Those skills aren’t taught on finance courses alone. They’re built through experience.
Financial services roles that sit outside “traditional finance”
A large part of L&G’s work happens well beyond stereotypical finance jobs. It’s practical, people-facing and close to real-world outcomes.
Here are a few examples of what that actually looks like in practice:
This isn’t just “working in IT.” These teams shape how customers interact with their money and their futures.
- A software engineer might improve the online pension journey so customers can see their savings and projected income more clearly
- A data analyst could spot patterns that show where customers regularly get stuck - and help teams simplify the process
- Cybersecurity specialists protect pensions, payments and personal data that millions of people rely on
The focus isn’t financial theory. It’s problem‑solving, clear thinking and building systems people can actually use.
Customer service and operations
This is where financial services becomes human.
These roles support people at moments that genuinely matter - from retirement decisions to bereavement claims.
- Customer support teams help people understand their pensions or life insurance, often during important or emotional life moments
- Case handlers might guide someone through a bereavement claim or retirement decision
- Operations teams ensure requests, payments, and policy changes happen smoothly behind the scenes
It’s less about working with spreadsheets, more about clarity, empathy and responsibility.
Take George as an example. He joined L&G after working in acting and hospitality, and found his strengths in people skills and problem‑solving translated naturally into a Claims Assessor role.
These teams keep the business operating responsibly and sustainably.
- Legal teams help shape fair, well-governed decisions
- Risk and compliance teams work to protect customers by making sure standards are met
- Strategy and transformation teams look at what needs to improve, change or scale over time
These roles don’t always sit in the spotlight, but they are essential to how L&G operates day to day, and they’re a major part of jobs in financial services that don’t require a traditional finance background.
What transferable skills are useful for financial services careers?
If you’re coming from another industry, you’re probably closer than you think.
Some of the most valuable transferable skills for finance jobs include:
- Communication - explaining complex information in a clear way
- Adaptability - being open to change and learning as you go
- Analytical thinking - solving problems and making informed decisions
- Customer focus - understanding what people need and how to support them
These skills show up in all kinds of roles across financial services careers UK, not just in traditional finance positions.
And often, it’s this mix of experiences and perspectives that leads to better outcomes. Different backgrounds bring fresh thinking, and that’s something L&G actively values.
What skills do you need for financial services jobs?
Strong communication, problem-solving, adaptability and customer focus are key, many of which are built outside of finance.
Your background is part of your strength at L&G
There’s no single route into jobs in financial services.
At L&G, varied backgrounds aren’t a barrier. They’re a strength. They lead to better conversations, stronger decisions and more inclusive ways of working.
So if you’ve held back because your experience doesn’t look “financial enough”, it may be worth another look.
The skills you’ve built might be exactly what’s needed.
Explore opportunities at L&G and see where your skills could take you.
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