Singapore finance professionals embrace AI skills despite job fears: Report

In its Global Talent Trends 2026 report, which surveyed more than 11,000 finance professionals across 160 countries, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) found that 81% of Singapore respondents are confident in learning and applying AI skills, whilst 51% already use AI tools regularly in their day-to-day work, according to Business review.

Mostly half of Singapore’s finance professionals, or 48%, say they are concerned that artificial intelligence (AI) could affect their jobs, even as most report strong confidence in using the technology, according to the ACCA.

Despite this, trust in AI systems is lower in some areas. Only 41% said they trust AI to support fair and unbiased hiring decisions.

Purpose driven

The report also pointed to strong interest in purpose-driven work. About 70% of respondents in Singapore said a company’s position on social and human rights issues affects where they choose to work.

More than half (54%) said they want roles linked to social impact, whilst 63% are interested in environmental-focused finance roles.

ACCA said these findings reflect a workforce balancing technology adoption with changing expectations around work.

“Singapore’s employers are competing for some of the most skilled finance professionals in the world. But skilled professionals have choices, and increasingly, those choices are being shaped by purpose as much as by pay,” said Maurice Cheong, head, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand & Oceania at ACCA 

Workplace strain

The report also highlighted challenges linked to multigenerational workplaces. More than half (53%) of Singapore respondents said their organisations struggle with collaboration across different age groups, compared with a global average of 42%.

On pay, 46% said they are satisfied with their compensation, whilst 52% plan to ask for a salary increase in the next 12 months.

Work pressure remains an issue, with 52% reporting that their mental health is negatively affected by job demands.

Hybrid model

On work arrangements, 65% of respondents said companies should require a set number of office days each week, whilst 59% said office presence improves promotion prospects. Despite this, hybrid work remains the preferred model.

“The data from Singapore reflects a workforce navigating uncertainty around technology, purpose and career progression,” said Cheong.

The findings highlight how finance professionals in Singapore are balancing AI adoption, workplace expectations and career growth amid changing industry demands.