Newspatrolling.com News cum Content Syndication Portal Online
A recent study exploring upskilling trends among finance professionals conducted by Zell Education has revealed a significant shift in how mid-career individuals are approaching continued learning. The report highlights that a growing majority of finance learners today are working professionals seeking to future-proof their careers in an evolving economic landscape shaped by digital transformation, regulatory changes, and emerging financial technologies.
According to the study by Zell Education, 60% of individuals currently pursuing finance certifications are working professionals, while 40% are fresh graduates. This shift signals a strong motivation among mid-level talent to sharpen their skills, pivot into new roles, or seek career advancement. The most in-demand certifications among this group include ACCA, CFA, and CPA programs that offer global relevance and technical depth. Learners are increasingly prioritizing structured, mentor-led programs over self-paced formats, citing better guidance and outcomes.
The motivations behind this surge in upskilling are multifaceted. Career transition and salary growth emerged as the top two drivers. Professionals are not just looking to climb the corporate ladder within their current roles but are also exploring lateral moves into high-growth sectors. Notably, industries such as banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), fintech, consulting, and startups are witnessing a marked increase in demand for certified finance talent.
The study also found that nearly 45% of professionals who complete a certification experience tangible career benefits—be it a promotion, a role change, or a salary hike within a year of completion. This figure underscores the strong return on investment that continued learning offers, especially in a domain as dynamic as finance.
Despite these positive outcomes, challenges persist. Time constraints and lack of employer support are the most commonly cited hurdles faced by working professionals pursuing certification programs. However, there is encouraging movement on the corporate front, with a growing number of companies beginning to sponsor upskilling initiatives, indicating a broader recognition of the importance of workforce development in finance.
“Today’s finance professionals are not just looking to move up the ladder—they’re looking to pivot into high-growth areas like ESG investing and fintech. This study confirms a shift in mindset from job security to skill-based agility”, said Pratham Barot, CEO & Founder, Zell Education.
The average age of professionals opting for finance certifications lies between 26 and 30, reflecting a critical career phase where individuals are weighing long-term growth against evolving industry demands. Additionally, new areas such as ESG investing and fintech are gaining popularity, pointing to a shift in the competencies professionals now consider essential for the future.
