Finance Internships in London: Your Gateway to a Global Career

London stands as a global hub for finance, offering unparalleled opportunities for aspiring professionals. An international finance internship in London places young professionals in the heart of this major economic center, which is home to one of the largest stock exchanges in the world. The London Stock Exchange is of course in excellent company, with multinational institutions like HSBC and the Bank of England calling London home. Finance internships in London provide invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and a competitive edge in the job market. This article delves into the requirements, application process, and benefits of securing a finance internship in London.

The Allure of London for Finance Interns

London's prominence in the financial world makes it an ideal location for internships. The city is a melting pot of financial institutions, from investment banks to asset management firms, offering a diverse range of experiences.

For competitive candidates, the opportunities in London’s financial industry are endless. Every organization needs financial advice on budgeting, especially when growth and expansion become consistent. An essential practice companies use to examine how project outcomes and objectives may change due to the impact of risk events. Detailed and accurate financial forecasts allow companies and nonprofits to make logical decisions about spending, recruitment, and competition. Tax policies differ throughout the world, however, the basic practices remain the same. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct tax research, prepare tax filings and returns, as well as potentially take part in strategizing and planning. The global financial sector is fast-paced and incredibly competitive. Many of today’s roles in finance require dedication, determination, and consistent learning in an ever-evolving financial landscape. With recessions always posing a threat to the global economy, financial professionals are always in demand, as they possess the expertise needed to mitigate risks, put in plan contingencies, and maintain a financial institution, firm, or company’s financial status. Internships in finance in London present a great opportunity to experience both professional and personal growth. Build your network and knowledge base through access to top global professionals. All of our interns are placed with top-tier organizations, which will provide you with the perfect start to your career.

Imagine spending eight weeks working and living in London! The largest city in Europe and the seat of business and finance, London has it all-theaters, restaurants, museums, parks, nightlife, diversity, history, and culture.

Landing an Internship: Application Strategies and Requirements

Securing a finance internship in London requires a strategic approach. Many firms have streamlined the application process to make it accessible and inclusive.

Online Application and CV

Many companies make it very easy to apply, just submit an online application and upload your CV/resume. Since they don’t ask for cover letters in most regions, let your CV do all the talking to reflect who you are. They want to hear about your hobbies, your interests, academic achievements, work experience and what you’ve learned from these experiences. Be sure to check out their ten step interactive roadmap to recruitment readiness.

Assessments and Interviews

The recruitment process often involves a series of assessments and interviews to evaluate a candidate's skills and cultural fit.

Online Assessments

Companies often use online assessments to evaluate candidates. We have four types of online assessments: Verbal reasoning, Numerical reasoning, Inductive-logical reasoning, and UBS Culture Match. The assessments you’re assigned will be dependent on the business area you’re applying to. Please note, you won’t be able to complete the assessments after the deadline. You’ll be looking at logical rules in patterns and then applying them to different sets of patterns.

Culture Match Assessments

Our UBS Culture Match Realistic, hypothetical work scenarios where you need to pick the most effective course of action, in line with our UBS principles and behaviors. about culture

Video Interviews

After passing our online assessments (and if you’re a good fit), you might receive a link to record your video interview. This is where you can make a great first impression. Dress smartly, keep good eye contact with the camera and be concise. Worried employers are using AI to review submissions? Rest assured; our people are the ones making decisions around here. Check out some tips for a great video interview here.

Final Round Interviews

Almost there! The last stage of the process is our final round virtual or in-person interviews. Be sure to research the company and the business area you’re applying to. Go beyond the facts and figures. Also, don’t be afraid to ask us questions during the interview. Let’s get a conversation going. When you speak about your experiences, give us examples and tell us a story. The outcomes, opportunities and what you might have done differently.

Academic and Technical Skills

A strong academic record and relevant technical skills are crucial for success in finance internships.

Strong academic record with Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, ideally in Finance, Economics, Accountancy, Financial Analysis, Valuation or Corporate Strategy OR this internship can be a part of your course, Previous internship experience in Corporate Finance or M&A. Any experience in related fields such as private equity, audit or transaction services would also be useful, High level of technical skills in Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint, Strong modelling and quantitative skills, Fluency in English, any other European language would be considered as a plus.

Personal Attributes and Conduct

Employers also look for candidates who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, ethical conduct, and a commitment to teamwork.

Excellent presentation, communication and written skills, Good at building relationships, Analytical thinking and strong attention to detail, Ability to work within a team and autonomously. Be a role model, supporting and fostering a culture of good conduct. Demonstrate proactivity, transparency, and accountability for identifying and managing conduct risks. Consider the implications of your actions on colleagues. And of course, we expect all our colleagues to embody and practice the Group values (alignment with the Bank’s strategy, commitment, work ethic, integrity and Code of Conduct).

Internship Programs: A Closer Look

Several institutions offer structured internship programs in London, providing students with a comprehensive introduction to the world of finance.

Barclays

Barclays offers internships that are the perfect introduction to the world of financial services. Wherever you join us, you’ll discover a platform to help you absorb the essential skills and knowledge you’ll need to progress on your journey at Barclays. You’ll receive genuine support and encouragement, with both senior and junior mentors to guide you; and you’ll have the opportunity to take part in networking and social events.

Summer Internship Programme Overview

Join us as a summer intern and discover the world of finance and technology. Dive into our culture, engaging in real projects that offer a comprehensive business overview. Select your desired business area for an in-depth introduction, taking on immediate responsibility guided by a mentor and line manager. Forge connections, explore new horizons, and unlock growth opportunities in this 10 week journey. Join us during the summer of your penultimate or final year of university to build skills, expand knowledge, and embark on an impactful path towards a promising career.

As a bank, it’s hardly surprising that numbers matter to us. But it’s not just about the figures themselves - it’s how we use them that makes our Finance teams so crucial. The better we understand the data, the better our decisions and performance will be. Our Finance teams, consisting over 4,000 colleagues worldwide, are at the forefront of gathering, managing, and interpreting vital data. Finance, including Treasury, oversees financial control, reporting and forecasting, as well as product control. We closely monitor budgets and provide the business with accurate, high-quality financial and management information. By investing in advanced technology and tools, we transform data and models to drive significant business improvements. We also support and challenge the business through enhanced insights, analytics, and resources, and help investors see the full picture of our performance. As part of this truly global team, you'll not only gain expertise in interpreting figures but also understand the role of a critical business manager, helping shape strategy and ensuring our operations remain on course.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must be in your penultimate or final year of university. You'll also have a genuine passion for Finance and an enthusiastic mindset will empower you to thrive and make an impact. Applicants for this position will need the legal right to work in the UK on a full time basis from June 2026 to August 2026. This is not a role which we can offer sponsorship for at this time. If you secure a place on our Internship Programme, and this subsequently leads to you receiving an offer for our Graduate Programme, the 2027 Graduate Programme is not one which we can offer sponsorship for at this time. Accordingly, to participate in the Graduate Programme, you would require having the legal right to work full time for the duration of that Programme (i.e. August 2027 to August 2029).

If you love the buzz of city life, our global HQ is the place to be. Our London hub is in Canary Wharf, at the heart of London’s financial district. Here, you won’t just be perfectly placed to explore the nation’s capital; you’ll be in a place where you can explore all the many functions and opportunities of a global financial giant. It is the policy of Barclays to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.

Investment Banking Summer Intern Programme

As a Banking intern, you will be working with our Coverage and Mergers and Acquisition teams. Here, you’ll come up with the answers to our clients’ most strategic questions. Advising a broad range of corporate clients, you’ll deliver holistic, structured solutions that help our clients deliver on their goals; whether that’s through mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, structured solutions or risk management.

As a Summer Analyst, you’ll spend the summer learning the art and science behind executing a transaction. As a member of one of our industry, product or geographic groups, you’ll work on live deals and deal proposals. You may also work on projects that include: •Financial analysis and modelling•Valuation• Industry research• Client due diligence• Developing written materials, including offering memoranda and new business presentations.

Barclays is one of the world’s top-tier investment banks. We are one of the only non-US, full-service rivals to the biggest US investment banks. And being headquartered in Europe gives us a unique advantage. We think and act differently. From Hong Kong to Houston, and Tel Aviv to Tokyo, everyone at Barclays enjoys a real sense of purpose, because they work for a business that fosters innovation, champions sustainability, and deploys finance responsibly for the common good and the long term. We provide comprehensive financial advisory, capital raising, financing and risk management services to corporations, governments and financial institutions worldwide. We take an integrated approach to client coverage, providing access to bankers who have industry and geography specific expertise across all investment banking products.

To be considered for this programme, you must be in your penultimate or final year of your degree - in any discipline. Ideally you'll have a keen interest in business and finance and an a curiosity to learn. We value resourcefulness, teamwork, enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial spirit, all of which might be showcased through your involvement in extracurricular activities. The location for this role is indicated in the job title, and you will be based at that location. If you are accepted into our graduate programme, your base location will be the same as it was during your internship. Barclays will accept applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.

BNP Paribas

PLEASE NOTE You may only apply to four Long Term Internships over the course of a year. These may be across any business area. Successful candidates for this long term internship will be considered for London ONLY. Please discuss the available start dates with your interviewers. Unsuccessful candidates’ CVs will be shared with other teams within BNP Paribas and considered for potentially suitable roles. In this way we hope to maximise opportunities for candidates and hiring teams. By submitting your CV for this role you agree to it being shared securely with other hiring teams within BNP Paribas for the relevant recruitment round. Location: London Duration: 6 months

Why Join BNP Paribas?

A bit more about why you should join us:

We’re a great place to work
We aim for optimal work/life balance (depending on role, this includes hybrid working, flexible working and agile) We are proud of our award-winning flexible benefits and health & wellbeing strategy. Our flexible benefits include: Generous holiday allowance of at least 26 days (plus bank holidays) - with option to buy and sell holidays. Valuable financial plans - a 12% non-contributory pension which has been moved to sustainable investments, life assurance, income protection and personal accident insurance. Extensive wellbeing and mental health offering - one of the most advanced private medical schemes in the UK, dental cover, wellbeing app, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy support, subsidised gym memberships, bespoke health assessments including genetic testing, Private GP (including digital GP services to parents of employees), Employee Assistance Programme, menopause & fertility support (we are an accredited Menopause Friendly Employer), neurodiversity assessment and support. Key onsite services and facilities in London - include physiotherapy, nutrition, massage therapy, physiology, mental health first aiders, seasonal flu vaccinations and free onsite fitness centre. Plus, emergency back-up care for dependants, green car leasing, season ticket loan, and a range of other benefits.* Subject to relevant caps
As the eurozone’s largest bank, we are committed to having a positive impact in the world. For example, we are committed to Net Zero in all of our financing and investment portfolios by 2050. By 2030, 80% of our energy production financing will be low carbon.
But impact for us means more than climate. It means empowering our people every day. Everyone gets four volunteering days each year - in 2023, we achieved over 18,000 hours of volunteering across the UK and reaching over 4,500 young people.
We believe in our people
We support our people to develop skills to adapt to the ever-evolving world of work and to prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow. We do this through a comprehensive training offering, talent programmes, mentoring, career days and inhouse career tools. We are proud of the number of our people who progress and secure new roles internally. In fact, in 2023, nearly half of our positions in UK CIB were filled internally. Investing in our people also means we have a collaborative and inclusive culture: Direct feedback from our people shows that our internal culture sets us apart from our industry peers. Each year, nearly 30,000 employees globally are involved in professional networks that play an active role in promoting Diversity and Inclusion within the Group.

UBS

Everyone is welcome at UBS. And we’re committed to disability inclusion and making sure our application process is accessible for everyone. If you need reasonable accommodation/adjustments throughout our recruitment process, you can always contact us.

Corporate Finance Internship at UBS

Business Area Sitting within the Financial Institutions Coverage (FIC) group, our FIC Corporate Finance department offers advisory services for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), primary equity capital markets (ECM) transactions and balance sheet restructuring. Job Purpose This role sits in the Corporate Finance area of FIC, covering Banks, Insurance, Fintechs and Diversified Financials; where we help these institutions in delivering their M&A, Corporate Finance, Strategic Advisory and Public Market requirements with a focussed international approach

Key Responsibilities

Working as an intern, your role will include: Financial analysis and valuation by developing quantitative models, Preparing presentations and information in the origination and execution framework for transactions, Actively participating in the transaction process, Exposure to a wide range of clients and projects, Assisting in conducting industry research and analysis, Preparing pitch books, presentations and memorandums, Coordinating with professional parties and/or the Stock Exchange on working progress controlling, Performing due diligence, reviewing and analysing results of due diligence exercises, Monitoring the progress of the listing / transaction process.

What to Expect During Your Internship

Internships provide hands-on experience and exposure to various aspects of the financial industry.

While your responsibilities will vary based on the role, you’ll help generate meaningful analysis and reporting, coordinate and collaborate with partners across the firm on strategic initiatives, generate budgets and forecasts, and contribute to important projects across businesses. We are looking for highly motivated individuals with a passion for producing financial analyses to help drive strategic business decisions and the adaptability to work on many different types of projects. You should have a basic understanding of financial statements, accounting procedures, internal and external reporting, and variance analysis. We’re looking for those with well-rounded academic backgrounds and a strong interest in financial management and data and analytics. The program begins with a one-day orientation.

The Broader Impact of Finance Internships

Finance internships offer more than just professional experience; they contribute to personal growth and open doors to future opportunities.

Skill Development and Knowledge Acquisition

These internships provide a platform to absorb the essential skills and knowledge you’ll need to progress on your journey. You’ll receive genuine support and encouragement, with both senior and junior mentors to guide you; and you’ll have the opportunity to take part in networking and social events.

Career Advancement

Successful candidates for these long term internship will be considered for London ONLY.

Personal Growth

Internships in finance in London present a great opportunity to experience both professional and personal growth. Build your network and knowledge base through access to top global professionals. Our internships are the perfect introduction to the world of financial services.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

The path to securing and succeeding in a finance internship in London can be challenging, but with preparation and a proactive approach, interns can make the most of this experience.

Visa Requirements

Barclays will accept applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK. Barclays is required by law to confirm that you have the Legal Right to Work in any role that you apply for. If you currently hold a work visa sponsored by Barclays, or you would require sponsorship from Barclays, you must declare this as part of your application. Sponsored visas are role and entity specific and any changes must be reviewed. It is important that you ensure you are working on the correct visa at all times.

Diversity and Inclusion

Barclays offers a diverse, inclusive and engaged culture. We are an equal opportunity employer and opposed to discrimination on any grounds.

Making an Impact

There's really a lot of impactful work you can do day to day.

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