AI fluency outranks technical degrees for quant entry in London survey

AI fluency outranked technical degrees as a stated entry requirement for quant investing in a Bloomberg survey of London financial services professionals, with 48% citing AI fluency and 39% citing a degree in maths, physics, engineering or computer science, according to findings reported by FinTech Global.

The response from people with final hiring authority was sharper: 54% said they had hired someone into a quantitative or analytical role without a traditional finance or quant background because the candidate was strong with AI and coding tools, while 94% said they would make such a hire.

Stack Data Strategy polled 500 London-based financial services professionals on Bloomberg’s behalf between August 22 and September 21, 2026. Bloomberg’s published methodology limited the sample to full-time employees at firms with at least 50 employees, working in front-office, middle-office or senior management and executive leadership roles.

Respondents were divided over how far AI opens the field. While 51% said it was widening the range of backgrounds that could enter, only 18% said no specialist background was needed. A strong numerical or analytical grounding remained essential for 32%.

Deep technical skills and a specific academic background were still required, according to 36% of respondents; 13% said entry had become harder because candidates now needed AI expertise on top of technical skills.