# Quarter of US financial firms link pay to AI skills, survey shows

> A Selby Jennings survey of 500 firms finds 25% tie bonuses and promotions to AI proficiency, especially at fintechs and smaller firms.

Oossa · 2026-10-14 · https://oossa.com/en/quarter-of-us-financial-firms-link-pay-to-ai-skills-survey-shows

A survey by recruiting firm Selby Jennings of 500 U.S. financial companies says a quarter now tie raises, promotions and bonuses to AI proficiency. The link is strongest at fintech start‑ups and smaller firms, not the big banks. The study also found nearly one‑third of respondents have created new roles or departments to monitor AI use.

## The facts

- 25% of surveyed firms tie compensation to AI skill
- Survey covered 500 financial companies

## Why it matters

Employees in finance may need to boost AI skills to secure raises and bonuses.

## Sources & references

1. [A quarter of financial firms tie pay and promotions to AI proficiency: survey](https://www.semafor.com/article/10/14/2026/a-quarter-of-financial-firms-tie-pay-and-promotions-to-ai-proficiency-survey) – Semafor, 2026-10-14

Last updated: 2026-10-14