Deutsche Bank and the Sutton Trust launch research on widening access for young people in banking and finance
Nearly ten years after the Sutton Trust’s launch of Pathways to Banking & Finance in partnership with Deutsche Bank, independent research by the Bridge Group highlights the programme’s long-term impact, as well as the further action required across the sector to ensure opportunity is genuinely accessible.
Drawing on survey responses from Pathways to Banking & Finance alumni and interviews with the programme’s employer partners, the findings indicate that structured, sustained outreach can materially influence young people’s educational and career trajectories. The findings also reinforce an important message for the financial services industry: widening access must be accompanied by clear, supported routes to progression.
What the research found
There is a strong pipeline and interest in the sector: 17% of surveyed alumni are already working in the sector, and 51% still studying with an intent to peruse a finance related career. Find out more about student journeys and career pathways on page 23 of the report.
Work experience is key: structured placements are consistently identified as the most valuable programme component, providing practical insights, credibility and momentum towards early career opportunities.
Enduring confidence and capabilities are built: alumni report sustained improvements in skills such as professional confidence, communication and networking.
Belonging and resilience deepen: participants cite increased maturity and resilience thanks to the programme, alongside the benefits of peer networks, mentoring and ongoing support.
What is still holding talented young people back?
The report also identifies persistent barriers to entry and progression. Pathways to Banking & Finance alumni describe an information gap regarding how the sector operates in practice, from recruitment expectations to unwritten workplace norms, alongside the continued influence of personal connections in securing work experience. Many highlight limited access to relatable role models as well as the challenge of balancing study and paid employment.
Priorities for the sector
The report highlights what organisations in the banking and financial sector can do to help level the playing field and increase access to opportunities for more young people facing barriers to entry:
Replace informal ‘who you know’ routes with structured, paid and openly advertised work experience opportunities.
Link outreach and recruitment more deliberately, creating transparent routes from early engagement to internships and graduate opportunities.
Broaden access beyond London by expanding opportunities, pathways and strengthen support outside the capital
Provide stronger support during the transition from university to early career, when access to guidance and networks is particularly influential.
Prioritise in work progression as well as entry, including sponsorship, inclusive culture and data-led approaches to advancement.
Pathways to Banking & Finance reflects Deutsche Bank’s sustained commitment with the Sutton Trust to widening access to financial services. The Bridge Group’s research provides assurance and direction that progress is achievable, but it requires long-term investment and collaboration across employers, education and the wider sector.
Since 2016, Deutsche Bank's committed partnership with the Sutton Trust has supported nearly 2,000 young people. Each two-year Pathways to Banking & Finance programme cohort supports over 120 students with soft skills development, professional networking and preparation for their next steps towards a successful career in the industry. The programme begins as students enter sixth form or college, combining structured development, university and industry insights, alongside a work experience placement.
This programme sits at the heart of Deutsche Bank UK and Ireland’s Corporate Social Responsibility Education pillar, reflecting our dedication to helping people thrive by removing barriers and equalising access to opportunity. Read more about our global strategy here.
To find out more about our Pathways to Banking & Finance programme and how to get involved visit The Sutton Trust.
Background
The Sutton Trust is a leading UK social mobility charity and a long-standing partner of Deutsche Bank, working to improve access to education and careers for young people from lower-socio economic backgrounds.
The Bridge Group is an independent research charity promoting socio-economic inclusion through evidence, insight and collaboration.
Home
Nearly ten years after the Sutton Trust’s launch of Pathways to Banking & Finance in partnership with Deutsche Bank, independent research by the Bridge Group highlights the programme’s long-term impact, as well as the further action required across the sector to ensure opportunity is genuinely accessible.
Drawing on survey responses from Pathways to Banking & Finance alumni and interviews with the programme’s employer partners, the findings indicate that structured, sustained outreach can materially influence young people’s educational and career trajectories. The findings also reinforce an important message for the financial services industry: widening access must be accompanied by clear, supported routes to progression.
What the research found
What is still holding talented young people back?
The report also identifies persistent barriers to entry and progression. Pathways to Banking & Finance alumni describe an information gap regarding how the sector operates in practice, from recruitment expectations to unwritten workplace norms, alongside the continued influence of personal connections in securing work experience. Many highlight limited access to relatable role models as well as the challenge of balancing study and paid employment.
Priorities for the sector
The report highlights what organisations in the banking and financial sector can do to help level the playing field and increase access to opportunities for more young people facing barriers to entry:
Pathways to Banking & Finance reflects Deutsche Bank’s sustained commitment with the Sutton Trust to widening access to financial services. The Bridge Group’s research provides assurance and direction that progress is achievable, but it requires long-term investment and collaboration across employers, education and the wider sector.
To understand its findings in full, read Pathways to Progress: Widening Access to Banking and Finance and consider how collective action can continue to expand routes into banking and finance.
A partnership built on shared purpose
Since 2016, Deutsche Bank's committed partnership with the Sutton Trust has supported nearly 2,000 young people. Each two-year Pathways to Banking & Finance programme cohort supports over 120 students with soft skills development, professional networking and preparation for their next steps towards a successful career in the industry. The programme begins as students enter sixth form or college, combining structured development, university and industry insights, alongside a work experience placement.
This programme sits at the heart of Deutsche Bank UK and Ireland’s Corporate Social Responsibility Education pillar, reflecting our dedication to helping people thrive by removing barriers and equalising access to opportunity. Read more about our global strategy here.
To find out more about our Pathways to Banking & Finance programme and how to get involved visit The Sutton Trust.
Background
The Sutton Trust is a leading UK social mobility charity and a long-standing partner of Deutsche Bank, working to improve access to education and careers for young people from lower-socio economic backgrounds.
The Bridge Group is an independent research charity promoting socio-economic inclusion through evidence, insight and collaboration.
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