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UK internal audit vacancies have increased by 18% in 2025, driven by bank investment in governance and risk functions, though hiring momentum slowed in early 2026, according to data from Morgan McKinley and Vacancysoft.
London accounted for 57% of all UK vacancies following a 29% increase in activity within the capital.
While internal audit outperformed other banking accounting disciplines in 2025, recruitment activity in January and February 2026 fell 40% year-on-year, dropping from 90 to 54 roles.
This suggests a period of consolidation following the previous year’s growth in oversight and assurance functions.
Additionally, the regional landscape showed a marked divergence in recruitment activity. Northern Ireland, Yorkshire, and the North West, with vacancies rising 120%, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (up 69%) and the North West (up 57%).
Scotland also performed strongly, with a 45% increase. Southern regions told a very different story.
Vacancies fell 54% in the South, 55% in the South East, and 73% in the East of England pointing to a significant geographic imbalance in where financial services firms are choosing to build out their audit functions.
Large international banks led the 2025 recruitment drive, with several firms doubling or tripling their audit intake.
Barclays recorded the most significant increase, with vacancies rising from 10 roles in 2024 to 42 in 2025, a 320% increase. JP Morgan Chase and Co expanded hiring by 68%, while Citi doubled its vacancies.
HSBC and Morgan Stanley also reported substantial growth, each tripling their internal audit hiring. Not all firms followed this trend, however.
Evelyn Partners saw vacancies decline by 82%, while Northern Trust, Bank of America, and Nationwide also recorded notable reductions. Early 2026 activity remains subdued, although Shawbrook Bank currently leads hiring with seven active vacancies.
Leo Bellometti, principal consultant at Morgan McKinley UK, said: “The rebound in internal audit hiring reflects a shift in priorities, with banks investing in governance, risk, and control functions. While activity has softened at the start of 2026, demand remains in London and in areas such as technology audit. This suggests the current slowdown is a pause.”
