Financial Institutions & Advisory Graduate Programme 2027

Who are we?

Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Specialty Financial Institutions & Advisory Graduate Programme

Please read before submitting: You may only apply to one graduate programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in them not being considered.

Location: London

Start date: September 2027

Salary: £40,000

Working structure: Hybrid

Financial Institutions & Advisory Graduate Programme

Build Expertise at the Intersection of Banking, Insurance and Capital Markets

Looking for a graduate role where you'll combine analytical thinking, problem-solving and commercial insight? Join Howden's Financial Institutions & Advisory (FI&A) team and work on complex, bespoke transactions that help some of the world's leading financial institutions optimise their balance sheets and manage risk.

From day one, you'll gain exposure to real client projects spanning banking, insurance and capital markets. You'll work alongside experienced specialists, building your understanding of financial modelling, transaction structuring, risk transfer solutions and client advisory services.

This is a permanent role supported by a structured development programme, designed to accelerate your technical expertise, professional confidence and long-term career growth.

What you’ll be doing?

You'll begin with a structured induction before joining the Financial Institutions & Advisory team, where you'll work alongside experienced specialists on live client transactions from day one.

During the programme, you'll:

• Support the delivery of complex balance sheet and capital optimisation transactions for banks and financial institutions.

• Build and analyse financial models, helping to evaluate bespoke insurance, capital markets and risk transfer solutions.

• Collaborate with colleagues across Financial Institutions & Advisory, Credit Risk and Contingent Risk, gaining exposure to a wide range of asset classes and transaction structures.

• Contribute to client presentations, transaction documentation and market analysis, developing the technical, commercial and advisory skills needed to support senior stakeholders and clients.

Who are we looking for?

No insurance experience is needed; we’ll teach you everything you need to know!

You'll be:

• In your final year of university or a recent graduate from any degree discipline, on track for or having achieved a 2:2 or above.

• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with an interest in financial markets, banking, mathematics, economics or problem solving.

• Curious, ambitious and eager to learn, with the confidence to ask questions and tackle complex challenges.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with colleagues and clients.

• Comfortable working with data and technology. Experience with Excel, Python or coding is advantageous but not essential.

• Organised, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative, high-performing team.

To be eligible for our programme, you must have the full and unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Application process

Our application process is designed to help you show your potential, not to test what you already know!

• Online application form – no CV required: We believe you're more than just a document, so we won’t ask you to submit a CV. Please upload a blank document on the application form.

• Online gamified assessment: We’ve created games that will help us understand your natural strengths and how you approach different situations. There are no right or wrong answers. You can complete this stage on your phone or laptop, whichever suits you best!

• Pre-recorded video interview: You will record your answers to a few questions using your phone or laptop, giving you the chance to tell us more about yourself in your own time in a relaxed setting.

• Assessment centre: Our final stage is an in-person assessment centre at one of our offices. You'll take part in some fun group activities and meet our team in a relaxed setting. This day is all about getting to know you better and for you to see what it's like to be part of Howden and experience our culture. We'll cover all your travel costs for this day, because where you are now, shouldn’t hold back your future!

Why should you apply?

At Howden, people are at the heart of everything we do. As an employee-owned business, we believe success is built through collaboration, learning and supporting one another. You'll join a permanent role from day one and take part in our structured 18-month development programme, designed to accelerate your technical, commercial and professional growth.

You'll also benefit from:

• £40,000 salary and a generous pension scheme.

• Opportunity to complete fully funded professional qualifications, including pathways such as the CFA, ACA or other role-relevant certifications.

• Structured learning and development through our 18-month graduate development programme.

• 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and an additional day off at Christmas.

• Access to discounted personal health policies, wellbeing support and a range of employee benefits and insurance products.

• 2 days allocated to take part in volunteering schemes.

Ready to apply?

Follow our TikTok pages: @earlycareersjo and @millieinsurancecareers, and explore our Connectr hub to discover more about Howden, our culture, and the insurance industry. You'll find resources to help you prepare for our recruitment process and understand which career path could be the best fit for you.

Please read before submitting: You may only apply to one graduate programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in additional applications not being considered.

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new
• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges
• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.

Permanent