Banks are "thirsty" for human resources that understand digital technology

Banking services are mostly performed automatically, requiring the banking industry to restructure and build smart business processes. It is especially important to have a team that is both knowledgeable about the business and proficient in information technology... The lack of human resources in this field is a problem that needs to be solved soon.

Be both professionally proficient and digitally proficient

Vietcombank staff guide customers through transactions. Photo: Quang Thai

According to experts, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain and cloud computing are creating strong shifts in banking operations.

In particular, AI and big data help banks better understand customer behavior, make accurate forecasts and design products suitable for each individual; blockchain changes the structure of data management, security and transactions, minimizing risks and operating costs; automation (RPA) is replacing a series of traditional positions such as tellers, internal controls, credit appraisal...

As a result, the human resource structure in banks is being reshaped, with some old positions gradually disappearing, replaced by a high demand for data experts, financial technology engineers, digital risk management specialists, and user experience experts.

On the other hand, the smart digital ecosystem in the banking industry is not only the application of technology in the operating process, but also a comprehensive integration model between banking and fields such as: Healthcare, education , transportation, trade, public services. Therefore, the banking industry is "thirsty" for human resources who are both proficient in banking operations and knowledgeable about information technology.

In fact, in recent times, a number of banks have cut staff, showing that banks are restructuring their human resources to suit new business models in the digital transformation period.

Sharing about this issue, a representative of Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank ( VPBank ) said that if in the past recruitment positions focused on industry experience, now, in addition to expertise, the ability to use digital technology is a mandatory requirement.

In the past 5 years, VPBank has made a drastic change in the way it uses and develops technology-capable personnel. Instead of needing 10 people, now, 1 person who masters the tools can handle a larger workload.

Representative of An Binh Commercial Joint Stock Bank (AB Bank), Mr. Pham Ha Duy said that recently the unit needed new positions such as customer experience, digital business, digital marketing... This requires employees with technology skills, only needing 5 people to work instead of 10 people before.

According to banking and finance expert Nguyen Tri Hieu, specialized training schools, such as the Banking Academy, should increase training in AI technology and big data in addition to banking operations. Only then can we combine and produce a team of personnel that can meet future needs.

Solving the training and retraining problem

Customers authenticate their faces and complete biometric setup on the banking app. Photo by Thanh Ha

According to the Vietnam Banking Association, despite many changes, banks are still limited in human resources with a good understanding of technology. Meanwhile, university training programs have not kept up with the rapid pace of technological development. The scarcity of banking human resources with technological qualifications has also more or less affected the application process and high-level solutions...

Agreeing with the opinion that bank employees must be both proficient in their profession and proficient in technology, Dr. Tran Van Tung - Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Science and Technology Information said that there are many solutions to increase human resource supply, including focusing on immediately training and retraining banking personnel in new knowledge, digital skills, technology...

Acknowledging that technology-savvy human resources in banks are seriously lacking in quantity and quality, Mr. Dang Ngoc Duc - representative of Dai Nam University said that the State implementing priority policies with focus, towards granting 100% scholarships to students majoring in financial technology (Fintech) is an important solution to overcome the shortage of high-quality human resources in the banking industry.

"The management agency should consider retraining IT staff in banking operations. Then, after only 9 months, the quantity and quality of human resources can be resolved without incurring new recruitment costs, disruptions, or staff cuts," said Mr. Duc.

Deputy Director in charge of Banking Academy Pham Thi Hoang Anh informed that the demand for digital human resources recruitment in the banking industry is always high and requires immediate response, which is a big challenge. Therefore, Banking Academy determined to continue perfecting the digital teaching ecosystem, upgrading technology infrastructure, enhancing digital capacity and expanding cooperation; building a comprehensive digital learning environment, developing interdisciplinary training programs on Fintech, AI and data science, etc.

According to experts, human resources for information technology and digital transformation are increasingly focused on, trained, and improved in both quantity and quality. In 2024, the State Bank trained nearly 2,500 officials to participate in digital transformation training.

According to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy, the shift in society is huge, therefore, in the student training program, subjects and professions must integrate digital skills, data analysis skills, including programming skills. The requirement for digital skills is becoming more urgent, without understanding digital systems and security, it is impossible to advise customers...

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/ngan-hang-khat-nhan-luc-am-hieu-cong-nghe-so-710324.html