From DevSecOps to CISO: Mapping Your Career in Financial Services
If you are a working in or considering a move into Financial Services, you are stepping into one of the most complex, high-impact sectors in technology. The demand for cyber talent in financial services is evolving and if you know how to position yourself, the path from hands-on technical roles to strategic leadership is more accessible than ever.
Financial Services is not just about banks and spreadsheets. It is about trust, data, and risk. Every transaction, every login, every integration carries weight. That is why cyber professionals are central.
Career Pathways
Here is how many cyber professionals are building their careers in financial services.
DevSecOps Engineer to Security Architect to Head of Engineering (Security):
- Start by embedding security into pipelines and infrastructure.
- Then move into architecture, influencing how systems are designed.
- Eventually, lead teams that own secure delivery end to end.
To progress: focus on mastering secure CI/CD practices and infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform and Ansible. Consider certifications such as Certified DevSecOps Professional or AWS Certified Security – Specialty. Contribute to open-source projects or internal tooling to demonstrate leadership and innovation.
Security Analyst to Cyber Risk Manager to Head of GRC or CISO
- Begin with threat detection and incident response.
- Transition into risk strategy and regulatory alignment.
- Then take ownership of governance, policy, and enterprise-wide resilience.
To progress: deepen your understanding of frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, and DORA. Certifications such as CRISC, CISM, or CISSP are highly valued. Attend industry events like Infosecurity Europe or ISACA conferences to build your network and stay current on regulatory shifts.
Cloud Security Specialist to Enterprise Security Architect to Director of Cyber Strategy
- Use your cloud expertise to shape secure migration and infrastructure.
- Then move into enterprise architecture, aligning technology with business goals.
- Finally, lead strategic programmes that define the organisation’s security posture.
To progress: gain multi-cloud experience across AWS, Azure, and GCP. Learn to translate technical risk into business impact. Certifications like CCSP or SABSA can help bridge the gap between architecture and strategy. Shadow senior architects or join cross-functional steering groups to build influence.
Each path requires more than technical skill. It demands influence, communication, and a deep understanding of the business. The professionals who rise fastest are those who can speak the language of both engineering and executive leadership, and who invest in continuous learning through platforms like SANS, Pluralsight, and Cybrary.
Clearance as a Competitive Advantage
If you hold Security Clearance, you are already ahead. Security Cleared professionals are in high demand across financial services, especially in roles tied to regulatory programmes, critical infrastructure, and sensitive data environments. Security Clearance can fast track onboarding, unlock higher rates, and open doors to strategic programmes that others simply cannot access.
Why Partner with LA International
We are not just recruiters. We are specialists in placing non cleared and Security Cleared digital and Technology professionals into high impact roles across financial services. Our clients trust us to deliver talent that protects their business and drives transformation.
We understand the nuances of regulated environments, the urgency of cyber programmes, and the career ambitions of professionals. Whether you are seeking your next contract or planning a strategic move into leadership, we offer access to roles that match your expertise, your clearance, and your goals.
Our dedicated Secuity Vetting Department combined with our Enhanced Government Security Accreditation means that we are able to onboard security cleared professionals at speed and at real scale. In addition, we can also security clear our resources on behalf of our clients which significantly widens the pool of available talent we can offer. . Our global reach in 90 countries across 5 continents ensures we find opportunities that fit.
If you are ready to take the next step, we are ready to help you get there.
