You've graduated with a degree in history, law, politics, English or something else, and you'd like a job in finance. The good news is that you don't need a finance degree to start. Many banks, insurers and asset managers hire graduates from any subject, and some of the easiest ways in sit outside the traders' desks you're picturing.
The roles that take any degree
KYC analyst. You check who customers are before a firm takes them on. It's methodical work and most teams train you from scratch.
CDD and onboarding analyst. Similar to KYC. You gather and review customer documents so the firm can start working with them safely.
AML and financial crime analyst. You look for signs of money laundering and fraud. Pay tends to be higher than KYC and the career path is clear.
Compliance analyst. You check that the firm follows the regulator's rules.
Risk analyst. You measure and report on what could go wrong, from operational problems to technology risks.
Our KYC and AML career guide explains how people move between these.
What they pay
Starting pay for KYC analyst roles is often around £30,000 to £40,000 according to the salary guides we've seen. Junior compliance roles sit around £22,000 to £30,000, and financial services compliance officers earn £45,000 to £65,000. London pays roughly 15 to 25 percent more than the regions. Many ads leave pay out, so ask early.
Where the jobs are
London has the most, but not all of them. Recent roles on our board include a Compliance Analyst at Marsh McLennan in London, a Risk Reporting 2LOD Analyst at Citi in Belfast and risk analyst roles at Baillie Gifford in Edinburgh. Manchester, Bristol and Newcastle show up too. We cover the main cities here: London, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Graduate schemes or direct roles?
Large banks run graduate schemes, and many of them take any degree. Applications often open in the autumn and close early in the new year, but dates change every year, so check each employer.
You don't have to wait for a scheme. Direct entry roles are advertised all year round, and analyst jobs in KYC, AML and compliance often hire graduates on the spot. If a scheme rejects you, apply to these.
How to stand out without finance experience
Show you can be accurate and finish a task. Mention your dissertation, research or any work where detail mattered. Learn a little about the regulator in your area. For UK firms that's usually the FCA.
A qualification isn't required. If you want one later, the ICA certificates are the usual route. Read whether ICA accreditation is worth it.
Our guides on getting your first compliance job with zero experience and preparing for an AML interview will help you go further.
Apply direct
Every role on Direct Compliance goes straight to the employer. There's no recruiter in the middle. Browse the latest roles and set up a job alert so new ones reach you first.
FAQs
Can I get a finance job with a non finance degree?
Yes. Many employers accept any subject for analyst roles, and some prefer people who write well and think clearly.
What's the easiest finance job to get into as a graduate?
KYC, CDD and onboarding analyst roles have the most openings and the lowest barriers.
Do I need a 2:1?
Some graduate schemes ask for one. Many direct entry roles don't set a grade, so check each ad.
Read next: Compliance Officer Salary UK (2026): Pay by Level.