Announcement   {{vm.currentPagination}}/{{vm.totalSlide}}
Join Pre U Info Day: Happening on 26 April, 10 am - 5 pm. Join Now
Announcement   {{vm.currentPagination}}/{{vm.totalSlide}}
RISE Educator Award 2025: Winner receives an incredible RM50,000 for their school. Nominate An Educator

Career Compass: Mapping Educational Routes to Financial Services

{{ vm.tagsGroup }}

31 Mar 2025

8 Min Read

Taylor's Team (Editor)
IN THIS ARTICLE

Lost at what to study? Discover your direction with our Career Compass! Explore opportunities in the Financial Services industry to map your educational path.

The Financial Services industry is evolving far beyond traditional banking. Today, it’s a powerful force that manages money, drives investments, and reduces financial risks—all while playing a key role in economic growth, business stability, and innovation. From climate-conscious investing to digital currencies and AI (artificial intelligence)-powered auditing, this industry is adapting rapidly to the demands of a tech-driven, sustainable future.

What are Financial Services?

But what exactly is Financial Services, and why should you, as a high schooler or recent graduate, consider a career in this industry? The answer lies in the critical role that money, investments, and ethical oversight play in shaping economies, businesses, and individual prosperity.

 

With new developments such as digital currencies, AI-driven auditing, sustainable investing, and open banking, this industry is continuously redefining how money is managed and moved. By integrating technology, strategy, and regulatory compliance, it creates opportunities for innovation, risk management, and responsible growth, which ensure a more resilient and equitable financial future.

What are the careers in Financial Services?

But what exactly is law, governance, and public policy, and why should you, as a high schooler or high school graduate, consider a career in these fields? The answer lies in its role as the foundation of a just and well-functioning society—shaping laws, regulations, and ethical standards that impact everything from human rights to environmental policies and digital security.

1. Financial Forensics & Anti-Fraud Accountant

female working professional typing away in her office
What does this career do?

 

A Financial Forensics & Anti-Fraud Accountant investigates suspicious financial activities to detect fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes. They use specialised accounting techniques and data analysis to trace illegal transactions, audit financial records, and ensure organisations comply with laws and regulations.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Ernst & Young (EY) Forensics Provides litigation support and investigates financial crime to help organisations manage fraud risk and comply with regulatory standards.
  • Alliance IFA: Provides independent financial advice and forensic accounting services for fraud detection and dispute resolution.
  • PwC Malaysia: Offers forensic accounting and corporate investigations to help companies uncover fraud, ensure compliance, and strengthen internal controls.
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This role suits those who enjoy digging into details, spotting patterns, and solving complex financial puzzles. If you're passionate about justice, protecting organisations from fraud, and combining accounting with investigative work, this could be the career for you.

 

What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Accounting, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation in Business or a diploma in Accounting. Professional papers such as ACCA-FIA, Cambridge A Level or AUSMAT are excellent options, too.
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance or Business, or professional papers in ACCA.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in risk management & compliance or crypto forensics & blockchain risk can be beneficial.

2. Climate Risk & Carbon Credit Accountant

female working professional presents her ESG findings
What does this career do?

 

A Climate Risk & Carbon Credit Accountant helps companies manage their environmental impact by tracking carbon emissions, calculating carbon credits, and ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations. As more businesses commit to net-zero goals, this role is crucial in verifying carbon offsets, managing emissions data, and supporting ethical participation in carbon markets.

 

Where can you work in this career?
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This role is perfect for those interested in sustainability, finance, and environmental policy. If you're someone who enjoys working with numbers and wants to be part of climate action by helping organisations stay accountable and green, this path is for you.

 

 

What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Accounting, Mathematics, and Geography.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation in Business or Science, or a diploma in Business. Cambridge A Level or AUSMAT are excellent options too.
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business or Accounting and Finance. 
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in carbon markets design & trading strategy or geo-economic climate risk & adaptation finance can be beneficial.

3. Sustainable Finance & ESG Investment Analyst

female working professional presents her findings on the screen
What does this career do?

 

A Sustainable Finance & ESG Investment Analyst helps banks, asset managers, and investors make responsible financial decisions by evaluating the sustainability and ethical impact of companies, projects, and investments. They assess environmental risks, track social impact, and ensure investments follow global sustainability frameworks like the EU Taxonomy and ASEAN Green Finance Principles.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Impacto: An ESG and impact investing advisory firm focused on Southeast Asia.
  • Maybank Investment Bank: Develops sustainable finance frameworks and ESG financial products.
  • Khazanah Nasional: Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund prioritising ESG-aligned investment. 
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those with an interest in sustainability, ethical investing, and using finance as a force for good. If you care about the planet and want to combine finance with purpose such as helping businesses grow while doing what’s right for people and the environment, this role is for you.

 

What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Economics, Geography, Accounting, and Mathematics.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation in Business or Science, or professional papers in ACCA-FIA. Cambridge A Level or AUSMAT are excellent options too.
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Studies, Accounting and Finance, or Business, or professional papers such as ACCA. 
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in ESG Quant & impact analytics or climate tech & ESG venture captial can enhance your expertise.

4. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Policy Lead

Two female co-workers analysing multiple data on a giant data dashboard display
What does this career do?

 

A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Policy Lead design the rules and frameworks for how a country’s official digital currency, such as Digital Yuan, works. This role involves working with economists, regulators, and tech experts to shape how digital currencies are created, used, and regulated, ensuring they’re secure, fair, and future-ready.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Accenture Malaysia: Advises governments and banks on digital currency frameworks and blockchain solutions.
  • R3 Asia Pacific: A blockchain firm working with central banks and regulators across Asia on CBDC infrastructure using its Corda platform.
  • Cradle Fund (Malaysia): A government agency supporting digital innovation, including FinTech development.  
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those with an interest in financial innovation, digital economies, and policymaking. If you’re curious about how digital money works and want to shape the future of finance at a national or global level, this role is for you.

 
What to study for this career?
  • High School: Focus on subjects like Mathematics, Principles of Accounting, Economics, and Computer Science.
  • Pre-U: Consider a foundation in Computing or Business or a diploma in Accounting. Professional papers in ACCA-FIA, Cambridge A Level or AUSMAT are excellent options too.
  • Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance and Economics or professional papers such as ACCA.
  • Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in Web3 & stablecoin strategy or regenerative digital economies can be beneficial.

5. AI-Driven Finance Ethics & Bias Auditor

female working professional doing calculation
What does this career do?

 

An AI-Driven Finance Ethics & Bias Auditor ensures that AI artificial intelligence systems used in finance—like those behind trading, loan approvals, and credit scoring—are fair, transparent, and ethical. As more financial institutions, fintech companies, and credit agencies rely on AI, there’s a growing risk of biased algorithms leading to unfair decisions. This role audits AI models to detect discrimination, uphold regulations, and protect people’s rights in the financial system.

 

Where can you work in this career?
  • Accenture Malaysia: Provides AI fairness audits and responsible AI consulting for financial institutions, fintechs, and other corporate clients.
  • Standard Chartered Malaysia: A multinational bank providing corporate, retail, and wealth management services, while integrating ethical AI in credit scoring and risk assessment.
  • IBM Malaysia: Develops AI governance frameworks and provides auditing solutions for financial institutions
 
Who is this career for? 

 

This career is ideal for those with an interest in technology, ethics, and social justice. If you love data but also care about fairness—ensuring AI makes the right calls for everyone, this offers a meaningful path for you.

 

What to study for this career?

Conclusion

Embarking on a career in the Financial Services industry is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to drive innovation, shape economies, and make a positive impact. Whether you're drawn to financial forensics, sustainable investments, digital currencies, or ethical AI, there’s a path for you in this evolving field.

 

By focusing on the right subjects in high school and building relevant skills and knowledge, you can turn your interest in money, tech, or social impact into a meaningful career that helps shape a smarter and fairer financial future. Remember, the future of finance isn’t just about numbers, it’s about using them to create real change.

Inspired by the career options in this article? Book a session with our education counsellor and take the first step towards your future.
BACK TO NEWS & ARTICLES
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED
{{ item.articleDate ? vm.formatDate(item.articleDate) : '' }}
{{ item.readTime }} Min Read