UBS to Require AI Skills from 2027 Graduate and Intern Applicants

Swiss investment bank UBS will require graduates and interns applying for its 2027 intake to demonstrate AI proficiency, according to the Financial Times. AI questions will be added to recruitment interviews alongside existing questions and usual requirements, including a 2:1 degree.

Candidates must show they can use and experiment with AI responsibly to improve business outcomes. The requirement is broader than familiarity with popular chatbots such as ChatGPT. UBS has not said whether it will extend the policy to all workers.

The bank will support recruits with AI training after they join, including an “AI Fluency Pathway” covering real-world banking use cases and responsible AI use. This suggests UBS is assessing a baseline of proficiency and willingness to learn, rather than expecting complete proficiency from the outset.

The policy frames AI as a productivity tool for human staff, even as it adds pressure on graduates to build skills. The longer-term effect on banking employment remains uncertain. A Morgan Stanley report in early 2026 warned that 200,000 banking jobs could be lost in Europe over the next five years. The source says junior roles may instead evolve, with some responsibilities shifting toward AI management.