New AI-finance programme links students with 20 financial firms

The August pilot will provide applied AI training and industry exposure.

Singapore is rolling out the Young Talent Programme for AI in Finance (YTP-AIF) to equip students with applied artificial intelligence (AI) and financial sector skills.

“The pilot run will commence in August, with around 20 participating financial institutions,” Deputy Prime Minister and Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong announced during the IBF Financial Industry Fiesta 2026.

YTP-AIF participants will work on industry-led projects and receive mentorship from financial institutions, with high-performing candidates offered internship and traineeship opportunities involving AI applications.

The programme is being developed jointly by the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF), financial institutions, Singapore Management University, Nanyang Technological University, and technology partners.

Separately, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and IBF are expanding traineeship programmes such as UBS’ Singapore University Programme for Employability and Readiness (SUPER).

“This year, UBS plans to take in over 30 university and polytechnic graduate trainees in areas such as global wealth management, investment banking, risk control and human resource management,” he added.

SUPER combines structured training, on-the-job experience and mentoring, with potential placement opportunities at UBS upon completion of the programme.

MAS and IBF have secured more than 1,000 internship and traineeship positions with around 20 financial institutions over the next year.

The traineeships will provide structured training in critical skills and exposure to financial institutions, Gan said.

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