There is a whole wide world out there, where you can work, so why limit yourself to the United States? You may find a higher quality of life, a higher standard of living and a more rewarding career elsewhere. Investopedia recently rated some of the top places to find banking jobs both domestically and overseas. We’ve already covered places like New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Boston back home, so let’s take a look at foreign banking jobs that might appeal to you.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai sits right in the middle of Mercer’s Cost of Living ranking at 52. This fast-growing city has become the financial capital of the Middle East and many U.S. companies are setting up shop there. International applicants are often able to find a job, even if they do not speak Arabic. Temperatures range from 58 to 108, so the desert is a good place for warm-weather-lovers, although partiers need not apply, as there are strict rules on alcohol.
Frankfurt, Germany
Germany is a bit more expensive to live in than Dubai with a Mercer rating of 40. As the finance capital of Europe, Frankfurt attracts many international firms. Residents enjoy close proximity to abundant tourism opportunities throughout Europe and live in close proximity to some of the best beer in the world!
Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong, with a Mercer rating of 6, is one of the most expensive places to live in the world. There is a growing market for banking jobs in brokerage, wealth management and trading. The ideal candidate will know some Cantonese or Mandarin. The city may be expensive and crowded, but residents have great access to shopping, travel throughout Asia and nightlife.
London, England
London (Mercer scale: 3) is even more expensive than Hong Kong, but it’s also a place with thriving currency trading, international banking and brokerage firms. Despite job losses and skyrocketing real estate prices following the recession, London is still an attractive place for banking jobs due to their nightlife, cultural institutions, sporting events and pub scene.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is the second-most expensive place in the world to live. Yet, the banking jobs here are ample enough to rival NY. They have had economic woes and a real estate crisis in recent years too, so it may not be the best place to go job hunting right now. Also, it’s extremely hard to get around Tokyo if you don’t speak Japanese.
Zurich, Switzerland
You can get by in Switzerland if you speak German, French or English. The cost of living ranking here is a 9, so it’s preferable to China, Japan or England, but still more expensive than other banking job hubs like Germany or Dubai. Wealth management and private banking institutions are the main industries here. Residents love living here for the quality of life, with the natural beauty, clean air, low crime, high incomes and cosmopolitan feel.