Despite 93% of firms recognizing data as mission-critical and 78% exploring Generative AI, only 27% feel fully prepared, highlighting how leadership, L&D skill gaps, and weak AI readiness are stalling progress.
KNOLSKAPE, a global leader in experiential learning technology, has released The Workforce Insights: BFSI Industry Report 2025, uncovering critical workforce challenges that are slowing down digital transformation across India’s BFSI sector.
The report states a significant disconnect between ambition and execution. While financial institutions demonstrate strong intent to digitize, structural challenges such as misaligned leadership, a weak learning culture, and limited data fluency are hindering effective implementation. Drawing insights from 35 financial institutions and over 6,500 employees globally, the report highlights that successful digital adoption requires more than just technology it demands organizational and cultural readiness. Without urgent action to address these gaps, the sector risks falling short of its transformation goals.
“The pace of change is dramatic, but it brings urgent challenges. As our new report highlights, digital transformation demands visionary leadership and a culture of continuous learning. Indeed, industry data indicate that roughly half of India’s BFSI workforce will require reskilling over the next few years. Addressing these leadership and skill gaps is critical to fully capitalize on our sector’s innovation potential.”, said Rajiv Jayaraman, Founder and CEO of KNOLSKAPE.
Key Insights:
- Digital Readiness Gap: 83% of Indian BFSI firms prioritize digital transformation, but only 31% believe their workforce is ready to deliver. This highlights a disconnect between strategic ambition and actual capability on the ground.
- Leadership Development Needs: 86.7% of organizations see leadership development as critical, but many lack programs that align with today’s digital and AI-driven demands.
- Limited Data Utilization: 93.3% value data and analytics, but only 33.3% use them effectively in learning and performance. The gap reflects challenges in applying insights to real workforce outcomes.
- High Intent, Low Execution: 83% of Indian BFSI firms list digital transformation as a top priority, but only 31% believe their workforce is ready to deliver on it. This highlights a significant gap between vision and execution, especially in applying AI for customer insights and operational agility.
- Structural Barriers: The report identifies poor leadership alignment, outdated talent strategies, and weak learning infrastructure as the three major challenges holding organizations back.
KNOLSKAPE’s 2025 BFSI report highlights a decisive shift in industry skill priorities, with digital fluency, leadership, and emotional intelligence emerging as key focus areas. However, a significant gap remains as most organizations still lack leaders equipped for change in AI and data-driven decision-making. Despite 78% of firms actively exploring generative AI and 93% recognizing the importance of analytics, just 33% express confidence in their ability to effectively leverage these tools.
The report urges urgent upskilling through AI-powered leadership programs, data literacy training, and simulation-based learning. As BFSI undergoes rapid digital transformation, firms must invest in people, not just platforms to stay ahead.
