Pathways to Progress: A report on widening access to banking and finance
Pathways to Progress: A report on widening access to banking and finance
The Bridge Group was commissioned by the Sutton Trust to evaluate the long-term impact of their Pathways to Banking and Finance programme. The programme aims to give young people the skills, knowledge, and confidence to successfully apply to highly competitive careers and the higher education routes that can lead them there. Its focus on careers in banking and finance includes banking, asset management and accountancy.
Drawing on 138 survey responses and 25 in-depth interviews with alumni and partner employers, including the Bank of England, Deutsche Bank, and PwC, this study explores how structured intervention bridges the gap between academic potential and professional success. Our mixed-methods research combined quantitative data with qualitative insights to provide a robust evidence base for exploring the programme’s long-term impact.
The key insights identified as part of this research were:
Proven impact: 70% of Pathways to Banking and Finance alumni have pursued careers in finance, reporting significant gains in professional confidence and networking "know-how".
The power of experience: Work placements remain the most critical factor in securing graduate roles, acting as a vital springboard for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Systemic barriers: The report identifies persistent "information asymmetries" and the "double disadvantage" faced by students at the intersection of socio-economic and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Recommendations for the sector
The report identifies several priority areas to advance socio-economic inclusion within the sector:
Expand regional reach: Increase opportunities outside London to support local talent and "staying local".
Formalise work experience: Replace informal "who you know" opportunities with structured, paid, and publicly advertised programmes.
Support beyond entry: Move past recruitment to focus on sponsorship and data-led inclusion strategies.
Strengthen alumni support: Provide proactive guidance during the critical transition from university to early career.