The people survey 2026: key findings

How can we ensure people in the industry thrive?

Content Types

Key findings

Topics

Asset allocators DLT and digital assets

Region

Global

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The ValueExchange People Survey 2026 provides a data-led view of how people across the industry are experiencing work today, and what continues to drive motivation, engagement and performance.

2025 beat expectations

Outlook

A graphic showing 47% said 2025 was better than expected.

The overall mood is more positive than many might have assumed.

Among investors, that rises to 75%, making them the most positive group in the survey.

Why we work

Purpose

A progress bar indicating 39% struggle with why they work.

Two-fifths of people struggle with “why” they work and their working culture.

Purpose and culture matter more than the role.

The promotion blockage

Momentum

A graphic showing 72% feel efforts aren't rewarded with promotion.

The frustration is most evident in mid to late career professionals.

Managers feel they lack control over financial reward, but can support staff finding new opportunities.

The findings show a workforce that remains motivated by the work itself, positive about new technology, and clear on the value of flexibility and professional connection.

But the positivity isn’t evenly distributed, culture and purpose are more important than the roles themselves, and managers lack control over rewards for staff.

The findings show:

47% said 2025 was better than expected

75% of investors had a better-than-expected year,

but 67% from FMIs had a worse-than-expected year

39% struggle with why they work (purpose and vision)

72% feel their efforts aren’t rewarded with promotion

71% view AI and new technologies as motivating

flexibility matters to 76% of respondents

Download the key findings to understand what is motivating people in 2026, where expectations are shifting, and what that means for leaders across the industry.