CRE functions are playing a more dynamic role in shaping enterprise transformation. Strategic alignment between portfolio strategy and talent requirements is now essential for future-proofing operations. From global banks co-locating AI teams with product leaders to wealth managers expanding into university-adjacent markets, occupiers are leveraging real estate to attract, develop and retain differentiated talent.​

Top firms are expanding in markets that align with digital capabilities, academic pipelines and workforce scalability. More cost-efficient locations like Bengaluru, Toronto and Dallas are rising as global capability centers for the sector.​

Financial services companies are prioritizing growth to capture both deep talent pools  and the fastest-growing, specialized labor markets. New York still leads with 627,500 financial services jobs (up 5.2% since 2022), reflecting its preeminence in sought-after financial services and tech-oriented skills. Several fast-growing centers are capturing attention:

• Vancouver (+22.1%)– driven by a burgeoning fintech and wealth-tech cluster and Canada’s competitive immigration pathways

• Warsaw (+19.8%) – reflecting Poland’s rise as a shared-services and automation hub for risk, compliance, and data analytics

• Toronto (9.7%) – fueled by major redevelopments like CIBC Square and BMO Place that consolidate tech, AI, and operations teams into amenity-rich campuses.

• Singapore (+9.9%) – as a regional headquarters for Asia-Pacific banking, wealth management, and fintech innovation

• Atlanta (+9.6%)– driven by large bank tech and operations centers benefitting from lower costs and strong university pipelines