The CISI has accused the Government of draining the global talent pool with its cap on visas for skilled non-EU workers.

The move would affect the long-term UK economy and the financial industry’s efforts to employ the top candidates, according to 73% of the 828 CISI members surveyed on the issue.

Simon Culhane, the CISI’s chief executive, said: “London’s foundation as an attractive, international financial services centre has been built over the years by the same global talent pool the Government is now trying to drain.

“The result of this survey has demonstrated the depth of feeling which exists in the industry on this important issue.

“Availability of human capital is one of the Key Areas of Competitiveness cited in the September 2015 Global Finance Centres Index 18, published by the Long Finance Group, with London ranked no 1 globally in this specific area of human capital.

“The attraction of skilled personnel is therefore pivotal to London’s continued success.”

In June the BBC reported that the Government's immigration cap for non-EU skilled workers had been hit for the first time.

The Scale-Up Institute, which is backed by the London Stock Exchange, Google, the Business Growth Fund and several advisory firms, called for the controls to be scrapped earlier this month.

Founders of internet groups including Zopa, Shazam, Unruly and lastminute.com recently issued a letter to David Cameron stating that the visa rules for skilled workers would also hurt the UK’s digital economy.

The survey, which ran from 24 September – 10 November generated over 40 comments.

One such contribution stated clear opposition to the cap, saying: “This will result in smart people moving to places like Singapore, Hong Kong, the US and other places.

“At the end of the day, when it comes to financial markets, it is survival of the fittest: whoever is hard working and intelligent will win. So, in the long term, 30-40 years down the line, Singapore and Hong Kong will perform better than the UK and big investment firms will try to focus their talent pool and head offices in those areas.”

Some did support the visa cap, however with reasons stated including the suggestion the Government should start more investment in home-grown talent and that the UK currently has a big enough pool in the financial services sector for companies to hire and develop existing candidates.