Vacancy levels in the financial services sector have risen by around 7%, according to year-on-year statistics released this month by a recruitment firm.

The Robert Walters UK Jobs Index, which charts vacancy numbers posted to online platforms, also pointed to a 13% increase in advertised financial services jobs between the first and second quarters of 2014.

Many of these jobs have been generated in the capital, with London-based companies creating 8% more vacancies in the second quarter of 2014 compared to a year ago.

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Peter Milne, director of financial services recruitment at Robert Walters UK, said: "These latest results underscore a rise in employer confidence and point to an increasing flow of fresh roles coming to market.

"Permanent recruitment has enjoyed a strong boost, particularly as employers have sought to reduce their 'time to hire' in order secure the most talented individuals.

"With the most challenging years of the recession now behind us, a growing number of job seekers are also taking the opportunity to kick start their career advancement.

"For many institutions, regulation remains a key area of focus, generating strong demand in areas such as financial control, compliance and risk."