Rival financial centres are using the British government’s bonus tax as an opportunity to attract bankers away from the City, the Times reports.

New York, Switzerland and Hong Kong are likely to be the major beneficiaries of any exodus from Britain’s financial services sector, and are reportedly taking steps to lure employees away.

Last week chancellor Alistair Darling announced plans to tax bonuses above the level of £25,000 at a rate of 50 per cent in a one-off levy.

He hopes that the move will generate more than £500 million of income while it is expected to affect upwards of 20,000 bankers in Britain.

Chief executive of Standard Chartered Peter Sands told the news provider: "Whether or not a few bankers leave in the short term is not the point.

"For more than a century, the City of London has attracted internationally mobile businesses thanks to a fair, equitable, stable tax and regulatory regime."

If the financial services sector is damaged by the chancellor’s bonus tax, competition for places on finance graduate schemes could become even tougher.

In this situation, candidates who have obtained professional qualifications may have the edge over their competitors.

"So you’re a student or graduate who wants a top paying career in Banking & Finance?”

If yes, watch the video on the right now to gain instant access to everything you need to secure a top paid career / internship in banking & finance (Valued at £197)…