Investment Banking Operations Market Update
Mon 4 Aug 2008
It is by no means all doom and gloom but the first half of 2008 has been one of the most challenging times in recent history with the Investment Banking Operations market in a state of flux, largely driven by the effects of uncertainty caused by the credit crunch. It is common knowledge there have been banks who are not recruiting, however there are still organisations looking to expand in the current climate. In general, these hiring organisations are the Investment Banks primarily focussed on Equity or those who have strong balance sheets and tight risk profiles.
Areas within Banking Operations that continue to recruit are Stock Lending, Equity Finance, Corporate Actions and Collateral Management. There is also continued demand for Business Analysts and Project Managers, particularly with Banking Operations line experience, as organisations look to improve how they operate and reduce costs. Outside these areas, Settlements and Trade Processing have picked up for both temporary and permanent roles. One of the biggest drivers of this activity is that while margins are down, volumes are not.
The market has seen a lack of symbiosis between candidates and clients. The majority of candidates available are within Fixed Income, while roles tend to have more of an Equity focus. This has meant clients are either having to be more flexible with their needs or recruitment processes within Investment Banking Operations are taking longer, as banks search for that right fit. Investment Banks are extremely conscious that each recruiting decision is business critical and are taking time to ensure decisions are the right ones.
Within Investment Banking Operations, outstanding candidates will always find employment. Outstanding career opportunities continue to be available for the 2nd half of 2008 along similar lines to the 1st half of the year with those Investment Banks demanding the best talent available.
Andrew Bath, Manager, Investment Banking Operations
To know more about the Investment Banking Operations market and influencing trends, please email Andrew Bath, a.bath@martinwardanderson.com.
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