Risk Management - Monthly Update - December 2024

Dear Risk Recruitment Insiders,

Welcome to the December edition of Risk Recruitment Insider, your monthly overview of the risk management recruitment market. This snapshot will provide a general market update, hiring trends, and my predictions for the coming weeks. This newsletter is a brief review of the past month, and as always, for more specific or detailed insights, please get in touch.

Market Update

December has been an incredibly active month in the risk management recruitment space, with a significant uptick in new mandates, offer completions, and strategic pipe-lining for January hiring. Activity has been robust across all areas of risk management within our financial services clients, highlighting a dynamic and fast-moving market.

Demand has been widespread, covering both financial and non-financial risk professionals. This reflects a rapidly improving market following lower hiring volumes over the past 18 months, coupled with increasing regulatory pressures driving the need for top talent. As we move into the new year, this momentum positions the sector for continued growth, with hiring plans already underway for Q1 2025.

Risk management continues to be a priority area for financial services, signalling strong opportunities for professionals with expertise in this critical space.

Hiring Trends

Activity has been broad across all areas of risk management, with our financial services clients driving demand across both financial and non-financial risk roles.

Hiring trends have been wide-ranging, with clients seeking support on both senior-level appointments and junior roles. Notable growth has been seen in private markets investment risk, project/infrastructure risk, and e-trading risk, reflecting evolving market needs. Additionally, there has been consistent and sustained demand for operational resilience professionals, which continues to be a critical focus area for organisations.

Looking Ahead

After a sluggish and challenging market over the past 18 months, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredibly busy and competitive year for recruitment in the risk space.

While none of us have a crystal ball, conversations with senior risk management leaders in recent months have highlighted strong performance and an optimistic outlook for growth into next year and beyond.

The momentum we’re seeing now is a clear sign that the market is on the rise, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.

Stay Tuned

As we look ahead, there are plenty of exciting developments on the horizon. Our 2024 Market Report and Salary Guide, packed with valuable insights and data, will be available from January to help professionals and organisations navigate the evolving recruitment landscape. January will also see the announcement of our Q1 SMF Series Breakfast Forum, an exclusive event designed for senior leaders in risk management to discuss key trends and challenges in the sector.

In addition, we’ll be releasing new content focused on leadership in risk management, exploring the skills and strategies required to thrive in today’s complex environment. We are also in the final stages of completing two white papers that delve into the changing role of risk management in hedge funds and fintechs, offering a closer look at these rapidly evolving areas. Stay tuned for these updates and more as we gear up for an exciting and impactful start to 2025!

Best wishes,

James