As the asset management industry continues to evolve, several hiring trends are emerging that reflect the shifting needs of firms and the changing dynamics within the talent pool. In recent years, we’ve observed significant demand for specialized roles that cater to increasingly niche segments of the market. Firms are no longer relying solely on generalist fundraising models, and they are leaning into building out teams that can cater to specific investor groups and investment strategies.
#1: Firms Continue to Bolster Private Wealth and Insurance Teams
As Rene Letendre, a Partner at Landing Point, notes, “One of the most notable shifts we’ve seen has been the expansion of teams focused on private wealth and insurance sectors. Rather than simply hiring a few individuals to support these areas, many firms are embarking on full-scale team buildouts.” This shift reflects the market’s move away from generalist fundraising models and toward more investor-specific approaches. The growth in private wealth and insurance underscores the importance of specialized teams that can cater to these specific investor segments. There have been fundraising constraints in more traditional pockets of fundraising, thus we see the focus on these investor segments. As firms look to capitalize on these growing markets, they are focusing on adding depth and expertise.
#2: Firms are Bolstering Product Specialist and Investor Relations Capabilities
In today’s competitive fundraising environment, product specialists, particularly within the credit space, are in high demand. The traditional separation between fundraising, product management, and investor relations is becoming less and less distinct. Many firms are seeking hybrid roles that blend these functions. Product specialists are increasingly becoming client-facing, playing a crucial role not only in the technical side of product offerings but also in the sales process. Katherine Dwyer, Managing Director on Landing Point’s Financial Services team, notes “With both fundraising and investment teams facing bandwidth challenges, firms are recognizing the value of these specialists who can bridge the gap between product knowledge and client engagement, thus focusing on creating as much leverage as possible. The most successful distribution teams truly allow product specialists to shine in the fundraising process.”
#3: Senior Candidates are Seeking Larger Territorial Remits
At the Managing Director level, we’re noticing a trend where senior candidates are seeking roles that offer both leadership and hands-on involvement. These candidates are gravitating toward smaller firms where they can take on broader responsibilities and lead with a player-coach mentality. Many are looking for opportunities to expand their territorial remits and play a more strategic role in the institutionalization of fundraising processes. They’re not just looking for traditional leadership roles; instead, they want to be part of a smaller, agile environment where they can directly influence growth and help build something from the ground up.
As we head into Q4, these trends illustrate the dynamic nature of the asset management industry and the evolving expectations of both firms and candidates. As firms continue to adapt their strategies to meet the demands of a changing marketplace, the need for specialized talent in these key areas will only increase.