Trends to watch in trading, fintech, and sales: Lisa Paton reveals all

Today, we meet with Lisa Paton, Associate Director and lead recruiter for Meraki Talent’s Trading Platform and FinTech business. Lisa has recruited in this space for a decade, specialising in global assignments and helping clients navigate the dynamic world of Trading and FinTech.

We speak to Lisa to learn more about the trends shaping the sector. She discusses what’s driving hiring and reflects on 2024. She also shares her outlook for 2025 and what sales professionals can expect in the year ahead.

How has the UK Trading Platform hiring market performed in 2024?

After a relatively slow start to the year, hiring has started to pick up.  The established brokerages have built up their sales teams from a retail and institutional perspective.  Additionally, with many entering new asset classes, they have been building up the operational capability required to service this business.  As ever, talented compliance professionals were in high demand.

What else has been driving hiring?

We have seen several new market entrants, firms based in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA), opening hubs in London. Many firms have looked to tap into the London market for finance, risk, compliance, and governance professionals from FinTech backgrounds, often when they aren’t FCA licensed. This is because the City is viewed as a key talent hub with a strong regulatory environment.

What has been happening with the UK market?

Like most other walks of life currently, we are seeing a lot of talent moving to the Middle East, with Dubai being the most popular destination. The Cypriot market has seen steady hiring, as has Malta; yet, it tends to be local market talent fulfilling these positions. Asia remains a key market for most large firms, and sales leadership talent with local market knowledge has been much sought after.

What can senior sales professionals expect during a hiring process?

This remains talent-led, with most firms happy to engage with individuals with a track record and client book. After the initial ‘coffee meeting,’ if a firm is serious about progressing, you will likely move into an intense series of meetings. You will be tested for cultural fit and motivation. They will drill down into the make-up of your current client book, its portability, and ultimately what P&L they could envisage you running.

What other roles have been in high demand?

Experienced Chief Compliance Officers (CCO) are in demand but not easy to find.  With the FCA taking longer and displaying more rigour to the authorisation process, those who are a ‘direct fit’ have had no shortage of opportunities.  Salaries have risen slightly as a result, with CCOs able to command a salary of £120k to £150k plus benefits and bonuses.

What is your outlook for 2025?

I expect 2025 to be a busy year for hiring across the UK, Asia, and the Middle East. With more confidence in the market following a year of elections and geopolitical issues, firms are focused on growing their client base, accessing new markets, and investing in their technologies to improve client experience. All this requires talented professionals.

Ready to make your next move or hire top talent in the sector?

Connect with Lisa at lisa.paton@merakitalent.com