Recruitment in the Financial Services Sector: What Makes Top Talent Tick
London’s financial services sector is one of the most competitive job markets in the world. From the high-stakes world of private equity to the fast-paced environment of investment banking, the demand for skilled professionals is fierce—and so is the competition for employers to attract them.
Hiring in finance isn’t just about finding someone with the right technical qualifications. Top talent in this sector expects more: career progression, meaningful work, flexibility, and a workplace culture that supports high performance without burnout.
At Eden Recruitment Group, we specialise in connecting financial services firms with professionals who can thrive in these demanding roles. Here’s what we’ve learned about what makes top talent tick—and how employers can attract and retain them.
Compensation That Reflects Market Value
Let’s be honest: salary is a huge factor in finance recruitment. London-based roles in private equity, hedge funds, and investment management are among the highest-paying in the UK—but the market moves quickly.
According to the latest salary surveys, senior analysts in private equity can expect packages from £70k to £100k+, while experienced portfolio managers in hedge funds often exceed six figures with bonuses. Firms that lag behind market rates will quickly lose candidates to competitors.
Eden Insight: We advise clients to regularly benchmark salaries and offer performance-based incentives. It’s not just about the base pay—bonuses, carried interest, and benefits like private healthcare and flexible working can make a huge difference.
A Clear Path for Career Progression
Finance professionals are ambitious. If they can’t see a route to advancement, they’ll look elsewhere. Top candidates want to know how their career can develop within your organisation, whether that’s through promotions, international secondments, or moving into more specialised roles.
Eden Insight: We encourage employers to map out progression opportunities during the recruitment process. Even a simple conversation about where a role could lead in 2–3 years can be a deciding factor for a candidate.
Challenging and Meaningful Work
While salary is important, it’s not the only motivator. Many professionals in finance thrive on intellectually stimulating work—projects that test their skills, stretch their abilities, and contribute to tangible business outcomes.
Eden Insight: Employers who can offer candidates high-impact projects from day one, and involve them in strategic decision-making, will attract more engaged, motivated hires.
Work-Life Balance in a Demanding Sector
Finance has a reputation for long hours and high pressure, but even here, attitudes are shifting. Post-pandemic, more professionals expect flexible arrangements—whether that’s hybrid working, condensed hours, or the ability to work from abroad occasionally.
Eden Insight: Companies that show genuine commitment to work-life balance, without compromising on performance, will stand out in the market. Flexible working policies are no longer “nice to have”—for many, they’re a deciding factor.
A Strong Employer Brand
In finance, reputation matters. Candidates research potential employers extensively, checking everything from Glassdoor reviews to press coverage. A strong employer brand—built on transparency, ethical practices, and a positive workplace culture—can make the difference between attracting top talent and losing them to a competitor.
Eden Insight: Highlight your company culture in recruitment materials, showcase employee success stories, and actively manage your online presence. Candidates want to work for firms that they can be proud to represent.
The Eden Perspective
Recruiting in the financial services sector means competing for a very selective group of professionals. They know their worth, and they have options.
At Eden Recruitment Group, we bring together our deep sector knowledge, extensive candidate network, and a consultative approach to help finance employers not only attract exceptional talent but keep them for the long term.
Looking to hire in London’s financial sector?
- Employers: Brief us on your next finance role and gain access to high-calibre, pre-vetted candidates.
- Candidates: Register your CV to explore our exclusive opportunities in finance, private equity, and investment management.









