One of the most important topics in recruiting and talent - and one that both candidates and hiring teams need to always be aware of is counter offers.

Whether the market is booming or busting, counter offers are always prevalent, but are they a risk, a reward or a red flag?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Ryan Mazza. With Ryan’s eleven years of recruitment expertise in financial services, we uncover what both professionals and hiring teams need to know before making their next move - because a wrong decision could cost you more than just a pay bump.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 01:38 - Are counter offers becoming more common in 2025?
• 03:01 - At what seniority level are we seeing counter offers the most?
• 04:16 - Why are counter offers so prevalent within the hedge fund industry?
• 06:58 - What counter offers actually look like (it’s not just salary).
• 10:13 - How hiring teams can keep candidates engaged throughout notice periods and avoid losing out on top talent.
• 16:30 - Should you accept a counter offer? What candidates need to consider.
• And much more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Ryan Mazza on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmazza/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

The European financial sciences and services market is seeing more movement, and in this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re sitting down with Matt Nicholson, Managing Director of Selby Jennings Europe, to uncover the findings of our 2025 Talent Report to find out why.

We explore the impact of salary and bonus trends on hiring, why volatility can actually be a good thing for the market, and what both candidates and firms should be paying close attention to in the second half of 2025.

If you're hiring or job hunting in European financial services, this episode is not to be missed.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:52 - The current state of the European financial sciences and services sector.
• 03:42 - How base salary increases are shaping candidate expectations.
• 05:08 - The effects of the tariffs on financial markets.
• 05:55 - Where in the market is activity happening in terms of seniority level?
• 08:06 - Which sectors saw the biggest salary jumps?
• 11:20 - Bonus trends across Europe in financial services in 2025.
• 12:07 - The removal of bonus caps and how it's driving movement.
• 16:54 - What’s motivating candidates the most when pursuing new roles?
• 21:16 - Strategic advice for both hiring managers and job seekers for the rest of 2025.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Get the full report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGfbn0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Matt Nicholson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattnicholson100/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

What does volatility mean for public and private markets candidates? Should they be concerned about the volatility of their seats?

In this week’s episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we speak with Nicholas Saglimbene, Head of Investment Management at Selby Jennings, to unpack the latest trends impacting hiring and retention in investment management.

This episode rounds out our mini-series which unpacks the results from the 2025 Talent Report. We uncover how candidate sentiment is being shaped by recent bonus and salary results, how firms are adapting their hiring strategies, and what investment management professionals can expect for the rest of 2025.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 – Intro
• 00:47 – Bonus and salary trends within investment management.
• 3:07 - Sentiment around bonus and salary expectations for candidates.
• 07:13 – How volatility within investment management is affecting hiring decisions.
• 10:24 – Flexible working and benefits trends in investment management.
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Download the 2025 Talent Report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGjz-0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Nicholas Saglimbene on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-saglimbene-0a8b3657/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

No organization can do without the vertical that we’re covering in this episode. As the finance & accounting space evolves, so do the expectations of candidates. And because of this, so too must the strategies of these hiring teams.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, Anthony McCann, Executive Director - US Head of Risk Management & Analytics & Financial Operations at Selby Jennings, joins us for his second appearance on the podcast.

We unpack 3 major insights from the 2025 Talent Report, with regards to finance & accounting. From the differences in compensation between buy-side and sell-side, to the impact of flexibility on job satisfaction, this episode offers essential insight for both candidates and hiring managers looking to stay competitive in 2025.

Covered in this episode:

- 00:00 – Intro

- 01:01 – What does the latest data tell us about bonuses and salaries within finance & accounting?

- 02:10 – Buy-side vs. sell-side compensation breakdown.

- 04:25 – What’s driving candidate movement in finance & accounting?

- 07:43 – Flexibility, return to office, and retention insights.

- 09:32 – Advice for candidates and employers in the finance & accounting market.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Download the 2025 Talent Report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGjz-0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Anthony McCann on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-mccann-35606759/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

The competition for top tech talent in financial services is more competitive than ever. So what can fintech firms do to stay ahead?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, Isabel Ceniza, Director - HFT/Prop/Hedge Fund, FinTech, and Crypto Recruitment at Selby Jennings, joins us to break down the latest salary and retention insights from the 2025 Talent Report.

We explore what's driving salary changes in tech, how return-to-office policies are impacting retention, and what hiring teams need to know about candidate priorities in the fintech market.

If you're hiring tech talent or considering your next move, this episode offers insights on where the market’s heading throughout 2025 and how to stay competitive.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 - Intro.
• 01:47 - Salary trends and how satisfied fintech candidates really are.
• 4:34 - Understanding market sentiment within fintech.
• 05:13 - What companies are doing to retain tech professionals and what’s causing candidates to look elsewhere.
• 08:19 - How is return-to-office being received in the fintech sector?
• 13:35 - How hiring teams can stand out in a competitive market.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Download the 2025 Talent Report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGjz-0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Isabel Ceniza on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-ceniza/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

The insurance and actuarial sector is evolving fast - salaries are rising, flexible working offerings and changing, and firms are competing harder than ever for the right candidates.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, Nicole Mahoney, SVP - Head of Life, Annuity & Health Actuarial Recruitment at Selby Jennings, joins us to explore key findings from the 2025 Talent Report.

We unpack how shifts and market disruptions are shaping both employer strategies and candidate expectations.

If you’re hiring in the insurance and actuarial space - or considering a move - this conversation offers the latest data and expert insights to help you stay ahead.

Covered in this episode:

- 00:00 – Intro

- 01:08 – What are the salary trends in insurance and actuarial?

- 03:07 – Bonuses in the insurance and actuarial sector.

- 06:53 – Flexible working in insurance and actuarial, and how changes have affected the sector.

- 11:56 – How have bonuses affected attrition in the insurance and actuarial sector?

- 14:24 – Industry disruptions and future trends in insurance and actuarial for the rest of 2025.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Download the 2025 Talent Report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGjz-0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Nicole Mahoney on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahoneynicole/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

One of the most stable yet important verticals within financial services is risk management.

And that’s why, in this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, Anthony McCann, Executive Director - US Head of Risk Management & Analytics & Financial Operations at Selby Jennings, to break down the latest trends shaping compensation and career moves in the risk space.

Every year, we survey thousands of financial sciences and services professionals on how they’re feeling about their salaries, bonuses, benefits and which factors are contributing to career change decisions. And we’ve pulled three of the biggest factors that are driving market moves in risk management for this episode.

If you work in risk management or manage a team in risk management, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate hiring and career growth in the sector.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 – Intro
• 00:52 – Are candidates within risk management being paid more this year?
• 05:31 – What’s driving career moves within risk management?
• 09:57 – Bonuses in risk management: expectation vs. reality.
• 12:15 – Work flexibility, return to office, and retention within risk management.
• 21:15 – The outlook for the risk market for the rest of 2025.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Download the 2025 Talent Report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGjz-0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Anthony McCann on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-mccann-35606759/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Bonuses don’t just reflect past performance - they often signal future moves.

That’s why we’re breaking down our findings from the 2025 Talent Report across seven verticals within financial sciences and services.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, Elizabeth Holmes, AVP Manager - Quantitative Analytics, Research & Trading Recruitment at Selby Jennings, joins us to unpack the key findings from the report as they pertain to the quants market.

From shifting candidate expectations to how academic motivations affect career and hiring decisions, Elizabeth shares what firms and professionals need to know to navigate the current quants landscape.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 – Intro
• 01:33 – How are quants professionals feeling about their bonuses currently?
• 03:02 – How market sentiment is affecting career move decisions.
• 06:10 – Does academic grounding still matter in the quants market?
• 08:58 – The state of return to office and flexible working within quants.
• 10:11 – Talent trends within quants moving into 2025.

Don’t miss the next part of this series - be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

LEARN MORE

Download the 2025 Talent Report - https://hubs.la/Q03mGjz-0

Selby Jennings - https://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Elizabeth Holmes on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-holmes12/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw