As we approach the end of 2025, one question consistently arises in conversations with senior interims and clients alike: How has the year been, and what does the market look like?
Despite broader market headwinds and a challenging backdrop for senior hiring, Joe O’Flynn reflects on a 2025 that has been a year of meaningful progress and delivering people strategy in Financial Services.
While the senior interim market remains cautious, there have been clear pockets of activity, particularly within industries seeing growth and data-led transformation. Below are a few highlights that reflect both the resilience of the market and the calibre of work we’ve delivered in partnership with our clients.
- Q1 began with momentum. We supported a high-growth fintech in securing their first full-time CTO , a pivotal appointment to underpin their next phase of scale. We also partnered with a global trading platform (FTSE listed) to appoint an Interim Head of Reward, tasked with reshaping their equity and share incentive strategy. Additionally, a long-standing interim Chief Risk Officer transitioned into a permanent leadership role at a specialist insurance firm, reflecting the value of continuity and cultural fit.
- Q2 saw one of our most high-profile mandates to date. We were engaged by a leading UK challenger bank to identify a Chief Risk Officer ,initially scoped as an interim requirement, the search evolved into a permanent appointment, underscoring our ability to flex with client needs and deliver at pace.
- Summer brought continued delivery. We deepened our relationship with a specialist insurer, supporting the build-out of their finance function. We also partnered with a retirement solutions provider to appoint their incoming CFO, and placed a data strategy consultant with a private capital firm to accelerate their digital maturity.
- Data and AI emerged as dominant themes. A standout engagement involved an exhaustive search for an Interim Director of Data and AI at a global financial services firm (FTSE Listed), tasked with shaping and executing their enterprise AI strategy. This reflects a broader trend: firms are increasingly seeking interim expertise to navigate the complexity of data governance, AI integration, and digital transformation.
While headlines may suggest a subdued market, Joe’s experience in the sector tells a more nuanced story. Financial services hiring is showing signs of recovery, and we anticipate continued demand for interim talent in 2026 particularly across digital transformation, legacy technology replatforming, and AI strategy.
October and November were both busy month, and early indicators suggest that December will continue this trend. The market remains active, and organisations are increasingly recognising the value of interim leadership in navigating uncertainty and delivering strategic outcomes.
If you are considering interim support or would like to discuss market dynamics, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. The conversation around talent strategy, transformation, and leadership is more important than ever, and we are always happy to share insights and explore how we can support your organisation’s goals