News Report

Navigating the newest normals: Key industry themes shaping our future​

Hypatia Kingsley, Shafali Goutam 31 Jul 2024

Businessman holding compass to navigate business growth and vision

Key themes shaping our future

As we move through 2024, several pivotal themes are emerging across the industry, driving both opportunities and challenges. Here’s what we’re seeing:

 

 

Return to office:

A Shifting Landscape

The debate around remote vs. in-office work continues to evolve across financial services. ​Even as the largest institutions are demanding more in-office hours, many candidates still favor remote/flexible work. ​This trend is crucial for organizations to consider as they navigate talent acquisition and retention strategies. ​

How is your organization balancing remote work preferences with business needs?

Transformation: 

Impact and its Implications

Candidates today are prioritizing their passions and want to have impact. They seek roles that challenge them technically while providing a platform to make a meaningful difference. ​​Meanwhile employers are zeroing in on talent with proven track records, sought-after emerging skill sets (especially AI/ML) and an agile operating approach. ​

How are you aligning your talent strategy to attract candidates who value impact and passion? ​

How are you assessing ‘what good looks like’ amidst accelerating innovation?

Shared Capabilities:

Streamlining Operations

Leading payment companies are realigning their organizations to create shared capability functions with common tools and platforms. ​This trend is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency for both internal and external clients. ​Major players in Banking are already ahead in this game, continually refining their processes. ​

Is your organization leveraging shared services to improve efficiency, and if so, how?

The World of AI:

A Strategic Imperative ​

Artificial Intelligence is at the forefront of every client conversation. ​​Companies are keen to understand how AI can transform their operations and are actively seeking the right talent to drive their AI-first strategies. ​The demand for AI expertise has never been higher. ​

What steps are you taking to integrate AI into your business strategy and find the right talent?

Cybersecurity

A Top Priority

With increasing regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity remains a critical focus for financial services organizations, particularly in capital markets. ​​Ensuring robust controls, architecture, and governance is essential to protect against evolving threats. ​

​How is your organization strengthening its cybersecurity position to meet regulatory requirements and safeguard against threats?

Additional Themes: 

​

DEI and ESG ​

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), along with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria continue to be areas of significant attention. ​While the acronyms themselves may fall in and out of favor, companies are by and large committed to fostering inclusive cultures and sustainable practices, recognizing the importance of these elements in driving long-term success. ​

What initiatives is your company prioritizing to enhance DEI and ESG efforts?

In these dynamic times, staying ahead of these trends is not just beneficial but essential. ​Let’s embrace these changes and continue to innovate and lead in our industry. ​Which of these themes resonates most with your current business priorities, and why?

Hypatia Kingsley

Hypatia Kingsley is Partner and Head of the Americas. She brings over two decades of experience from Spencer Stuart, where she played pivotal roles across multiple geographies. During her time there, Hypatia demonstrated remarkable leadership, notably in her role as…

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Image of Leathwaite employee Shafali Goutam

Shafali Goutam

Shafali Goutam is a Senior Associate in the New York Office. Prior to joining Leathwaite, Shafali founded an Employee Wellness Start-up in Mumbai, India and has also worked in Human Capital consulting at Aon. Education: Shafali graduated from The University…

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