Fund managers to bulk up in risk management

Fund managers' rush to invest in derivative products will trigger a spate of risk management hiring, predicts one recruiter.

"It's only a matter of time," says Adrian Marples, associate director at search firm Sheffield Haworth. "Given the volume of derivatives in use across the fund management industry, buyside firms will need to update their risk management talent soon."

There's been little risk management hiring on the buyside to date, says Marples. But with limited turnover among risk managers in the industry, the skillset of many incumbents is out of date.

Candidates for buyside risk management jobs are currently working as market risk specialists in investment banks, says Marples. "Working for the buyside could prove interesting," he says. "Complex risk management on the buyside is currently a blank canvas - people can come in and make a real difference."