Inflation sales specialists in short supply

Investment banks are casting their nets for inflation-linked derivative salespeople - not always successfully according to one recruiter.

"A lot of the senior guys in top tier US banks are bemoaning the fact that there's a lack of specialist inflation sales people," says Kieran Behan, a consultant at search firm Selby Jennings. "There are plenty of people with interest rate experience, who have done some inflation sales on the side, but what's lacking is a pure inflation resource," he adds.

According to Behan, US banks are leading the charge, although he declined to say precisely which ones.

Pay for anyone who can demonstrate a successful track record of inflation-linked sales is reputedly generous. "With four to five years' experience, you're looking at a basic salary of 100,000 to 110,000, plus a bonus of 150% to 250%," says Behan.