Make hay in M&A - and equity capital markets

This year alone, Irish companies expect to spend €10bn on foreign M&A activity, while action is hotting up on the new IEX market as well, with four or five companies predicted to float, the recent International Association of Investment Bankers (IAIB) conference in Dublin was told.

"We're coming into an up cycle, so there'll be plenty of interest in people with M&A experience," says Paul Cotter, managing director of recruiters Joslin Rowe.

However, candidates should also be aware of the consequences of mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector, he says: "If it brings consolidation and job cuts, then recruitment will slow down."

"The ability to attract and retain talent is paramount to the growth of firms in Ireland. Boutique banks are finding senior-level professionals with experience in structured finance, securities and asset management harder to come by," says David Hannon, manager of Parc's finance division.

New companies are setting up in Dublin and existing ones are expanding, says Cotter: "This week alone, I met three new companies that want to set up here, who all said they are attracted by the large pool of expertise."

Salaries depend on experience, but front-office staff in Ireland are starting to see bonuses that compare with London. "High performers in some organisations are earning 70% to 100% bonuses and overall basic salaries are rising above inflation," adds Hannon.