Compensation is one of the leading motivators when it comes to making a career decision.

And in 2026, most sectors across financial services are compensating talent very well.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we're joined by Bryan Liou and Chris Connors, Managing Directors at Johnson Associates, a compensation consulting firm specializing in financial services.

We explore the biggest compensation trends shaping the industry. We discuss which verticals of financial services are compensating better than others, and how firms are using compensation and incentives to attract and retain talent.

We also discuss the growing competition for elite talent between financial services firms and AI companies and what candidates need to do to position themselves for the most lucrative opportunities.

If you want to understand where the biggest compensation opportunities are in financial services today, and how you can make the most of them, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 – Intro
• 0:45 – Why strong earnings don't always mean headcount growth.
• 3:08 – Why financial services firms are operating leaner in 2026.
• 8:08 – The biggest compensation trends across financial services.
• 11:40 – Which sectors aren't performing as well?
• 14:21 – Carry vs. cash and how compensation structures are changing.
• 16:46 – How financial services firms are competing for elite tech talent.
• 20:37 – What is driving candidates toward the new generation of AI companies?
• 23:50 – How much are firms willing to spend to retain top talent?
• 27:04 – The competition between hedge funds and AI firms for the best talent.
• 29:00 – The current state of non-competes.
• 30:43 – What allows candidates to stand out and take advantage of today's lucrative compensation opportunities?

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

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Johnson Associates - https://johnsonassociates.com/

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Chris Connors on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-connors-272008125/

Bryan Liou on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-liou-673605302/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Is this the best time to be working in the hedge fund industry?

The market has evolved over the past ten years, with a growing demand for the right talent and more opportunities for those looking to build a career in hedge funds.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we're joined by Bradley Saacks, Hedge Fund Reporter at Business Insider, to explore how the hedge fund industry has evolved, what is driving the current demand for top talent, and what the future could look like for the industry.

Bradley shares his perspective on the current hedge fund talent market, where the biggest opportunities are emerging, why hedge funds are increasingly recruiting graduates, and how technology and AI could shape the industry in the years ahead.

If you're considering a career in hedge funds, looking for your next role, or want to understand how the industry is evolving, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 – Intro
• 0:43 – The current state of the talent market within hedge funds.
• 2:53 – Is there a shortage of talent?
• 4:28 – Who’s getting the big contracts and how much are they offering?
• 6:51 – The graduate recruitment drive by hedge funds.
• 10:29 – How the hedge fund industry has transformed over the past six to ten years.
• 17:34 – What type of candidate is suited to the hedge fund industry?
• 23:53 – What the future of the hedge fund industry looks like.
• 29:22 – How technological advancements and AI could impact hedge funds.
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

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Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

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Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Bradley Saacks on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-saacks-837895126/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

There are more similarities between fundamental and quantitative investing than many investment professionals realize.

And understanding both, as well as how AI is bringing them closer together, could become a significant advantage for anyone building a career in investing.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we're joined by Ying Hua, Founder and CEO of Implied, an AI-native equity investment research firm.

Ying has previously held investment roles at Goldman Sachs and Citadel, and shares her perspective on the future of investing, why technical skills matter (not just to quant investors), and how AI is impacting career paths for finance professionals.

If you're an investment professional looking to stay ahead or just want to understand how AI could impact the future of the industry, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 – Intro
• 0:48 – Fundamental vs. quantitative investing - the similarities and differences.
• 2:41 – Where technical skills fit into the future of investing.
• 5:00 – How AI is accelerating learning for both fundamental and quant investors.
• 6:05 – The role of data in investment decision-making.
• 10:17 – Inside an AI-native investment research process.
• 14:14 – Why Ying made her investors learn to code and why fundamental investors should understand quant.
• 21:49 – What junior candidates should be thinking about AI when pursuing investing careers.
• 27:27 – Is AI helping or harming career opportunities in finance?

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

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Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Ying Hua on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yinghua26/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

AI is already reshaping the financial services sector. But it isn’t just the candidates with technical skills who are progressing their careers.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Rebecca Patterson. Rebecca is the former Chief Investment Strategist at Bridgewater Associates and a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Drawing on decades of experience across global markets and investment leadership, Rebecca explores exactly how AI is changing finance, where human judgement should still remain central, and how the next generation of financial professionals can prepare for the opportunities and risks ahead.

We uncover the most essential skill that AI can’t replace and the keys to developing those skills. We also explore how AI could reshape investment research and decision-making and where the technology is currently experiencing growing pains.

If you’re searching for your next role in financial sciences & services, this episode will help you cut through the noise around AI and understand where to place your focus.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:41 – Where AI is shaping the finance industry today.
• 01:39 – Where finance needs to hold back on AI and keep humans in the decision-making process.
• 04:05 – The growing pains facing AI adoption across the financial sector.
• 05:59 – How AI could reshape opportunities for early-career finance professionals.
• 09:18 – Should early-career professionals prioritize AI fluency or human skills?
• 13:16 – Who will succeed in the future of financial services?
• 14:46 – How AI will change investment research and decision-making.
• 19:40 – Where human judgement remains the key differentiator.
• 24:34 – What prediction-market data can tell us.
• 27:05 – What is currently overhyped in financial labor markets?
• 29:29 – The skill every finance professional should spend more time developing.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

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Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

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CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Rebecca Patterson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-patterson-1b014592/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Breaking into financial services has never been easy.

But in a world where candidates have access to the same advanced tools, resources, and information, standing out is becoming more challenging than ever.

So what separates the candidates who secure the most competitive opportunities from those who get left behind?

In this episode, we're joined by Anthony Cheung, Chief Content & Culture Officer at AmplifyME, an organization that has spent years helping aspiring finance professionals develop the skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in highly competitive sectors.

Anthony shares practical strategies for standing out, explains how AI is changing expectations, and reveals the traits and skills employers are increasingly looking for in early-career talent.

Whether you're preparing for your first role or looking to gain an edge in a crowded market for your next move, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 – Intro
• 1:00 – Where the talent bar sits in today's market.
• 2:19 – How new tools and technology are impacting expectations of candidates.
• 4:32 – How candidates can stand out from the crowd.
• 11:55 – The three traits most employers are looking for.
• 14:55 – The skills firms are prioritising.
• 18:11 – Should AI be allowed during the interview process?
• 21:52 – How candidates can use AI to improve interview performance.
• 24:21 – What early-career professionals should focus on most.
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Anthony Cheung on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonycheung10/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Being a great analyst has never been about having access to the most information. It's about knowing what matters.

As AI tools become more powerful and data becomes easier to access, even for junior analysts, the difference lies in who can apply sound discernment and judgement, and communicate ideas effectively.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we're joined by Andrew Carr, Head of Enterprise Training at Fundamental Edge, an analyst training firm that combines cutting-edge AI with years of industry expertise to simulate real-world investing environments for finance professionals.

Andrew shares what separates standout analysts from the rest, how AI is reshaping the role of the analyst, and what the essential skills are for those who want to gain an edge.

Whether you're an aspiring analyst or an experienced finance professional looking to stay ahead, this episode offers practical insights into the evolving demands of the sector.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 – Intro
• 01:36 – Why being an analyst today is different from just a few years ago.
• 03:17 – How a "tinkering mindset" is helping candidates to get ahead.
• 06:30 – What makes investors stand out?
• 08:29 – Where LLMs can help investors and where they can hurt them.
• 11:10 – Common AI pitfalls junior hires fall into.
• 14:34 – How stock picking has evolved and how candidates can differentiate themselves.
• 18:30 – Andrew’s "New York Post" strategy for getting your pitch noticed.
• 20:55 – What AI is and isn't good at when it comes to pitching ideas.
• 23:37 – Does the traditional financial analyst role still exist?
• 27:18 – How Fundamental Edge helps candidates prepare for a career in finance.

Be sure to subscribe to the Searching Smarter podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.

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Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

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Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Andrew Carr on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-carr-3309818/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Being a “culture fit” used to be enough.

Having a certain college or organization on your resume used to be enough.

But in 2026, something else is needed if candidates are to stand out.

Hiring has evolved since 2010. Candidates are being evaluated on more than just technical ability. And in this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Leonard Syriaque, a talent leader with over 20 years of experience building teams.

Len brings a unique perspective on how hiring has changed over the past decade and what candidates and hiring managers need to get right today.

We explore the shift from “culture fit” to “culture add”, why storytelling is becoming a critical skill, and how candidates can position themselves to make a real impact in today’s market.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:17 - What’s changed in recruiting from 2010 to today.
• 3:20 - What graduates are looking for beyond compensation.
• 5:35 - Why your storytelling ability as a candidate can change everything.
• 8:18 - Culture “add” vs. culture “fit” and why it matters.
• 11:29 - How to assess whether a company’s culture is right for you.
• 12:59 - Functional fit vs. technical fit and why both are needed.
• 15:01 - What impact really means in a role.
• 16:28 - When impact isn’t actually impact.
• 17:35 - Practical tips to improve your storytelling as a candidate.
• 19:59 - Has social media changed how candidates communicate?
• 22:16 - How networking has evolved and why face-to-face still matters.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Len Syriaque on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardsyriaque/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Private equity vs. private credit - where is the money going right now? And where do the opportunities lie for candidates looking for a career within the industry?

The dynamics across private equity and private credit are changing fast. From the AI gold rush to shifting recruiting cycles, there are major implications for talent and investors.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Alex Nicoll, Private Equity Reporter at Business Insider, to break down where capital is moving, what trends are shaping the sector, and what it means for those looking for roles within financial services today.

Covered in this episode:

• 1:25 - Private equity vs private credit: where is the money going?
• 2:16 - Who’s making money in the AI gold rush?
• 9:26 - How ESG is being considered today.
• 11:35 - The growing push for employee ownership.
• 12:53 - Is private credit at risk of a bubble?
• 18:54 - The rise of SaaS in private equity deals.
• 20:31 - The current risks in private credit.
• 26:10 - On-cycle recruiting in private equity.
• 32:22 - What skills are required in an AI-driven private equity world?
• 35:31 - How off-cycle recruiting is being impacted.
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

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Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

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CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Alex Nicoll on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexonicoll/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

For the first time in years, the balance is shifting in the investment banking sector.

As activity rebounds and competition for top talent grows, 2026 is shaping up to be a renaissance year for investment banking. And because of this, firms will need to start selling themselves to candidates, not the other way around.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Emily Long, one of the most successful investment banking recruiters in Selby Jennings’ history and a true expert on the market.

Emily breaks down what’s driving the surge in hiring activity, how the talent bar is evolving, and what both candidates and firms need to understand to stay competitive.

If you’re working in investment banking or looking to break into the sector, this episode will help you understand how to position yourself strategically in this critical period.

Covered in this episode:

1. 0:00 - Intro.
2. 1:15 - How high is the talent bar in investment banking right now?
3. 2:32 - What’s driving the uptick in activity in 2026?
4. 3:08 - How candidates can stand out in a competitive market.
5. 4:46 - How firms can attract the right talent in a candidate-driven market.
6. 7:37 - What firms need to be aware of in this hiring environment.
7. 9:49 - The role bonuses play in attracting top performers.
8. 11:4 - What most affects bonus outcomes?
9. 13:17 - How candidates can leverage counter offers strategically.
10. 15:28 - How AI is affecting investment banking - are roles at risk?
11. 17:45 - What’s exciting candidates about AI?
12. And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Emily Long on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-long-hire

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Many of the leading banks are investing heavily into AI. But there are clear winners when it comes to turning that investment into productivity and performance. So what are the leaders doing differently, and what does it mean for jobs in financial services?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we welcome back Alexandra Mousavizadeh, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Evident, for one of our most forward-looking conversations of the year.

We unpack the latest findings from the Evident AI Index, which ranks global banks on AI usage and maturity, and reveals the growing gap between the leaders and the laggards.

We explore how banks are actually implementing AI, whether white-collar jobs are at risk, how teams are upskilling, and which skills are now most in demand.

If you work anywhere near finance or AI, this episode will give you a clear view of where the industry is heading.

Covered in this episode:

1. 0:00 - Intro
2. 1:35 - The pace of AI adoption in banks - what’s new in 2026 and how it’s impacting financial services.
3. 3:46 - How banks are implementing AI.
4. 6:11 - What the data shows about AI replacing white-collar jobs.
5. 6:54 - How teams are upskilling with AI.
6. 10:34 - What separates banks getting real value from AI vs. those that aren’t.
7. 12:32 - The skills banks are hiring for in this AI landscape.
8. 17:25 - What the leading banks are doing differently.
9. 20:39 - What AI-driven talent is looking for in employers.
10. 24:25 - What sectors are bringing value to financial services as talent moves.
11. And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Alexandra Mousavizadeh on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/alexandra-mousavizadeh

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw