Willard Powell

What is retained executive search in financial services?

Retained executive search is an exclusive engagement where a specialist recruitment firm partners with a financial services organization to identify, assess, and recruit senior leadership talent. Unlike contingency recruitment, retained search involves a dedicated, confidential, and thorough process for C-suite, board-level, and critical leadership appointments. Willard Powell specializes in retained search across banking, insurance, asset management, hedge funds, private equity, proprietary trading, and fintech.

Which financial services sectors do you recruit for?

We support the full spectrum of financial services: investment banking, commercial banking, insurance and reinsurance, asset and wealth management, hedge funds (systematic, discretionary, and multi-strategy), private equity and venture capital, proprietary trading and market making, and the highest-growth fintechs including blockchain, cryptocurrency, tokenization, payments, and embedded finance.

What executive roles do you fill in fintech and financial services?

We recruit across all critical leadership functions: C-suite (CEO, CFO, CTO, COO, CRO, CIO, CISO, CDO), board and non-executive directors, heads of trading and investment, technology and data leadership, risk and compliance officers, revenue and distribution leaders, and specialized roles unique to fintech such as Head of Protocol, Head of DeFi, and VP Engineering.

How does executive search for blockchain and crypto companies differ?

Blockchain and crypto executive recruitment requires deep understanding of decentralized technology, tokenomics, regulatory ambiguity, and the unique culture of Web3 organizations. Candidates must often bridge traditional finance experience with emerging technology expertise. Willard Powell has a dedicated practice area for digital assets, DeFi, tokenization, and crypto-native firms.

What regions do you cover for financial services recruitment?

We conduct executive searches globally with deep networks across North America (New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto), Europe (London, Zurich, Frankfurt, Dublin, Luxembourg), Asia Pacific (Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney), and the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh). Our reach covers all major financial centers worldwide.

How long does a retained executive search typically take?

A retained executive search in financial services typically takes 8 to 16 weeks depending on role seniority, market conditions, and candidate availability. The process includes market mapping, candidate identification and approach, structured assessment, shortlist presentation, interview coordination, offer negotiation, and onboarding support.

Why choose a specialist financial services executive search firm?

Specialist firms bring deep sector networks, nuanced understanding of regulatory environments, knowledge of compensation structures, and credibility with passive senior candidates who will only engage with recruiters who understand their market. Generalist firms lack the relationships and market intelligence required for effective C-suite appointments in financial services and fintech.

Do you recruit for private equity portfolio company leadership?

Yes. We work with private equity firms to recruit C-suite and senior leadership for their portfolio companies, including CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, and operating partners. We understand the urgency, performance expectations, and governance structures unique to PE-backed businesses in financial services and fintech.