Singapore banks and FIs reveal the most in demand skills for 2Q15

There has been a significant increase in hiring activity this year.

Most firms have started paying bonuses over the past month or two, resulting in more resumes at the HR desk.

According to a report by recruitment specialist Hays, in terms of skills in demand for the April-June 2015 quarter, they’re seeing a high demand for Commodity Physical Operators.

“As commodity firms continue to build up their trading capability in Singapore, they need to hire more operations candidates to support their trading activities,” says Hays.

We have already seen a significant increase in hiring activity in the banking and financial services sector in Singapore this year. This was largely due to most firms paying bonuses over the past month or two.

Client onboarding specialists are also in demand as client onboarding continues to be an area of focus for most tier-one banks in their private and investment banking arms. The banks are investing in this area to ensure they are in line with MAS and FATCA regulation.

Here’s more from Hays:

We are seeing a huge demand for compliance specialists in the areas of financial crime and regulatory monitoring as the new guidelines implemented by MAS in 2014 will start being audited this year. Senior level professionals in this area are in particularly short supply.

Due to increased inflows of money from wealthy individuals in China and South-East Asia, Private Banking Relationship Managers are being sought by almost every bank, especially those who are well-connected and able to bring in their own clients.