Investment Management
December 2025
Investment Management: 2026 Talent Insights
As private equity adapts to tighter capital conditions and operational scrutiny, hiring priorities are evolving across investment and fundraising teams. With deal activity expected to rebound and LP demands rising, firms must align their talent strategies to meet the moment.
In this video, Elliot Soards, Director at Selby Jennings, shares insights on how hiring trends have shifted in investment management, and what firms and professionals should focus on in 2026.The insights are also explored in the written summary below.
What changed in investment management hiring in 2025, and how did that shape demand?
"Higher financing costs slowed deal flow in private equity, pushing firms to focus more on operational value creation. This translated into a sharper focus on bolt-on acquisitions and sector specialization, particularly in technology, healthcare, and energy transition.
"In fundraising, LPs sought greater transparency in co-investment opportunities, raising the profile of investor relations functions. This created a clear hiring pattern: investment roles increasingly favored candidates with operational depth, while IR teams looked for professionals skilled in data-driven storytelling, particularly around ESG.
"Firms doubled down on sector expertise, prioritizing professionals who bring not just financial insight but real-world operating experience that can influence portfolio outcomes."
What should firms and professionals prioritize in 2026?
"As interest rates stabilize, deal activity is expected to rebound, but competition for capital will remain intense. For hiring teams, this means building investment and fundraising functions that blend financial acumen with sector expertise and high-quality communication skills.
"Professionals should position themselves as value creators. Experience in digital transformation, turnaround scenarios, or high-impact investor engagement will be key differentiators. IR professionals, in particular, must show they can connect with global LP audiences and craft narratives that cut through in crowded fundraising environments.
"Firms are also being urged to invest early in their talent pipelines. The best candidates, especially those with relevant sector exposure, will be heavily targeted by competitors. Getting ahead of the curve will be critical."
How is AI changing investment and fundraising roles?
"AI continues to integrate deeper into both the investment and fundraising functions. On the investment side, firms are using AI to accelerate deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio monitoring, allowing teams to move faster and make data-backed decisions with greater precision.
"For professionals, this shift demands more than just technical knowledge. The ability to combine sound judgment with comfort using AI tools is becoming a key expectation. Those who can pair traditional analysis with next-generation technology will be best positioned to thrive.
"In investor relations, AI is also helping teams tailor messaging, streamline reporting, and engage LPs across regions more effectively. As tools evolve, fluency in these systems will become a baseline expectation for high-performing teams."
To discuss your hiring plans for 2026 or explore current investment or fundraising opportunities, request a call back or browse open roles.
FAQ: Investment management hiring, careers & compensation in 2026
Firms are actively hiring across portfolio management (public and private markets), equity and credit research, risk, compliance, and ESG. Sector-specialist talent is particularly sought after in technology, healthcare, and energy transition for deep investment insights. There's also growing demand for professionals with AI literacy and data analytics skills, especially in systematic strategies, asset allocation, and performance modelling.
Selby Jennings connects investment management firms with talent that combines asset class expertise and sector insight. Request a call back to find out how we can support your next hire.
Technical ability in valuation, financial modelling, and portfolio construction remains essential, along with sector expertise and strong communication skills. Increasingly, employers are prioritising candidates with Python, SQL, or data visualisation tools, as well as those who understand how to apply AI in investment analysis and research workflows.
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Define the role clearly, streamline interviews, and offer timely feedback. Aligning internally on compensation and candidate criteria early avoids costly delays.
Selby Jennings supports this process end to end – from role scoping and market mapping to shortlisting and offer negotiation. Request a call back to learn more.
Retention improves with transparent promotion paths, performance-linked bonuses, and access to technical upskilling – especially in AI and data-driven research.
If retention is a challenge, Selby Jennings can help review your structure and identify solutions tailored to current market expectations. Speak to our investment management talent specialists for more information.
Most professionals start in research or analyst roles and progress to portfolio management or investment strategy. Those in operations, risk, or ESG may specialise or move into broader leadership. Demonstrating results, sector knowledge, and technical skills (e.g. analytics, programming) supports progression.
Absolutely. Firms are actively using AI to support idea generation, ESG data screening, portfolio modelling, and performance attribution in investment management, and it will be integrated further throughout 2026.
If you’ve built, used, or collaborated on tools involving Python, SQL, ESG datasets, or predictive analytics, mention it. Hiring managers want to see you’re aligned with how the investment process is evolving – they are looking for candidates who are not only financially literate, but can pair sound judgement and technical skill alongside using advanced AI tools.
Looking for your next role at cutting-edge investment management firms? Browse current vacancies here.
Expect questions like:
- How do you build and evaluate a portfolio?
- Tell us about a successful investment thesis.
- How do you integrate data or tech into your decision-making?
Hiring managers also look for your understanding of macro trends, sector-specific insights, and ability to adapt to new tools.
If you're looking for support with interview preparation for investment management roles, Selby Jennings can help. We not only connect you with opportunities but offer tailored advice based on the specific firm, team structure, and strategy – helping you prepare with confidence. Submit your CV today to get started.