With commercial property in Scotland predicted to see zero growth this year, the future for property-linked funds – and related recruitment – is looking decidedly shaky. An analysis of the market by consultancy Drivers Jonas has found that whereas 12 months ago there were 10 buyers for every one property on the market, now 10 sellers exist for every purchaser. This has in turn made the climate very tough for real estate... Read more
By Nic Paton 01 Apr 2008 - 0 comments
Scotland’s fund administration professionals are still paid less than their counterparts in Ireland. However, the gap is closing. According to a survey by recruitment firm Robert Walters, an Irish fund accountant with two years’ experience is likely to command a salary of around €33k, while a counterpart in Edinburgh will be on €30k-€31k. After five years the gap is just as wide, with an Irish fund accountant on between €52k and... Read more
By Nic Paton 08 Apr 2008 - 0 comments
Some recruiters are pulling back north of the border even while others are building up. So what’s the real picture for Scotland’s financial services hirers? Recruitment firm Poolia closed its Glasgow office two to three months ago and is now running its Scotland hiring out of its London office. And while recruiter Robert Walters has retained its office in Scotland, it has admitted to being “less active” in the country than... Read more
By Nic Paton 15 Apr 2008 - 0 comments
While no one’s likely to escape the credit turmoil, Scotland’s burgeoning private banking sector looks to be about as safe a haven as there is. Edinburgh-based private bank Adam & Company last week said it had seen annual pre-tax profits grow by nearly a quarter to £20.7m, despite the credit crunch. Managing director David Crathie was reported as saying: “None of us are immune, but our clients appear well placed to... Read more
By Nic Paton 17 Apr 2008 - 0 comments