The APAC investment banking market is showing a strong rebound in senior hiring, with clear regional and sector shifts. We looked at five key trends from 2025:

1. Strong rebound in senior hiring

Total MD+ hires in APAC investment banking grew 60% year-on-year, with moves to competing investment banks doubling compared to 2024. Senior talent is once again highly mobile, signaling renewed confidence in the region’s hiring market.

2. Talent flow back to the sell-side

The majority of senior moves remained within investment banks. Buyside and corporate hiring remained broadly flat, indicating that the sell side continues to be the primary destination for experienced professionals.

3. Japan and Southeast Asia step into focus

Japan and Southeast Asia gained meaningful hiring share, while India and South Korea experienced double-digit percentage point declines. These shifts highlight the importance of regional strategy when planning talent acquisition.

4. Selective rebuilding in China and Hong Kong

China and Hong Kong are showing early signs of re-emergence. Hiring is expected to expand as M&A and capital markets activity normalizes, presenting new opportunities for firms seeking senior expertise in these markets.

5. Sector and product hiring is highly targeted

General Industrials and Financial Sponsors led sector hiring, with demand skewed toward broader debt financing capabilities and selective senior upgrades rather than broad team builds. Firms are focused on targeted hires that can deliver immediate impact.

Conclusion

These trends underscore the importance of strategic, market-focused talent planning. Firms that understand regional nuances, target the right sectors, and plan selectively for senior hires will be best positioned to capture opportunities and drive growth across APAC.