At EC1 Executive, we partner with visionary fintech firms worldwide to build strategic leadership teams that drive meaningful change. From launching into new markets to preparing for IPOs or scaling post-acquisition, our clients trust us to deliver leaders who shape strategy, inspire teams, and execute with pace.
Now, halfway through 2025, we’re proud to reflect on the partnerships we’ve built and the senior appointments we’ve made, each a step toward powering fintech growth globally with the sector’s brightest minds.
Reflecting on 2025 Hiring Demands and Ongoing Priorities
“In the first six months of 2025, we’ve supported more than 45 fintech clients with leadership hiring across product, technology, commercial, compliance, and operations. Whether it’s a first C-suite hire for a high-growth scaleup or strengthening a senior team for a global fintech expanding into new markets, each search has reflected a different stage of growth and a unique leadership challenge.
In H1 alone, our team placed 23 C-level executives across the US, Europe, and Asia, reaching 191% of our H1 target for 2025. It’s a true testament to the strength of the partnerships we’re building and the value we aim to deliver.
As we head into H2, we expect that momentum to continue. With fresh capital entering the sector and regulatory complexity on the rise, leadership teams are under increasing pressure to scale strategically, bring clarity, and deliver results, particularly as firms work within remaining 2025 budgets and plan for 2026.
This is where deep market understanding matters. Our success is rooted in being truly embedded in the fintech space. With decades of combined experience, we focus on long-term partnerships, not just placements, supporting clients from their first leadership hire to full executive buildouts.
Internally, we’ve doubled the size of our executive search team over the past year and made significant investments in how we operate. With Joyce and Summia leading the build-out of our full-scale research and delivery function, we’ve strengthened our tech stack and increased our speed to execution.
We’re proud of these milestones, but even more grateful for the trust our clients and candidates have placed in us. It’s that trust that fuels us. We’re excited to continue these partnerships and deliver real impact as we grow into H2 and beyond.”
Jamie Cole – CEO and Co-Founder, EC1 Partners & EC1 Executive
Strategic Hires Backed by Strong Partnerships
We’re proud to highlight some of the exceptional businesses we’ve partnered with this year and throughout H2 2024. It’s a privilege to support their growth and ongoing success while they invest in building teams who are making a real, measurable impact.
Alongside these clients, we’ve also partnered closely with leading investors who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fintech:
We’re grateful to each of these investors for the trust and collaboration we’ve shared, and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with their portfolio leaders.
But as we head into H2 2025, one thing is clear: executive priorities are shifting.
The Executive Priority Is Shifting
The expectations placed on senior fintech leaders have never been higher. In 2025, top growth areas include revenue and product/service optimisation (45%), with firms looking to their C-suites to lead the charge.
But growth brings complexity. Today’s leadership teams must navigate:
- Rapid technology change (22%)
- Cyber risk (17%)
- Talent shortages (14%)
New Leadership Roles Are Emerging
- Chief AI Officer is viewed as the most influential new C-suite title (46%)
- Chief Sustainability Officer (30%)
- Chief Diversity or Empowerment Officer (28%)
These roles reflect a shift toward leadership that integrates AI strategy, ESG accountability, and inclusive cultures into the core of business operations.
Private Equity Influence on Fintech Hiring
Demand is rising from PE-backed fintechs seeking leaders who offer more than domain expertise. In H1 2025 alone, we’ve onboarded 9 new clients, including several of the world’s top VC and PE firms.
In-demand leadership profiles include:
- CEOs & COOs who can drive growth and margin efficiency in capital-driven environments
- CFOs with strong M&A experience, capable of navigating fundraising rounds and exit events
- Chief People Officers who can manage cultural integration and scale leadership across multiple regions
As more fintechs prepare for IPOs or pursue accelerated exit strategies, the need for operationally rigorous, investor-savvy leaders continues to climb.
A Global Network Built for Precision Hiring
As of mid-2025, EC1’s global network includes over 84,000 professionals across product, tech, risk, compliance, and commercial roles. Within EC1 Executive, our curated pool of 1,325 executive-level candidates is ready to step into C-suite and senior leadership positions.
This depth gives us the agility to move fast, bring diversity to shortlists, and deliver on even the most specialised briefs. Setting us apart as Fintech Executive Search specialists.
Leadership Development & Succession
One of the biggest shifts in 2025? Succession planning is now a core part of the hiring process.
- 51% of leadership teams are actively building internal leadership development programmes
- 47% have already identified successors for key roles
- 49% of senior professionals say they’re given consistent opportunities to grow in their roles
Leadership development is fast becoming a strategic priority for businesses, ensuring senior talent can grow and evolve in step with an ever-changing workforce.
What’s Ahead in H2 2025
We expect demand for strategic fintech leaders to remain strong across:
- AI-powered fintech product innovation
- B2B payments infrastructure
- Regulatory and compliance transformation
Particularly in regions such as the US, UAE, and Southeast Asia, where regulatory shifts and digital innovation are reshaping competitive landscapes at pace.
Let’s Talk Leadership
Whether you’re entering a new market, preparing for a fundraise, scaling after acquisition, or refreshing your senior team, EC1 Executive is here to support.
Get in touch with our Fintech Executive Search team to learn how we can partner with you to find the right leaders for your next phase of growth.
Executive Search Team
CEO & Co-Founder
Managing Partner
Head of Research
Principal
