Global HR recruitment: market insight from Asia and the US
At Frazer Jones, our recruiters are passionate about sharing market insight and best practice in HR recruitment. When two of our leadership team, Erica Ravich from New York and Charlotte Matthew from Singapore, meet in London, it’s a unique opportunity to reflect on the trends shaping global recruitment. Their conversation highlights the value of local expertise, global reach and specialist recruitment solutions, all underpinned by our proven track record as a trusted partner to HR professionals and businesses worldwide. By combining local market knowledge with a global network, we help clients navigate the complexities of the recruitment process and secure the best talent for their business needs.
Asia: local market shifts and global reach
Charlotte Matthew, who leads our Southeast Asia team, describes the past year in APAC as one of shifting dynamics. The region’s complexity means that local market trends can vary significantly. For example, Hong Kong was impacted to some extent by shifting China and US dynamics, while Singapore and Southeast Asia have increasingly become regional hubs for financial services recruitment and executive search.
Cost pressures are driving outsourcing and offshoring, with many multinational companies moving HR functions from higher-cost locations like Singapore and Hong Kong to Malaysia, the Philippines and India. This approach not only manages costs but also expands access to new talent pools, supporting high-performing HR teams.
Demand for executive search is strong, particularly for C-suite roles such as Chief People Officers (CPO) and Chief Human Resources Officers (CHRO). Succession planning is a priority, and centres of excellence (COEs) are busier than ever, reflecting the increasing scope and complexity within HR.
The power of a global network
Frazer Jones’ global network is a key differentiator. Our recruiters are able to source top talent across multiple markets, ensuring clients benefit from both local expertise and global reach. As Charlotte notes, “That’s for the clients that work with us.” Few firms can offer this level of connectivity, which is essential for sourcing the right candidate and supporting the recruitment process from start to finish.
US market: growth in financial services and professional services
Erica Ravich, based in New York, leads our financial services recruitment in the US. She reports a strong year, especially in financial services and professional services. Law firms and alternative asset managers, including private equity, hedge funds and fintech, are driving demand for top-tier HR professionals.
Talent acquisition is a particular focus, signalling wider hiring needs and growth across HR teams. Learning and development (L&D) is also making a comeback, with organisations investing in upskilling and reskilling. The integration of AI is transforming the onboarding process and making L&D more efficient, supporting the development of high-performing teams.
Talent trends: retention, mobility and benchmarking
Across APAC, talent mobility is high. Recent benchmarking data shows that 65% of HR professionals are either seeking new roles or planning to move within the next year. This makes retention a critical focus for employers, who must ensure they are nurturing and engaging their top talent.
In the US, the hiring process is highly competitive. Companies must meet candidates’ expectations on salary and bonuses, with counter-offers increasingly common. Smaller firms often have more flexibility to offer larger bonuses, but all employers need to be proactive and creative to secure the best talent.
Market insight and recruitment solutions
Frazer Jones is committed to providing clients with up-to-date market insight, salary surveys and case studies. Our events bring together HR leaders and rising stars, supporting peer networking, collaboration and connectivity. These initiatives help clients benchmark their employer brand, refine their hiring solutions and stay ahead in a fast-moving market.
Looking ahead: trusted partner for global recruitment
Both Erica and Charlotte agree that the future of global recruitment is about agility, proactive sourcing and leveraging both local expertise and global reach. As operating models evolve and the skills landscape shifts, Frazer Jones is uniquely positioned to support clients with specialist recruitment solutions wherever their business needs take them.
If you have hiring needs in the US, from recruiting coordinator to CHRO, Erica and her team in New York are ready to help. For opportunities across Asia, especially Singapore and Hong Kong, Charlotte and the broader Asia team are happy to help. Our recruiters are passionate about connecting the best talent with the right opportunities, supporting high-performing HR teams and delivering value at every stage of the recruitment process.
