Asia’s Private Equity Firms Intensify Talent Hunt Amid USD260bn Deployment Pressure

Private equity firms across Asia are intensifying their search for talent as they face mounting pressure to deploy USD260bn in uninvested capital. Unlike the aggressive hiring practices seen in the US, Asian firms remain selective, typically recruiting candidates with several years of investment banking experience or elite MBAs. In hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore, PE firms maintain lean teams, favouring strategic hiring over volume. Despite this, the appeal of higher compensation, more flexible work culture, and direct deal exposure continues to attract junior bankers. Banks, including Standard Chartered, are responding by strengthening recruitment pipelines to stay competitive in this growing war for junior talent.