Welcome back to Phoenix Search’s quarterly newsletter.

As a premier executive search Ireland partner, we are delighted to bring you the most recent events that are shaping the Fund Services and Fund Sales landscape in the US and globally.

Q2 2025 has proven to be a dynamic period, marked by considerable digital innovation, transformative transactions, and numerous high-profile appointments across international platforms. Common among these developments are the theme of expansion, technology incorporation, and taking a leadership stance particularly in the US.

Digital Innovation Takes Centre Stage

Continuing the trend from previous periods, businesses pushed their technology investments forward, particularly in areas such as investor onboarding, subscription automation, and data-driven reporting. These improvements reflect the ongoing digital progression in commitment to operational performance and growth implementation, positioning these businesses as strategic partners in the global leadership hiring strategy.

Blockchain and ESG on the Rise

Tokenisation and readiness for blockchain are picking up investment interest, with strategic commitments like Apex’s acquisition of Tokeny indicating the expanding organisational enthusiasm for blockchain-native fund infrastructure. Concurrently, private capital managers are amplifying their ESG-aligned ventures, with administration services being customised for better transparency and reporting to meet growing demand and affirming Phoenix Search insights about these emerging trends.

Reinforcing Leadership in the U.S.

The U.S. manifested a noteworthy surge in senior executive appointments in both commercial and operations across fund platforms. This trend showcases the long-term commitment to the market and client delivery, reinforcing the need for superior executive search partners and emphasising the role of CFO hiring partners in the UK and beyond.

Substantive Strategic Developments in Q2 2025

Several significant strategies unfolded during this quarter. Apex’s acquisition of Flow (FTS Tech Inc.) launched them into the private markets’ landscape, while their entry into Australian retirement tech market via Iress Superannuation demonstrated diversification ambitions. Meanwhile, Vistra’s acquisition of iiPay elevated their position in the global payroll providers’ arena, strengthening cross-border abilities. This period also marked Income Equality Quotient – EQ (IQ-EQ) and Ocorian’s impactful expansion in Australia/NZ and the U.S.

Senior Leadership Appointments – C-Suite, MD & Head of (Q2 2025)

This quarter delivered a wave of high-impact hires across strategic, operational, and commercial leadership roles:

United States & Americas

Notable appointments during Q2 2025 included among others:

• Terry Connors as EVP, Fund Services for Ultimus Fund Solutions, leading fund accounting, tax, and compliance.
• Nicholas Ablahani as MD, Head of Retail Alternatives Admin for Ultimus Fund Solutions, overseeing the servicing of interval funds and BDCs.

Global / Europe & APAC

Important appointments in Q2 2025 in these regions included:

• Regina Gannon as Global CBDO for Apex Group, taking charge of U.S. growth strategy in Q2.
• Kim Jenkins as Global CEO for Vistra, previously CEO of Tricor Group.

Phoenix Perspective – The Strategic Lens

Phoenix Search discerns the growing shift towards digital approaches, amplified by the adoption of blockchain technologies, and the consolidation of services marked by key acquisitions and mergers in the fund and corporate services sectors. Advancing tech investment, coupled with scaling up operations in key markets, could redefine industry standards and expectations in the coming years.

It’s also worth noting the surge in high-profile appointments in Q2 2025, with senior roles being filled in strategic, operational, and commercial leadership areas across the U.S. and globally. These appointments highlight the critical role of not just hiring leaders, but acquiring those that can helm the transformation journey these global platforms are undertaking.

A Strategic Conclusion

Q2 2025 underlines the rapid digitalisation in the fund services and sales sectors, with scale, technology incorporation, commercial leadership, and strategic acquisitions being the driving forces. Phoenix Search expects the trend towards digital advancement and ESG adoption to grow, creating opportunities for businesses to ride this momentum while also posing challenges for those slow to adapt.

We recognise this swift evolution and the critical role of executive talent in navigating this landscape. As your trusted PE-backed scale-up executive team and global leadership hiring strategy consultant, Phoenix Search is committed to equipping businesses to succeed amidst these transitions.