Public Finance Blog

As many of our loyal readers know, the blog has not been current, so you’ve been reading “Throwback Thursday” blogs while my wife and I traveled through Europe.  Although we were gone, I continued to keep abreast of the market for the first half of the year.

Below is a synopsis of what I am seeing and hearing in all areas of public finance that we are so fortunate to represent you.

Public Finance Bankers:

For a specialized niche-oriented banker doing anywhere over $800,000 consistently over the last five years (with the exception of the COVID years), the market is looking for you.  Locations are of no importance, but your ability to win your market is.

Analysts:

If you’ve been an analyst for close to five years and have not moved a great deal, there are firms looking for your talent to help mentor you and your growth.  But if you’re moving every couple of years, your candidacy will be suspect.

Underwriters:

The market is consistent, so there are not as many firms looking for underwriters on a regular basis. However, there are sporadic needs that come up, so if you are at least thinking of a move in the future, let’s chat!

Traders:

Same as underwriters. There is not as much desire by the banks as they are content with their current desks. 

Institutional Sales Professionals:

This revolves around your current client list.  If you are a Tier One professional, the likelihood of you finding a new seat is limited since everyone covers your accounts.  If you are Tier Two or Three, seats are definitely available (especially with a trailing twelve over that magic $800,000).

Municipal Financial Advisors:

The story is the same with public finance bankers, but the threshold is lower than $800,000.  The more retained clients you have, the greater the likelihood that another firm is going to want to pick you up.

Compliance Officers:

This is also a hit-or-miss market.  There are openings, but not as many as I’ve seen in the past.  If you have a compliance background, you should definitely be on our radar if you will be pursuing a new home.

Bond Counsels:

The market is demanding you.  There is such a need for bond counsels as I have ever seen.  All levels of counsel are in demand.  Originators as well as transactional attorneys.  There is so much work available, and then you throw in the Silver Tsunami effect on top of that, so firms are looking for experienced counsel.  Some firms are even now presenting a book of clients as retirement nears for senior counsel.  Although only mentioned bond counsel the same goes for the various other counsel in public finance (i.e., underwriters, disclosure, issuers, lenders, etc).

In conclusion, it’s great to be back!  We love chatting with public finance professionals at all levels.  Please know that no conversation is ever a waste from our perspective.  We are the public finance recruiting specialists, and we’re here today for you as well as tomorrow.

Conclusion

You don’t need a resume to chat with us! If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at harlan@hfriedmansearch.com. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Harlan publishes a blog every Thursday here. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. We have also been mentioned in this year’s Forbes, click HERE to read more.  

About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all levels Public Finance Bankers, Healthcare Bankers, Municipal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels.