Case Study

PROBLEM

Canaccord Genuity retained DES to lead a highly-specialized investment banking search in the wake of a strong SPAC and structured products market, with transaction opportunities developing in both Canada and the US. This role fell within the Financial Institutions Group and was a direct report of the Group Head.

The unique nature of this role required candidates who were both technically strong and personable, given the high degree of client interaction in the role. From a fit standpoint, we required collegial and collaborative team players who possessed an entrepreneurial mindset and a nimbleness to succeed in CGCM’s more creative, open and flexible environment.

APPROACH

DES conducted this search by targeting candidates at Canadian investment banks, as well as investment bankers who work at the Canadian subsidiary offices of the various US-based and other global investment banks who operate in Canada. The search for candidates included those who were part of Structured Equity Finance and Structured Product Groups (ie: within IB teams or on Cross-Asset Solutions / Trading Products teams). In addition to this cohort, DES focused on candidates from M&A backgrounds, given the nuanced nature of SPACs and the need for extensive transaction experience, versatility across sectors, resilience and creativity.

The team was drawn to highly-intelligent, technically-strong candidates, who were experienced in leading structured transactions, and who had the commercial instincts to see where new opportunities may abound.