January 20, 2026

Why Finance and PE Firms Win Top EAs

You have lost another perfect candidate to a Mayfair boutique, and you need to know why.

It’s a frustrating reality of EA to CEO recruitment in London: professional services firms and corporate HQs are consistently outmanoeuvred by the finance and private equity (PE) sector. You offer stability, a great brand, and a competitive salary, yet the most ambitious Executive Assistants (EAs) continue to flock to hedge funds and investment houses. Understanding the mechanics of this talent migration is the only way to stop the drain and start competing effectively.

Key Takeaways

Finance and PE firms win top EAs by offering compensation structures that include significant, performance-related bonuses rarely seen in other sectors.
EA to CEO recruitment in London is driven by the desire for strategic influence, with finance roles often acting as proxy decision-makers.
Private equity EAs enjoy faster access to the C-suite, bypassing the hierarchical layers common in traditional corporate structures.
Professional services hiring can compete by restructuring role scope and offering clear pathways to Chief of Staff positions.

Why do finance and private equity firms attract top EAs?

Finance and private equity firms attract top EAs by positioning the role as a commercial enabler rather than a cost center. In these high-stakes environments, the EA is viewed as a critical lever for the principal’s efficiency, directly impacting the firm's bottom line. This perception translates into a culture of high respect and autonomy, which is magnetically attractive to senior-level support staff who want to be treated as business partners.

How do compensation and bonus structures compare?

Compensation and bonus structures compare starkly, with finance firms using variable pay to lock in talent. While a corporate role might offer a [Insert Standard Bonus %] bonus, a private equity EA can often expect discretionary bonuses ranging from [Insert PE Bonus % Range] of their base salary in a good exit year. This "golden handcuff" model means that even if you match the base salary, the total compensation package in finance remains superior.

Why is access to senior decision-makers crucial?

Access to senior decision-makers is crucial because it allows the EA to operate with genuine authority. In a small PE house, the EA sits outside the door of the decision-maker and often manages investor relations or deal logistics. This contrasts with larger corporates where an EA might report into an Office Manager or HR function. For candidates seeking strategic impact, our guide on Chief of Staff vs. Executive Assistant highlights why this proximity is a key differentiator.

Which sectors pay EAs the most?

The sectors that pay EAs the most are consistently Alternative Investments (Hedge Funds, Private Equity) and Boutique Investment Banks. These firms require 24/7 availability and often demand that EAs manage complex personal lives alongside professional duties, paying a premium for this total immersion.

How does Finance compare to professional services?

Finance compares favourably to professional services by offering higher ceilings for earning potential. In law or accountancy firms, bands often cap EA salaries regardless of individual impact. Finance roles are more likely to break these bands to secure a specific individual, viewing the cost as negligible compared to the risk of the CEO being unsupported. Read more about Winning the Talent War to see how you can counter this.

What are the Private equity pay benchmarks?

Private equity pay benchmarks typically sit significantly above the general London average. While we cannot quote live figures here without a market audit, candidates moving from commerce to PE often see a base salary uplift of 20%. This premium reflects the intensity of the sector and the requirement for faultless execution under pressure.

Can other sectors compete for senior EAs?

Yes, other sectors can compete for senior EAs, but they must compete on lifestyle, culture, and role evolution. Many senior EAs eventually seek to exit the "burnout culture" of finance and look for roles that offer intellectual challenge without the relentless hours.

How does redesigning EA roles and scope help?

Redesigning EA roles helps by offering the one thing finance often cannot: breadth. You can structure a role that includes project management, sustainability leadership, or internal communications - areas often siloed in finance firms. By defining the difference between Executive Assistant vs. Personal Assistant duties and expanding the strategic remit, you attract talent looking for professional growth, not just a pay cheque.

Why are long-term progression and retention key?

Long-term progression is key because finance EA roles can become static. Once you support the Managing Partner, there is often nowhere else to go. Corporations can offer rotations, secondments, and pathways into Operations or HR. Highlighting these opportunities during the interview process is a powerful tool for London market retention.

How to Compete with Finance and PE for Top EAs

Step 1: Audit your total reward package.

Calculate the value of your non-cash benefits. Generous pension contributions, hybrid working options, and wellbeing allowances can bridge the gap when presented as a "Total Reward" figure.

Step 2: Elevate the job title and description.

If you want a strategic partner, do not advertise for a "Team Assistant." Use language that implies autonomy, and consider titles like "Executive Business Partner" to signal seniority.

Step 3: Leverage your "Purpose" and ESG credentials.

Many candidates are increasingly motivated by values. If your firm has a strong sustainability or social impact story, front-load this in your pitch. Finance firms often struggle to compete on this emotional engagement level.

Step 4: Move at the speed of the market.

Finance firms hire quickly. If your process takes 6 weeks, you will lose. Streamline your interviews to match the agility of your competitors.

FAQs

Which sectors pay EAs the most?

The alternative investment sectors, specifically Private Equity and Hedge Funds, pay EAs the most in the London market.

Why do EAs prefer finance firms?

EAs prefer finance firms for the high compensation, direct access to C-suite decision-makers, and the prestige associated with the brands.

Can other sectors compete with finance salaries?

It is difficult to compete on cash alone, but other sectors can compete by offering superior work-life balance, benefits, and role diversity.

Do finance EAs work longer hours?

Yes, finance EAs typically work significantly longer hours, often including 24/7 availability for global deal execution.

Is equity or carry common for EAs in PE?

It is becoming more common for ultra-senior EAs in Private Equity to receive a small allocation of carry or equity, though this is not standard for all roles.

What is the main reason EAs leave finance?

The main reason EAs leave finance is burnout and a desire for a role that allows for a more sustainable work-life balance.

How fast is the hiring process in Private Equity?

The hiring process in Private Equity is extremely fast, often concluding within 1-2 weeks to secure top talent before competitors can react.

You don't need a hedge fund budget to hire hedge fund talent; you need a smarter value proposition. Contact Morgan Spencer to access our network of elite EAs who are ready to make a move for the right opportunity.

Author Bio

Margaret George is a specialist recruiter at Morgan Spencer with 21 years of experience in the London market, primarily serving FTSE 250 clients. She has successfully managed national branch networks and delivered complex on-site, interim, and permanent resourcing solutions. Her expertise lies in building high-performing, dedicated teams that drive business success through strategic talent alignment.

For GDPR compliance, none of the data from this form is stored on this website.

View our privacy policy

Why Finance and PE Firms Win Top EAs