Latest news headlines on Australian labour market
From hiring challenges and talent shortages to salary trends across investment management and superannuation, Keegan Adams is at the forefront of conversations shaping the financial services, corporate services, and technology and transformation sectors. Drawing on insights from our latest 2026 State of the Workplace report, our team regularly contributes expert commentary and market intelligence to…
Published on June 3, 2026
From hiring challenges and talent shortages to salary trends across investment management and superannuation, Keegan Adams is at the forefront of conversations shaping the financial services, corporate services, and technology and transformation sectors.
Drawing on insights from our latest 2026 State of the Workplace report, our team regularly contributes expert commentary and market intelligence to leading industry publications.
The articles below highlight some of the key trends influencing employers and professionals across the industry. To learn more about the findings behind these insights, you can request a copy of the full report below.
The ‘huge pressure’ driving super CEO movements Super Review
A wave of CEO departures across Australia’s superannuation sector reflects the mounting pressure on fund leaders to deliver large-scale transformation under increasingly demanding conditions.
Super Review turned to Keegan Adams Managing Director Claire Tate for insights into the shift. Claire explained how the role itself has changed dramatically — with leaders now required to navigate regulatory complexity, investment internalisation, mergers, and technology transformation simultaneously, regardless of fund size. At larger funds, leaders face public scrutiny and complex internal frameworks. At smaller funds, the same pressures apply but with far fewer resources.
And with movement comes competition for a limited pool of experienced talent. “Anytime there’s movement, it’s poaching season,” Claire said — noting that suitable candidates for these roles are finite, given the breadth of experience required. Some senior executives are taking on roles for fixed periods to complete specific projects before moving on, further tightening an already constrained market.
Employers Report Hiring Challenges in a ‘Polarised’ Labour Market Human Resources Director
Human Resources Director magazine covered insights from the Keegan Adam’s report, highlighting the growing complexity in Australia’s financial services recruitment market, with 91% of employers saying it is just as difficult or more difficult to find quality candidates than it was a year ago. While specialist talent remains in high demand, many jobseekers are finding the market increasingly challenging to navigate.
The article notes our view that the labour market has become more “polarised”, with employers placing greater emphasis on highly specific skills and experience, while competition for opportunities has intensified for many candidates. The findings reinforce the importance of targeted recruitment strategies and proactive talent engagement in today’s evolving market.
How Much Are Australia’s Top Super Portfolio Managers Earning? Super Review
Super Review magazine covers the latest research from the 2025/2026 Keegan Adams Financial Services Talent and Employment Report, which highlights the continued strength of remuneration across Australia’s superannuation investment sector, despite broader wage growth remaining subdued.
According to the report, portfolio managers within super funds are earning between $220,000 and $350,000 in base salary, with bonus opportunities of up to 50% of salary. Demand also remains strong for investment analysts, ESG specialists and governance professionals as funds navigate increasing regulatory, compliance and investment complexity.
The findings reflect the ongoing competition for experienced investment talent and the critical role specialist professionals play in managing Australia’s growing superannuation sector.
How do public and private market salaries compare? Money Management
As private markets continue to attract significant investor interest, new research from Keegan Adams highlights a growing salary divide between professionals working across public and private investment markets, reports Money Management.
According to the latest findings, investment professionals in private markets are generally commanding higher remuneration packages than their public markets counterparts, reflecting strong demand for specialised expertise across private equity, infrastructure, credit and alternative investments. The report also examines whether making the move between sectors is financially worthwhile, with compensation, bonus structures and long-term career opportunities all playing a role in candidate decision-making.
The trend underscores the evolving talent landscape within funds management, as firms compete for experienced professionals capable of navigating increasingly complex investment environments.
To download a full copy of the 2026 State of the Workplace Report complete this form:
Published on June 3, 2026
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