The financial industry is built on speed, precision, and compliance. At the heart of this ecosystem lies Order Management System (OMS) technology, which enables firms to execute trades efficiently, maintain regulatory compliance, and manage portfolios with accuracy.
However, as markets evolve and trading volumes surge, OMS platforms are becoming more sophisticated – integrating AI, automation, and predictive analytics to optimise decision-making. This shift presents both an opportunity and a challenge: firms must ensure their technology stack evolves alongside their workforce.
The right OMS talent is now just as critical as the right technology. Professionals with expertise in platform integration, API connectivity, and algorithmic trading strategies are in high demand. But finding and retaining these specialists requires a fresh approach to talent acquisition and engagement.
The Complex Ecosystem of Financial Platforms
As trading volumes increase and regulatory demands tighten, OMS platforms have evolved to provide seamless integration with other financial tools.
Some of the most widely used solutions include Aladdin by BlackRock, a market-leading platform managing over $21.6 trillion in assets, offering portfolio management, risk analytics, and trade execution. Charles River IMS by State Street is another major player, providing a fully integrated solution for portfolio modelling, compliance, and post-trade processing, making it a trusted choice for institutional investors and hedge funds.
For firms requiring real-time market connectivity, Bloomberg AIM is a natural fit, linking seamlessly with Bloomberg’s data ecosystem to support multi-asset trading, pre-trade compliance, and risk monitoring. Large-scale asset managers often turn to SimCorp Dimension, a front-to-back investment management system that enables multi-asset trading, risk management, and accounting, with extensive scalability. Meanwhile, Eze OMS (SS&C Eze) is particularly valued for its user-friendly interface and integration with Execution Management Systems (EMS), making it ideal for mid-sized and large asset managers.
Beyond core functionality, OMS platforms are embracing AI and automation to optimise decision-making and efficiency. According to McKinsey, AI-driven financial systems can reduce logistics costs by 15%, cut inventory levels by 35%, and boost operational efficiency by 65%, a shift that is redefining modern trading. Seamless integration with EMS, risk management tools, and regulatory reporting solutions further ensures firms remain compliant while executing trades with greater speed and accuracy.
The Talent Challenge: Finding the Right Fit for OMS Roles
As automation accelerates and regulatory scrutiny tightens, demand for OMS specialists has soared. Firms need professionals who can navigate complex platforms, ensure compliance, and optimise execution strategies – but finding them is another challenge entirely.
Consider a global asset manager adopting a new OMS platform to streamline execution across multiple asset classes. The transition should be seamless, but a key issue arises: the firm’s trading desk relies on manual order routing, while compliance teams struggle to integrate real-time risk monitoring. Without an expert who understands FIX protocol, API integration, and multi-asset order workflows, the entire system risks inefficiency, increased costs, and potential regulatory breaches.
Specialists with platform expertise, coding skills (Python, SQL), and risk management knowledge are essential, yet in short supply. It’s been evident for a while – a 2023 report from Hays Salary Guide found that the largest talent gap for financial firms is technology. Many finance professionals have deep market knowledge but lack the technical expertise to adapt to modern OMS platforms, leaving firms caught between legacy experience and emerging fintech requirements.
Bridging this gap means rethinking talent acquisition strategies, ensuring firms attract professionals who can seamlessly integrate technology with trading expertise.
How We Navigate OMS Talent Acquisition
Finding skilled OMS professionals requires more than just traditional hiring methods. As firms compete for specialists who understand platform integration, API connectivity, and regulatory compliance, a targeted, fintech-specific recruitment strategy is essential.
At OFS, we specialise in sourcing and assessing OMS talent, ensuring firms connect with professionals who have both technical expertise and financial acumen. But hiring alone isn’t enough. We leverage our industry network, building relationships in niche talent communities, and advising firms on how to strengthen their employer brand – ensuring they attract top-tier OMS professionals.
The talent shortage also means firms can’t just hire their way out of the problem – investment in upskilling is critical. Leading asset managers have introduced structured training programmes to help finance professionals develop OMS and EMS expertise, from mastering FIX protocol to learning automation tools like Python and SQL. Internal training and mentorship can also help bridge the gap between legacy finance roles and tech-driven OMS specialists.
By combining targeted recruitment, network-driven outreach, and structured upskilling, firms can attract and retain the specialist talent they need to optimise their trading infrastructure.
Retention Strategies: Keeping OMS Talent Engaged
Hiring top OMS talent is only half the challenge – keeping them engaged is just as critical. In a market where demand outweighs supply, firms must create an environment where specialists feel challenged, valued, and invested in the future.
Access to cutting-edge financial technologies is key. OMS professionals want to work with the latest automation tools, AI-driven analytics, and advanced trading systems. Firms that cultivate a culture of continuous learning not only retain top talent but also future-proof their operations.
Career progression also plays a crucial role. Structured leadership pathways, mentorship, and skill development programmes help OMS professionals see a long-term future within a firm. Without clear opportunities for advancement, they will look elsewhere.
Finally, competitive compensation and flexibility are no longer perks – they’re expectations. Firms that offer hybrid working, performance-driven rewards, and personalised career growth plans will attract and retain the specialists who keep their trading infrastructure ahead of the curve.
In financial services, technology evolves fast – but talent moves even faster. The firms that win in this landscape aren’t just the ones with the best OMS platforms, but the ones with the right people to harness them. Without skilled professionals who can optimise workflows, integrate AI-driven tools, and ensure seamless execution, even the most advanced systems fall short.
At OFS, we don’t just help firms fill roles, but build a future-proof OMS talent strategy. Speak to us today and ensure your firm is ready for what’s next.
