The digital asset market in Ireland has experienced significant growth over the past few years. With more crypto exchanges establishing a presence and expanding their headcount, the talent pool for professionals with crypto-specific experience is steadily increasing. However, while the availability of candidates with relevant experience has improved, companies must remain realistic about their expectations. In this blog, I’ll share insights into the evolving crypto talent landscape in Ireland and explain why trust and a targeted approach are crucial when hiring in this space. Be sure to check out the accompanying video where Paul Smyth from Nexus Search discusses this topic in greater detail.
Watch the Video
In the accompanying video, Paul Smyth of Nexus Search shares his insights into the Irish digital asset market and offers expert advice on how to navigate the challenges of hiring top talent in this space. He explores the role of trust in the hiring process and explains how Nexus Search can help you build a strong and capable team in the rapidly evolving world of crypto.
The Growing Talent Pool in Crypto
As Ireland's digital asset market matures, the number of professionals with direct experience in crypto has naturally increased. Several exchanges based in Ireland have grown significantly, creating more opportunities for people to gain experience in the sector. That said, while the talent pool is expanding, it’s still not large enough to guarantee that you’ll be able to attract someone with niche crypto experience for every senior role.
Traditionally, when crypto firms were starting out in Ireland, they often looked to regulated financial services industries to source talent. Fund administration firms, fund managers, and more recently, traded market firms, have been prime areas for recruitment. These industries provided candidates with experience working with the Central Bank of Ireland and other regulatory bodies, as well as a strong track record of building teams and functions from the ground up.
How the Hiring Landscape is Changing
While many early crypto companies in Ireland relied on hiring talent from adjacent financial sectors, the landscape has changed. The pool of candidates with direct digital asset experience has grown, but it’s still important to approach hiring in this space with a sense of caution. Finding the right talent is about more than just crypto experience—it’s about ensuring that the candidate has the right mix of regulatory knowledge, experience building new teams or departments, and the ability to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry.
For businesses entering or expanding in the crypto space, trust remains a vital component of the hiring process. Given the high-risk nature of some digital asset companies, top talent will always perform due diligence before considering a new role. The key to attracting these individuals lies in building trust, not just with the company itself, but also through trusted intermediaries who can vouch for the integrity and vision of the business.
Trust and the Power of Relationships
One of the challenges that companies in the digital asset market face is that potential hires will naturally be cautious about joining a new or relatively unknown firm. A direct approach from an unfamiliar business might not be enough to attract top candidates. However, an introduction from a trusted executive search firm like Nexus Search can make a world of difference.
When candidates trust the person reaching out to them, they’re far more likely to engage in a meaningful conversation about the opportunity. This is especially true in the digital asset market, where trust and transparency are paramount. As Paul Smyth, Managing Partner of Nexus Search, notes in the video accompanying this blog, trust is everything in executive search, particularly in emerging industries like digital assets.
Conclusion
The digital asset market in Ireland is growing, and while the talent pool is expanding, hiring the right senior executives requires more than just casting a wide net. You need to engage with passive talent, build trust, and have a clear understanding of the market dynamics at play. That’s where Nexus Search comes in. With nearly 20 years of experience in FinTech executive search and financial services executive search, Paul Smyth and his team are well-positioned to help you attract the best talent in the crypto space.
If you’re setting up a new operation in Ireland’s digital asset market or expanding an existing one, contact Nexus Search today to learn how we can help you find the top talent you need.
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