Frist Quarter results IRI were on average 12% over the final quarter of 2010 and all indications were that the year would continue to produce positive results however all business have taken a somewhat cautious approach to Asia. “With China’s potential for an asset bubble, Asian companies are cautiously optimistic” said Mr. Sloan, Group Managing Director.

Data from the group would indicate that there is still a shortage of qualified talent in the Singapore and Hong Kong markets with the average professional level job being open for up to 60 days before a candidate is found. Mr. Sloan commented that “Companies are realizing there is limited amount of qualified talent in Asia and that talent is in strong demand. Candidates are more selective about the roles they take and are taking longer for recruiters to convince about moving. It is definitely not a Company market right now as it might be in the USA or Europe and companies are struggling at times to understand that when Headquarters is outside of Asia”.

IRI Group expects to maintain growth through the remainder of this year but expects that the market will plateau in 2012 at which point they expect to see their mergers and advisory business start to accelerate as many of the smaller niche operators attempt to create some scale by bring similar firms together to better fend off the larger global players who are entering Asia at a rapid pace.