In today’s fast-moving capital markets, banks and fintechs in Hong Kong and Singapore are under constant pressure to upgrade systems, stay compliant, and keep trading operations stable. But when a new hiring need comes up, line managers often ask the same question:

“Do I need an Application Support specialist, a Developer, a Business Analyst, or a Project Manager?”

Each of these roles is critical — but they serve very different purposes. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which role your team really needs.

1. Application Support — Keeping Trading Systems Running

When to hire:

• Your trading or risk systems suffer frequent downtime or performance issues.
• Traders and middle office staff complain about delays in resolving issues.

What they do:

• Monitor and troubleshoot front and middle office systems.
• Act as the bridge between IT and business users.
• Ensure minimal downtime and fast problem resolution.

Best for: Line managers who need stability and responsiveness in production systems.

2. Developers — Building and Improving Trading Platforms

When to hire:

• You’re upgrading trading platforms, OMS, or risk engines.
• You need new system functionality, automation, or integration.

What they do:

• Design, code, and maintain trading and financial applications.
• Work with protocols like FIX and low-latency development.
• Innovate for fintech platforms in payments, wealth, or risk.

Best for: Line managers who need new features, customizations, or performance improvements in capital market systems.

3. Business Analysts — Bridging Business and IT

When to hire:

• You’re launching a regulatory or risk project.
• Requirements are unclear, and you need someone to translate business needs for IT teams.

What they do:

• Gather requirements from business stakeholders.
• Document workflows and system impacts.
• Ensure compliance and risk processes are embedded in IT delivery.

Best for: Line managers who need clarity and alignment between operations, compliance, and IT teams.

4. Project Managers — Driving Change and Transformation

When to hire:

• You have a major system rollout, regulatory program, or transformation initiative.
• Multiple teams, vendors, and deadlines are involved.

What they do:

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver large-scale projects.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and stakeholders.
• Ensure regulatory deadlines or transformation goals are met.

Best for: Line managers who need governance and delivery discipline for critical projects.

Quick Decision Guide

Final Thoughts

The right hire depends on your immediate business challenge. If it’s system stability, go for Application Support. If you need new builds, hire Developers. For clarity between business and IT, a Business Analyst is key. And if you’re driving transformation, a Project Manager will ensure it happens.

 At Unity Partners, we help line managers across Hong Kong and Singapore identify the exact role they need — and then deliver the talent quickly. If you’re unsure which role is right for your team, reach out to us today for a consultation.