ZRG Partners Global Equipment Leasing and Asset Finance Hiring Index showed an 11% increase in global hiring demand, ending Q1 at 67.2. While the United States showed the biggest gain this quarter with an increase in 20% over Q4, some spots in Europe are also posting signs of growing hiring requirements.

The UK region was another big gainer for the quarter, posting an 18% gain in demand. France was also part of the story. After bottoming out in Q3, France is starting to show new life for lending and leasing talent. Austerity could be giving way to opportunity.

Offsetting for the growth in the U.S. and Europe, the BRIC countries showed another quarter of decline, posting four straight periods of reduced demand for talent In the leasing and lending skillsets. The general slowdown in Brazil, coupled with the Russian instability could be dampening enthusiasm for growth plans in these two markets. China also showed less need for talent. The only positive trend in hiring amongst the BRIC’s was India, which bucked the trend. South America dipped as a category, although individually Mexico and Chile both were slightly higher this quarter from end of year demand figures.

To review the full Global Leasing and Asset Finance Hiring Index Q1 2014 report, click here.

ZRG Partners, Inc. is a global executive search and human capital management firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG Partners has served clients for over a decade across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe.