Duncan Gilbert

Specialist Area

I lead our Japan team specialising in Legal & Compliance, Corporate Governance, Risk Management, Audit and Actuarial Services across multiple industries, with an emphasis on financial services:
- Investment Banking & Capital Markets
- Global Markets
- Corporate & Commercial Banking
- Insurance (P&C, Life, Reinsurance, and Intermediaries)
- Fintech and Digital Assets (PSP, BNPL, MSB, Online Brokers, VASP/CEX, BaaS, Neobanks)

My Advice

Consider early on where your flexibility lies. It's easy to picture what would be optimal, but the reality is the unicorn job or candidate might not come along when it best suits, and timing is everything in a competitive job market. Jobseekers and hiring managers should be adaptable and prepared in advance for alternative options, which will make their respective experiences less arduous and more structured.

My Background

Originally from the UK, I started my recruitment career in Sydney before moving to Morgan McKinley Japan in 2018 to help grow our compliance, risk management and internal audit desk supporting financial services. In the subsequent years we have expanded our coverage to include legal and other industries. After a two year stint at Morgan Stanley in Sydney within internal talent acquisition I relocated back to Tokyo in 2024 and rejoined Morgan McKinley.