Talent acquisition in fintech is becoming increasingly challenging as Generation Z’s requirements are more demanding than ever, making recruitment efforts more difficult. fintechview presents Evi Odiatou is the Director and Partner at HRUS Partners, a leading recruitment agency specializing in talent acquisition for the fintech industry. Read all about it in this exclusive interview.
HRUS Partners specializes in fintech talent acquisition. What inspired you to focus on this niche, and how does it set you apart from other recruitment agencies?
We’re witnessing a revolution in financial technology that’s reshaping the way we do business and interact with money. Fintech is one of the most dynamic and transformative industries of our time. When we launched HRUS Partners, we recognized a critical gap: while fintech companies were innovating at speed, many struggled to secure talent that combined deep technical expertise with an understanding of complex regulatory frameworks. By focusing exclusively on fintech, we bring a nuanced understanding of the industry’s unique challenges and opportunities. This specialization sets us apart from traditional recruitment firms. We don’t just fill roles—we strategically build high-performing fintech teams that drive innovation and are equipped for long-term success.
HRUS has a strong presence in Cyprus and Seychelles. Why are these markets so important for fintech, and how do you support clients operating there?
Cyprus and Seychelles have emerged as vibrant fintech hubs, offering unique opportunities for growth, innovation, and international connectivity. Our deep local expertise and understanding of the regulatory and cultural landscapes in both regions allows us to guide clients and provide tailored solutions for companies expanding or operating here. We complement this with our global network, connecting organizations to top-tier fintech talent across borders. This combination of local insight and international reach gives our clients a distinct competitive edge in scaling and succeeding in these markets.
How do you balance the needs of clients with the career growth aspirations of candidates?
For us, people are at the heart of every success story. We see recruitment not just as filling roles, but as building meaningful partnerships. With clients, we take time to understand their culture, goals, and long-term vision. With candidates, we focus on their aspirations, skills, and potential. By aligning these two sides, we create sustainable matches where both organizations and individuals can thrive. That’s what makes our approach unique—and impactful.
Fintech is one of the fastest-evolving industries. How does HRUS Partners stay ahead of trends to ensure clients access the right talent at the right time?
Adaptability and foresight are key in fintech. At HRUS Partners, we constantly monitor industry trends—from blockchain and digital banking to regtech and payments innovation. We engage with fintech leaders, attend key global events, and keep close to the regulatory and technological shifts shaping the industry. This proactive approach ensures our clients aren’t just reacting to talent needs—they’re prepared for them. We deliver forward-thinking solutions that keep businesses competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
What role do your mission and values play in shaping your recruitment strategies?
Our mission is to empower organizations by connecting them with the right talent, and our values are the foundation of how we achieve that. Integrity means being transparent and ethical in every interaction. Collaboration means working closely with our partners to understand their unique needs, their culture, and the way they do things. Innovation means staying ahead in how we source, assess, and engage talent, particularly in fintech. These values guide every decision we make, ensuring we deliver excellence not just in results but in the way we build long-term, trusted partnerships. Our core values are based on the professional development of each organization’s manpower, as well as ensuring the best service for the individuals.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for HRUS Partners and its contribution to the global fintech ecosystem?
Our vision is to become the leading talent acquisition partner for fintech companies in Cyprus, Seychelles, and beyond. We want to be known not just as recruiters, but as trusted advisors who contribute to innovation, growth, and organizational excellence across the fintech ecosystem. By connecting the right people with the right opportunities, we play a direct role in shaping the future of fintech. Ultimately, our goal is to help organizations achieve their maximum potential and growth —with people at the center of every success.
Gen Z is entering the workforce with unique expectations around technology, flexibility, and purpose. How is HRUS Partners adapting talent strategies in the fintech sector to attract, engage, and retain this generation, and what lessons can other companies learn from your approach?
Gen Z is reshaping the workforce—they’re tech-savvy, purpose-driven, and thrive in fast-moving, innovative spaces like fintech. Flexibility, meaningful work, and having their voices heard matter to them, but so does stability and growth.
At HRUS Partners, we focus on listening to what drives them and creating cultures where they can grow, contribute, and feel ownership in their work. Attracting talent is only half the battle—it’s about keeping them engaged and supported.
A big part of that is employee wellbeing. When people feel supported physically, mentally, and emotionally, they’re more productive, more engaged, and more likely to stay. For fintech organizations, embracing these values isn’t just a trend—it’s how you build the teams that will drive the future of work.
What advice would you give to young people who want to build a career in the fintech industry?
My advice is to stay curious, adaptable, and proactive. Fintech is constantly evolving, and the most successful professionals are those who embrace change and commit to lifelong learning. Build strong foundations in both finance and technology, but also focus on soft skills—communication, problem-solving, and adaptability which are just as valuable. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take opportunities outside your comfort zone. At HRUS Partners, we believe in the potential of young talent, and we are committed to connecting ambitious individuals with organizations that will challenge them, help them grow, and give them a platform to succeed globally.
Why is outsourcing HR often a better option than managing it fully in-house?
Outsourcing HR allows companies to concentrate on their core business while leaving HR processes in the hands of specialists. For fast-growing fintech firms, in particular, the regulatory landscape and talent market are complex and constantly evolving. Outsourcing provides access to expertise, scalable solutions, and cost efficiencies that are often hard to achieve in-house. Finding the right talent is not easy — I can assure you it requires time, effort, and resources. By outsourcing recruitment, companies can tap into a global talent pool and reach professionals with diverse backgrounds and experience.
Read the full interview at fintechview digital magazine #6 issue (p16)
Who is Who
Evi Odiatou is the Director and Partner at HRUS Partners, a leading recruitment agency specializing in talent acquisition for the fintech industry. Evi holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Birmingham and Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Political Science from the University of Cyprus. In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive fintech landscape, Evi thrives on the challenge of identifying, attracting, and securing top-tier talent. Her people-first approach and commitment to excellence have enabled her to build lasting partnerships between cutting-edge fintech companies and exceptional professionals worldwide. For the last 15 years Evi is actively involved in NGOs supporting different initiatives especially dedicated to young people.