Nicoll Curtin Technology, the banking technology recruitment consultancy, has been awarded the Cantonal and Federal licences needed to trade directly with clients in Switzerland.

The company’s European division has been in operation since May 2008 delivering technology contractors to investment and private banks in Switzerland, and a Swiss registered company was set up in 2010. 

Due to strict Swiss laws governing how non-Swiss companies operate, business to date has involved third parties such as brokers and intermediary companies. 

Lawrence Hargreaves, managing director of Nicoll Curtin, says: “Now that we have a registered company and licences to trade in Switzerland, we can offer a more flexible service. By working directly with our clients, we can deliver more attractive rates, reduce processing time for contractors and ultimately win more business.”

This is the first phase in Nicoll Curtin’s plans to expand its Swiss operation. Currently, hiring is almost exclusively for IT contractors within investment banking, private banking, energy and commodities trading. 

With the increase in freedom that registered company status and the corresponding licences bring, the company plans to grow by increasing delivery to existing clients, adding new clients to its portfolio and developing the permanent hires part of the business.