Nexus Bench: an external succession plan for your PCF seats
Every PCF seat, ready.
The risk
A PCF holder resigns. Most firms then find they have no successor, no shortlist and no interim option. Notice, a search and Central Bank approval all follow before anyone new is in the seat.
From Nexus Search's 2026 surveys of firms and PCF professionals:
-
Over half of firms had no named successor for a single PCF role.
-
None had a market map with named external people.
-
Most would be starting from scratch if a PCF holder left suddenly.
-
All PCF holders who responded from firms with under 25 staff had been in touch with the market in the last three months.
What the Central Bank has flagged
A Temporary Officer can cover a vacant PCF role for up to six months, by written arrangement with the Central Bank. If the holder has left for good, the firm has three months to apply for a permanent replacement.
In its April 2026 review of fund management company boards, which it asked all regulated firms to consider, the Central Bank found weak succession plans were often out of date, had no named owner, or were unclear on how they shaped appointments.
What members get
-
A named market map: up to 20 external people across up to 5 PCF roles
-
A refresh of the map every six months
-
An annual board paper on bench strength
-
An annual PCF Readiness Check, so you can track progress
-
First call on interim and Temporary Officer cover
-
Priority scheduling on all searches
Nexus Bench works alongside your internal succession plan, not instead of it.
Your PCF holders are off-limits
While you're a member, Nexus Search won't approach anyone in a mapped seat. If someone from your team gets in touch directly, it's handled in confidence, as it would be for anyone.
Limited places
Membership is capped, so that when you need advice on a hire, a team change or a board question, Paul is available.
Who it's for
Boards and chairs of Central Bank regulated firms, usually with 5 to 15 PCF roles, and firms applying for authorisation. Membership terms are agreed with each firm. Talk to Paul.
Not sure it's for you? Take our PCF Hiring Readiness Assessment and get a complimentary report on your current gaps.
Nexus Bench supports your succession planning. It isn't a compliance service or regulatory advice.