Catalyst Development signs partnership with Lithuania's VGTU University

Catalyst Development, an international consulting firm for the financial services industry, has agreed a strategic alliance with one of Lithuania’s top universities – Vilnius-based VGTU University.

In May this year, Catalyst Development touched down in Lithuania’s market when it opened an office in Vilnius. In the next three years, the fast growing* London-headquartered consulting firm intends to hire around 30 business analysts and consultants in the city to support project delivery for clients including banks, insurance companies, asset / wealth managers, clearing houses, exchanges and institutional investors. The consultancy specialises in regulatory-driven change, organisational improvement, technology and talent development.

Commenting on the decision to pick Lithuania above other options shortlisted [Northern-Ireland (Belfast), Poland (Warsaw) and Ireland (Galway)] for its international expansion, Stephen Loosley, Catalyst’s Managing Director, said back in May: “Vilnius was our clear choice because of its infrastructure, cost-competitiveness and expansive pool of highly educated potential hires with both the skills and the English language proficiency we need.” The move came shortly after Catalyst Development also launched an office in Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands. 

Since launching, the firm’s Vilnius office has “proven to be a valuable addition” said Sean Coote, Head of Catalyst’s local office. Now, “as part of growing our capability to service both local and global clients from this base, we are committed to making a positive contribution to higher education in Lithuania,” explained Coote on the newly announced partnership with VGTU University. The partnership, which is the consulting firm’s first formal partnership with an educational institute in mainland Europe, has been put in place to “accelerate the capabilities and commercial impact” of Catalyst’s consultants.

According to one ranking, the QS World University Rankings, VGTU University is among the top 4% of universities globally. The university currently has ten faculties, 14 research institutes, 33 research laboratories, and two and four research and training centres. The collaboration sees Catalyst providing its support to VGTU’s financial services curriculum and contribute to guest lectures within the business management faculty throughout the year.

“It is a huge honour for Vilnius Gediminas Technical University to start our partnership with Catalyst Development,” remarked Jelena Stankevičienė, Dean of Business Management Faculty at VGTU. 

Besides serving existing clients with consultancy (remote/fly-in), outsourcing and shared services, the Vilnius office also focuses on growing Catalyst’s market share in the Baltic and Nordic regions. 

* See the article ‘Catalyst Development triples headcount in 2017’ for more information (on Consultancy.uk).