Executives in the financial services industry are among the most optimistic in the world in their response to the credit crisis, despite the decimation of many banks and institutions, according to a new survey, with merger and acquisition and hiring opportunities top of their agenda.

In a survey of 1,424 executives from all regions and industries, carried out by management consultant McKinsey, the financial services industry was deemed the most likely of the four sectors quizzed to hire talent that otherwise would have been unavailable, and second most likely to seek M&A opportunities.