More IPO aspirants are reaching out to IR agencies, prompting these firms to expand their teams and seek professionals with specialised skill setsInvestor relations professionals say that initiatives spearheaded by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Exchange are significant catalysts, reshaping market sentiment and activity across the board. PHOTO: TAY CHU YI, BT[SINGAPORE] Investor relations (IR) agencies are looking to expand their teams amid growing demand for their services, with an eye on specialised skill sets. This is as initial public offering (IPO) momentum picks up, alongside a rise in capital-raising activity and improving market conditions. The investor and public relations firm has increased its headcount in client-facing and strategic advisory roles by around 20 per cent over the past 12 months. Earlier this year, it advised on two Catalist IPOs – those of Dezign Format and Lum Chang Creations .