The securities industry of New York City has been hiring at a furious pace this year after bonuses and wages reached record levels in 2005, despite recent concerns over its ability to compete on the international stage.

The industry has already added 7,800 jobs during the first eight months of this year compared to just 9,500 for the three year period from 2003 to the end of 2005, according to a report from New York State Comptroller Alan Havesi.