Waiting for headcount

Here's the situation - I've had several interviews at a large bank. Initially I met the heads of sales and research, who said they liked me but had very limited headcount this year that would need to go for other specific hires. Some time later, one of them referred me to another MD. This person is an interesting character who used to be someone very senior at the bank, left some time ago to start a business, sold the business and has now come back and is working solo on a special initiative that sounds interesting. We've met for drinks a couple times and corresponded by email. The cool thing is that he used to work with my current boss and completely agrees that I'm working for a world-class as$hole and he understands why I am eager to leave. He has said that my skills and personality are a very good fit for what he is doing and that he would discuss the possibility of adding headcount with some members of senior management once the opportunity arises. I waited without word for almost two months, before contacting him again to ask if there was any news. He said that everyone is preoccupied with some departmental changes and that headcount remains a challenge, but he still felt I was a good fit and suggested that we catch up over drinks next week.

Obviously, I know how bad the current market environment is, but I'm dying to get out of my current situation ASAP and start something new. If talk about this potential opportunity is going to drag on for months with no outcome, I need to consider other options. Is there anything I can do or say to increase the odds? I don't expect any bonus guarantee or bump in pay. I would even consider starting on a temporary contract until the headcount materializes, but saying so might seem desperate. If I felt more certain about any eventual offer down the road, I would resign at once and gladly take some time off. Any thoughts?