Barclays Capital yesterday announced the launch of its Asia-Pacific ex-Japan equities research division and revealed six major hires in Hong Kong.
“This is an integral part of the strategic build-out of the firm’s equity platform in Asia-Pacific, which is one of Barclays Capital’s key priorities in the region this year,” said the investment banking unit of UK-based Barclays Bank, in a statement.
Kirk Yang has joined as managing director and head of technology hardware research. Previously, he held the same position at Nomura, and was also a highly ranked head of Asia technology hardware research at Citigroup between 2002 and 2008.
Another former Citi employee, Andrew Lu, has been appointed managing director and head of technology semiconductor research, while Mark Kellock has been made a director and head of insurance research. Kellock joins from Macquarie Securities and earlier spent eight years at Deutsche Bank in Asia and Australia.
Andrew Lawrence has joined as a director and head of regional property research. His most recent job during his 21-year career was as head of property research at Samsung Securities. Vineet Sharma has been hired as a director and head of consumer research. He joins from J.P. Morgan Chase and before that also worked with Deutsche Bank.
Finally, May Yan has been hired as a director and head of China banks research. Yan has spent time at Nomura and Lehman Brothers, among other postings.
All six analysts have already started work at Barclays Capital, and report directly to Stephen O’Sullivan, who was recruited as head of equity research for Asia ex-Japan in February.
“Their extensive experience and successful track records build on the teamwork that we already have, strengthen our existing research capabilities in Asia and will let us add significant value for our clients,” said O’Sullivan of the new hires.
Barclays Capital has also recently hired a number of junior analysts to support its research effort.
The bank will continue to recruit both senior and junior analysts in Hong Kong to support its growing equities research division, said a spokesperson.
“With the addition of a top-flight equity research team in Hong Kong, we are developing a comprehensive Asian research platform. Today’s announcement, following on from other recent announcements regarding hiring in our cash equities business, highlights that our clients now have access to a broad range of equity products alongside our expertise in strategic advisory, financing and risk management,” said Robert Morrice, chairman and chief executive for Asia-Pacific at Barclays plc.
