Energy prices are rising, stock markets are falling and flights remain cancelled as Iran continues attacks on countries across the Middle East, as Israel and the US ramp up pressure.

Barrenjoey Capital Partners is intending to merge with ASX-listed Magellan Financial Group to create a firm with a balance sheet of A$2bn.

Investors in the firm, which produces zero-emissions production of ammonia and nitric acid, include the Gates Foundation, Investible and Yara Growth Ventures.

Hong Kong-based Selina Cheung was most recently at UBS.

Hong Kong-based Rod Francis will lead the global firm's Asia Pacific Financial Crime practice.

The oil price has surged to $82 a barrel amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran responds with multiple missiles across the Middle East after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran over the weekend; the UAE has closed its stock markets for two days.

Goldie joins the investment firm from Invesco in London and is chair of the European Fund and Asset Management Association ETF task force. Capital Group has seven offices in Apac.

The bank's shares climbed as it beat analysts' expectations despite facing a commercial real estate charge of $700m in Hong Kong. Chairman Brendan Nelson is confident of growth in Asia this year.

The investment banking advisory firm has strengthened in Singapore as secondaries activity gathers pace across the region; Hart previously worked at Adams Street Partners.