Credit Agricole’s investment banking arm has reshuffled some of its senior management in Hong Kong as part of a push to win new clients among financial institutions.
Frederic Laine, previously head of fixed-income markets for Asia ex-Japan, will assume the new title of head of the financial institutions group, international client coverage, for Asia ex-Japan. In a statement sent to the media yesterday, Credit Agricole said that financial institutions are now a key and strategic client segment for its investment banking division.
Laine, who will continue to be based in Hong Kong, will report globally to Eric Chevre, head of international client coverage, and locally to Patrice Couvegnes, senior regional officer for Asia.
Graham Williams, previously head of interest rate derivatives and commodities for the Americas, will move to Hong Kong to take over Laine’s previous role on the fixed-income side. In this role, Williams will lead the overall business development and strategy in Asian fixed-income markets, reporting globally to Guy Laffineur, global head of fixed income markets and locally to Couvegnes.
“Asia is a strategic region for Credit Agricole,” said Couvegnes. “These appointments will further strengthen our regional business development team and help accelerate the implementation of our client-focused strategy in Asia. Both Frederic and Graham have proven track records in successfully establishing and developing businesses in the region, and we are confident that they are the right team to support our ambitious growth plan and bring our business to the next level in the region.”
Both Laine and Williams are old hands at the French bank. Laine started his career in Hong Kong in 1990 with Credit Commercial De France and joined Credit Lyonnais in 1991, while Williams joined Credit Agricole in London in 1988. Credit Lyonnais and Credit Agricole have since combined forces.
