KBC Peel Hunt to grow into debt, derivatives

UK investment bank KBC Peel Hunt is expanding into mid-market banking, and hiring is expected.

The bank, owned by Belgium's KBC bank, has given a broad church of responsibilities to Steven Fine, who has been appointed managing director, head of market-making, equity sales and trading as well as equity research.

At present the business is largely equities focused, but the Financial Times says KBC Bank has promised to invest "as much as is necessary" to back the expansion into convertible bonds, derivatives and equity-linked investments.

Simon Hayes, chief executive of KBC Peel Hunt, declined to comment on the number of new hires expected.