Lunchtime Links: Nikko Cordial to open in London by March; Genesis to play at all HSBC Christmas parties

If you fancy lining up a job at a Japanese brokerage house in 2011, Nikko Cordial Securities may be a good bet. Bloomberg points out that it plans to set up an office in London, Hong Kong and New York by March 31st.

Separately, HSBC may not be increasing its salaries, but it does appear to have an alternative weapon up its sleeve to help placate disgruntled staff: an ageing rock band.

It transpires that Robin Phillips, the new co-head of investment banking at HSBC is the brother of founder-member of Genesis, Anthony Phillips. Sadly, Anthony's leverage over Phil and Mike may be limited given he left the band with stage fright in 1970, but Robin can but ask.

Meredith Whitney says it again: bonuses will "Dramatically Disappoint" (Dealbreaker)

The real reason banks are shutting their prop desks. (Bloomberg)

Ed Milliband says he'd raise taxes higher than Gordon Brown. (Telegraph)

During training, Goldman analysts told to ensure no one can recognise them when they leave the office. (Dealbreaker)

BarCap is going for it in European high yield. (Bloomberg)

The chance of the UK's 'Independent Commission on Banks' actually doing anything is close to zero. (Wall Street Journal)

The City: No Longer 'Strategically Important' (Sky)

'Investment banker' on the Apprentice merely conducted regulatory checks on clients for JPMorgan. (Financial News)

100,000s of young workers expected to leave Ireland. (Guardian)

You can't retire in the UAE. (Telegraph)

Schroders' head of global and international equities really wants to be a photographer. (Financial News)

Belgian finance minister suggested fining ratings agencies if their sovereign ratings deemed 'inappropriately harsh' (Reuters)

Drs worried they may no longer earn 150k. (Reuters)