Deutsche boosts convertibles presence

The German bank has appointed Chris Laing in a new position as head of convertibles for the Asia Pacific region. Laing, who has most recently been based in New York, comes to Asia after six years with the bank, most of which have been spent in London.

To be based in Hong Kong, Laing was a frequent visitor to the region during his time in London and played an active role in deals led by the bank for Samsung Electronics, China's Tingyi Noodles and in his early days, Bangkok Bank.

His appointment follows a number of similar hires by the other US investment banks as they seek to capitalise on a renewed enthusiamm for equity-linked transactions. "Traditonally Asia used to be dominated by $100 million to $200 million deals," he says. "Recently we have seen some much bigger transactions by the likes of Hutchison Whampoa, China Mobile and the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC). There has been a fundamental shift in the market."