Commerzbank is planning to set up a Hong Kong equity derivatives desk. The German bank currently trades Asian equities out of its Tokyo hub and is looking to boost its presence in regional markets, according to officials, who added the new desk could be set up before year-end.
"The competition continues to increase," said an equity head, highlighting the move coincides with Barclays Capital shifting trading back to Hong Kong from Tokyo. In addition, several houses have been adding resources in Hong Kong this year including Merrill Lynch (DW, 6/23) and Calyon (DW, 7/11), while new entrant KGI Securities has also been looking to buildup (DW, 8/13).
