Merrill Lynch in London has hired Pascal Richard from Fitch Ratings and Ruby Brard from Standard and Poor's as associates for its real estate finance team, headed by Stephen Green. Green said he has been adding professionals to the group but declined further comment. The new hires have not yet started and could not be reached.
At Fitch, Richard reported to Huxley Somerville, head of mortgage-backed securities, and at S&P Brard reported to Michelle Weston, head of mortgage-backed securities. They did not return calls by press time.