Derivs - Equity

Rahim Dharamshi, the ex-senior emerging markets equity derivatives trader at Citigroup in London, is set to rejoin JPMorgan in a similar role.

Credit Suisse has launched a 13-month capped leveraged structured note linked to both a basket of Asian equity indices and their corresponding currencies.

Morgan Stanley has hired Karim Mathlouthi, the ex-head of structured products and flow equity derivatives distribution for the Middle East and North Africa at Merrill Lynch in London, to a new role.

One area of equity derivatives which has gained a lot of attention over the past few weeks has been the level of implied volatility skew in the option market.

Aurelien Bessot, the ex-head of exotic equity derivatives trading at Bank of America, has launched hedge fund boutique FM Capital Partners in London.

As legislators from the House and Senate head into conference Thursday morning to nail down the details of financial reform, experts say this final step before the bill becomes law could bring some surprises like a strengthened Volcker Rule and tiny tweaks of language that would have a significant impact on the industry.

RBC Capital Markets has released another structured note linked to an investment strategy designed by EquityCompass Strategies. The boutique firm approached the bank last year about marketing its Risk Management Strategy to retail investors as a structured product--a move that has proven successful for both companies.

Imraan Moola, a director in equity cash and derivatives trading at Credit Suisse in London, has left the firm and is set to join Citigroup in a new role.

Macquarie Securities Group has appointed Richard Sansaricq as head of delta one and synthetic prime brokerage sales in a new role based in New York.

Cantor Fitzgerald has hired Floris Florquin, former head of exotic equity index trading at Bear Stearns, as a broker in an effort to expand its exotic equity derivatives business globally.

Structured notes linked to the stock performance of local companies and sponsors were a standout performer in the run up to the last FIFA World Cup in Germany, but South Africa 2010, which kicks off this week, is a different story. Structurers say there is a lack of investor appetite this time round and new regulations in Europe have blocked some markets entirely.

Daiwa Capital Markets is reportedly out front in the running to purchase KBC Financial Products’ warrants and global convertible bond business after Mizuho Securities Asia pulled out of the race last month, say people with knowledge of the matter.