HSBC has hired Christopher James, a senior associate at Lloyds, to be a vice-president in its EMEA structured finance team, GlobalCapital understands.
The move comes after HSBC's Peter Mansbridge moved to Hong Kong in August to be a director in the structured finance team, continuing the bank's expansion in Asia.
Needing to plug the gap, HSBC is understood to have hired James without using a recruitment firm.
However, he is not a like for like replacement as Mansbridge was a director. Rather, it is part of HSBC's strategy of attracting talent and increasing strength in depth.
An ex-banker told GlobalCapital that the close relationship between syndicate and origination at both banks is probably why James was sought after by HSBC. James's experience is more in origination.
Another banker said it would be a "shame" for Lloyds to lose him.
James had been at Lloyds for just under seven years. He joined as an analyst after four years at Deloitte in the audit and advisory team.
HSBC would not comment. Lloyds did not respond to a request for comment.