There have been some exits at SMBC and ANZ in Asia

Chinese New Year is approaching but in Asia, at least, hiring is happening. As we reported last week, US banks have big plans for Asian markets this year. And last year, one recruiter says senior investment banker hiring in APAC jumped 60%.

As moves commence, some banks in the region have been losing staff in their banking and markets businesses.

At SMBC, for example, we understand that Kyoko Murai, the head of loan origination for South and South East Asia, is no longer there. Similarly, Aaron Chow, a managing director and general manager for the loans business is on gardening leave.

At ANZ, we understand that Herr-Ling Yeo, the bank's head of Global FX and commodities, has left the bank after 15 years. He is thought to be exploring other opportunities. Stuart Smith, the head of commodities at the bank is also thought to be retiring, and G4 rates trader Ed Gibson quit several weeks ago.

SMBC and ANZ declined to comment. 

SMBC has hired multiple people in Asia in recent years, after adding Carsten Stoehr from Credit Suisse as deputy head of APAC in 2024.

ANZ has lost various people from its credit trading business, including exits to Standard Chartered. Last September, the bank admitted to engaging in "unconscionable conduct" when raising money for the federal government and paid a $240m fine. 

Alongside Herr-Ling Yeo, ANZ's exits include Anshul Sidher, the global markets chief who stepped down in September. There is no implication that Yeo, Sidher, or the others who left were involved in wrongdoing, which involved a different area of the business. Instead, it's thought that recent exits might be more related to the expansion of hedge funds in Asia.

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