We’re hearing some hiring rumours related to equity research at both RBS and Bloomberg. Both places are said to be paying fairly handsomely. However, when approached in an official capacity, neither was able to shed any light on the suggestion that they might be sucking up equity research talent in London.

1) RBS

According to one specialist equity research headhunter, RBS has/had around 12 equity research roles to fill this year.

Some of these are already spoken for. Last week, RBS is said to have taken two or more researchers from Execution Noble. Recruiters say this is exciting because people at Execution Noble tend to be tied in with a lot of stock, suggesting RBS paid very generously to move them.

“Most of the people at Execution who’ve been there for a while have a big stake in the firm and are very expensive to buy out,” says another headhunter. “There are people who’ll need at least 500k for their stock – and more to cover their bonus.”

He added that RBS has assembled a very good equity research team over the past 18 months, hiring numerous people including: Iain Turner (Utilities) from Deutsche; Paola Biraschi (Italian Banks) from Nomura; Chris Rogers (Utilities) from ICAP; Asheeefa Sarangi (UK Banks) from SG and Stefan Stalmann (German & Investment Banks) from Unicredit.

RBS didn’t return a call enquiring about its equities hiring intentions.

2) Bloomberg

Separately, we hear that Bloomberg is also engaged in some equity research hiring and is in the process of building an equity research business.

Bloomberg was also unable to assist in a timely fashion with our enquiries. However, it has definitely hired Sam Fazeli, who was formerly European head of equity research at Piper Jaffray. According to one headhunter, Bloomberg is luring researchers with two year guarantees.

Finally, Arturo De Frias, the banking analyst, has become the latest defector from Evolution. Headhunters say Arturo’s was a voluntary exit, but no one knows where he’s gone.