Lukas Ruflin has been appointed deputy CEO of EFG International, returning from EFG Financial Products which he co-founded in 2007. In his new role, he will focus on further development and execution of the firm’s strategy, working closely with CEO Lawrence Howell and his colleagues in the executive committee.

Troika Dialog, one of the leading Russian investment banks, has appointed Paolo Zaniboni as head of the company’s London office. In addition, Zaniboni, who has been with Troika since June 2007, will continue his work as head of research.

First National Bank of Botswana Limited (FNBB) has appointed Lorato Boakgomo-Ntakhwana as CEO of the bank. She will be the first Motswana woman to hold this position.

Japanese bank Nomura has hired Selim Toker from UBS as head of its global finance solutions team for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, according to an internal memo.

The Russian government has hired one of the country's most influential investment bankers to informally consult state-run companies over acquisitions abroad, according to banking sources.

Global Wealth Management Group (GWM) has announced that Shawn Mofidi has been elected chairman of the wealth management and family office services division of the firm.

Barclays Capital has hired 450 bankers to strengthen its equity business in Europe and Asia since the autumn, as it aims to become a top three player in Europe by 2011. It is 18th in European ECM league tables at present.

Exotix, a frontier market broker and investment banking boutique, has recruited Vikas Nath as its new chief executive to strengthen its senior management team, following three years of rapid growth.
 

UFG Asset Management has hired Robert Sasson, the former head of the St Petersburg office of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as senior managing partner of UFG Private Equity.

Bahrain's Investcorp has announced that Mohammed Al-Shroogi, Citigroup's former managing director for the Middle East and CEO for Citi in the UAE, has resigned and will join Investcorp as head of its Gulf activities.

The board of The United Bank for Africa has appointed Alhaji Bello as executive director with supervisory responsibilities for the bank’s interstate transaction business. The appointment is subject to the confirmation of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Armajaro Asset Management has appointed Michel Danechi to manage a new emerging markets hedge fund which was launched earlier this year.