Barclays Boosts Macro Trading Team with Over Two Dozen Hires Amid Market Volatility

Barclays has hired over two dozen senior macro traders this year to tap into bond and rate market volatility. Recent hires include Laura Brown from JPMorgan Chase, Lucile Medori from Millennium Management, and Tom Brennan from Nomura Holdings. The bank is focusing on European rates, equity derivatives, and securitized product trading to boost returns across its investment bank. Barclays' traders achieved their best second quarter in three years, driven by market swings fueled by tariff rhetoric and rising geopolitical tensions.

Barclays Plc has expanded its macro trading team by hiring over two dozen senior traders this year, aiming to capitalize on the bond and rate market volatility that has characterized the market landscape in recent years [1]. The British bank has been particularly focused on European rates, equity derivatives, and securitized product trading to enhance its investment banking performance.

Notable additions to the team include Laura Brown from JPMorgan Chase & Co., Lucile Medori from Millennium Management LLC, Tom Brennan from Nomura Holdings Inc. in London, Kin Hoe Yau from Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong, and Bob Xu from Leonteq AG in Singapore [1]. These hires are part of a broader strategy by Chief Executive Officer CS Venkatakrishnan to boost returns across Barclays’ investment bank over the next three years. The bank’s hiring drive began over a year ago, positioning it to take advantage of market swings fueled by tariff rhetoric and rising geopolitical tensions [1].

The new hires come as Barclays has shown early signs of success in its investment strategy. In the second quarter of 2025, Barclays’ traders achieved their best performance in three years, driven by market volatility sparked by US tariff threats [1]. This quarterly success follows a year of strategic hiring and positioning within key markets, reflecting the bank’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Barclays' focus on emerging markets has also been a key factor in its recent success. The bank has benefited from capital flows rotating out of the US and into emerging markets, with strong inflows into Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, and China. High local interest rates have reignited the carry trade in Turkey and Latin America, while equity markets are drawing fresh demand [1]. These market shifts have led to increased foreign exchange (FX) trades and hedging activity, further boosting Barclays' performance.

Looking ahead, Barclays' ability to maintain its momentum will hinge on its continued ability to attract and retain top talent, as well as its strategic positioning in key markets. The bank’s recent success in the second quarter underscores the potential for further growth, provided it can sustain its current trajectory.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-08/barclays-adds-two-dozen-macro-traders-to-tap-into-volatility