Escoffier outlines SG’s UK expansion plans

David Escoffier, French investment bank SG’s newly appointed head of equity derivatives for the UK and northern Europe, has outlined his plans for the bank’s British expansion, including selling more structured products.

Escoffier said he plans to expand on two fronts. “First, I want to build a large alternative investment practice in London to mirror what we achieved in New York, and provide leveraged and guaranteed investments to investors, fund of funds, and hedge fund managers,” said Escoffier, who will report to Christophe Mianné, global head of equity derivatives.

He also plans to expand the bank’s sales of standardised, liquid products, or 'flow' business. “We are dramatically expanding our services towards institutional investors and asset managers, and will soon announce the hire of a dedicated team in London,” he said.

SG said it has invested over €10 billion with hedge funds through its dedicated Lyxor Asset Management subsidiary. “London has grown into the premier location for the alternative investment industry. It is a very natural move for SG,” said Escoffier. He added that the scale of the bank’s London equity derivatives centre will grow much faster in the coming months.

“We are a recognised leader in index and stock-linked structured products, and our hedge fund servicing group is showing strong growth,” said Escoffier.