BNP Paribas Securities Services is expanding market and financing services for clients in the Asia-Pacific region by launching an agency securities lending desk in Hong Kong.

The desk, which will complement existing services offered via desks in Sydney, London and New York, will focus on Asian markets and provide local client coverage to meet the growing appetite from clients looking to increase their asset allocations into the region.

BNP Paribas has appointed Anthony McDonald to head up the desk. In this newly created role, he will focus on trading activities and developing services for institutional lenders and borrowers in the region.

McDonald has worked in the equity finance segment for over 20 years, starting his career in London before moving to Hong Kong where he joined BNP Paribas from SEB. He has previously gained experience at RBS Trust Bank, Credit Suisse, Citigroup and Dresdner Kleinwort.

Andrew Geggus, global head of agency lending trading at BNP Paribas Securities Services, notes: “Our new agency securities lending desk in Hong Kong is pivotal for our global expansion plans, aligning with our ambitions to further develop across the Asia-Pacific region.”