UBS Group AG has appointed Kelvin Quezada as Managing Director within its Unified Global Banking (UGB) Americas team, the bank announced on April 29, 2025. Quezada, who will be based in New York, brings 17 years of experience from Barclays, where he most recently served as Managing Director in the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) division. His expertise includes executing exclusive sales and tailored transactions.

This strategic hire is part of UBS's broader initiative to enhance its M&A and financial sponsor capabilities in the Americas. In his new role, Quezada will collaborate with coverage, M&A, industry teams, and financial advisors to support clients with global wealth management connections.

UBS has been actively expanding its investment banking division in the United States. In April 2023, the bank hired three executives from Barclays:

• Marco Valla joined as co-head of global banking alongside Javier Oficialdegui. Valla was previously the global head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) and consumer retail at Barclays.

• Jeff Hinton became part of UBS's global banking team after serving as co-head of Americas M&A at Barclays.

• Kurt Anthony also joined the global banking team; he was a managing director in the consumer retail group at Barclays.

In May 2023, UBS further expanded its team by hiring seven additional investment bankers from Barclays, including:

• Laurence Braham, former global chair of investment banking for technology at Barclays.

• Richard Hardegree, previously vice chair and head of technology M&A at Barclays.

• Richard Casavechia, former global chair of banking at Barclays.

• Ozzie Ramos, previously vice chair and head of communications, cable, and satellite at Barclays.

• Jason Williams, Neil Meyer, and Ken Tittle, all former managing directors in the investment banking group at Barclays.

These hires reflect UBS's commitment to enhancing its investment banking talent and capabilities in the Americas.

The influx of experienced investment bankers from Barclays to UBS signifies a competitive shift in the investment banking sector. This movement may lead to increased competition for talent among major financial institutions, potentially driving up compensation packages and influencing hiring strategies. For clients, UBS's bolstered M&A capabilities could result in more comprehensive advisory services and innovative transaction structures, enhancing the overall quality of financial services available in the market.

UBS's appointment of Kelvin Quezada as Managing Director within its UGB Americas team is a strategic move that underscores the bank's commitment to enhancing its investment banking capabilities in the U.S. This hire, along with previous strategic acquisitions and recruitments, positions UBS to offer more robust M&A advisory services and compete more effectively in the American market.