Pressure is growing for a big change to the way European M&A league tables are compiled. Some banks are arguing strongly that corporate broking should be included in the Thomson Financial Securities Data tables, regarded as vital marketing tools by most bankers.

This is an adjustment that would have dramatic implications for some firms, transforming the way Cazenove and ABN Amro are seen by catapulting them into the top 10. Several other banks might also see their positions affected.