Credit Suisse's European co-head of prime services, Dougal Brech – a high-profile figure in the hedge fund sector – is leaving after eight years with the bank.

Brech, who runs prime services for Europe, the Middle East and Africa alongside Manish Vekaria, will leave the bank in February to pursue other interests, according to an internal memo seen by Financial News. The memo was sent to Credit Suisse staff on January 29 by Mike Paliotta, the global head of prime services, and Stephen Dainton, the head of equities in Emea.