Exane BNP Paribas has extended its lead as the top broker and research house in Europe, according to a closely-watched set of industry rankings, in a year of seismic regulatory change for the sector.

Exane was named "Best Overall Broker", as well as the best house for "Overall Research" and for "Sector Research" — a hat-trick of the top three award categories in the WeConvene Extel awards, known informally as the 'City Oscars'.