Jonathan Smith and Peter Bowman, former Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) and HSBC bankers respectively, have joined the growing pool of corporate financiers setting up independent boutiques.

Smith and Bowman established Stamford Corporate Finance to give mergers and acquisitions and strategic advice to clients in the financial and business services sectors. Deals will primarily be in the £20m to £140m (€29m to €200m) range. Stamford Corporate Finance has yet to advise on any announced M&A deals, although Smith said there should be some transactions out within the next couple of months.