Nomura, the Japanese bank that took over most of Lehman Brothers' European and Asian business, has struck back in the talent war for former staff at the collapsed US bank by recruiting a five-strong programme trading team from Barclays, the new owner of Lehman’s US investment banking and trading operations.

Financial News revealed on Monday that Barclays has started making good on its promise to cherry-pick individuals and teams from Lehman, having decided not to bid for the US bank's entire European business. Barclays added two London traders, including Giles Hannah, described by market peers as a rising star in equity derivatives, and followed that up on Tuesday by confirming it has recruited roughly 100 former Lehman equities staff in Japan.