(The Wall Street Journal) -- John Thain doesn't start at Merrill Lynch until Monday, but he's already poised to make a key hire from his alma mater, NYSE Euronext.

Nelson Chai, chief financial officer of the New York Stock Exchange owner, is in advanced talks to take a key position at Merrill, according to people familiar with the matter. One possibility is for Mr. Chai to be named chief financial officer, these people say.