Matthew Kirkby is now head of global banking, Asia Pacific, while Patrick Broughton takes over as global head of equities origination.

Kirkby brings 15 years of experience to the role and most recently held the position Broughton is filling. Prior to that, he was head of M&A/equity capital markets (ECM) for Asia Pacific, head of ECM Asia Pacific, and head of South Asia ECM. Based in Hong Kong, Kirkby reports functionally to Marco Mazzucchelli, global head of banking and deputy CEO, and regionally to John McCormick, CEO for global banking and markets Asia Pacific. He retains his other previous role as global head of corporate finance.

Meanwhile, Broughton will report jointly to Frank McKirgan, global head of equities, and Mazzuccheli. Prior to taking up his new position, he was head of ECM for Australia and New Zealand. He will be based in London.

"Our global banking strategy for APAC continues to be built upon a relentless focus on our chosen clients to consistently deliver their needs across the investment banking product suite. We have set ourselves ambitious plans in investment banking in Asia Pacific," said John McCormick, CEO of GBM Asia Pacific.

RBS has engaged in landmark transactions over the past months, including acting as advisor to Cheung Kong Infrastructure and Hong Kong Electronic's acquisition of EDF's UK distribution unit, and underwriting BHP Billiton's takeover bid for Potash Corporation.