Edgecrest Capital, a Toronto-based broker and adviser founded last year by a well-known Canadian investment banker, has gained regulatory approval for operations in London, and plans to begin hiring in the region.

Launched in September 2013 by David Beatty, who previously co-founded investment bank Westwind Partners, Edgecrest focuses on investment banking, equity sales and trading, and equity research, predominantly in mining, energy and special situations.