London’s Mayfair, previously the stomping ground of hedge fund managers, is witnessing a new wave of savvy former investment bankers. The number of independent boutique investment banks, brokers, corporate advisory and specialist investment firms has ballooned in the past year as some of the industry’s stars seize the opportunity to strike out on their own.

Neal Neilinger, chief investment officer of Aladdin Capital, a boutique investment bank, said: "There has never been an opportunity like this to build a business." Aladdin shifted its focus from asset management to establish an investment banking and advisory business last year.