Ian Hannam, the former JP Morgan banker who stepped down from the US bank in April last year to fight a £450,000 fine levied by the Financial Services Authority, is in the early stages of launching a new investment and advisory firm – Hannam & Partners – with former colleagues, according to sources familiar with the plans.

Hannam, who is expected to have his tribunal with the regulator heard in July, is believed to be launching the business shortly. The firm will focus on investments in natural resources in Africa and southeast Asia. The firm is also expected to have an advisory arm.