Independent investment bank Lazard is ramping up recruitment for both senior dealmakers and junior bankers as activity has surged to as "busy as it's ever been", according to its chief executive Ken Jacobs.

The bank will make "several significant hires for its advisory business" this year, Jacobs told Financial News, after a strong first quarter for the investment bank when profits jumped by 36% to $87m. Its advisory revenues increased 8% to $317m.