The equity research sector looks poised to attract a wave of new talent, as senior sell-side analysts consider new careers amid controversy over the integrity of investment banking research, according to recruitment firm Robert Walters.

Alec McCann, manager of the firm's specialist banking permanent recruitment business in London, said: "The profile of equity research has taken many knocks recently and those who have been very successful in that business may now be tempted to walk away with their earnings.