It's not just Australian money that is drawing a US investment bank to our shores - cricket is proving a pull, too.
New York investment bank Lehman Brothers says it is cashing in on the vast pools of liquidity sloshing around local financial markets and has bought out brokerage consultancy Grange Securities to set up shop here in 2007.
The bank's Asia chief, Jesse Bhattal, says he is excited about starting up an Australian franchise for all the usual reasons, but revealed his love of cricket was another drawcard to come down under.
At a press conference in Sydney, eyeFA asked Bhattal which cricket team he supports. With a gleam in his eye, Bhattal promptly replied "Australia, of course."
The banker was educated at exclusive boys school Sanawar in the foothills of the Himalayas. On the school's website, Bhattal is quoted: "Sanawar gave me the value of independence, capacity to fight a good fight, tenacity and the undying spirit of never give in." Sounds like the qualities needed for a banker as well as the Australian champions.
