Launch of new London-based investment banking firm

Code Securities Limited is a newly formed London-based investment banking firm that will provide a full range of advisory, fundraising and stockbroking services for companies and investors in the European life sciences and medtech sectors.

Founded by Chris Collins, the former head of WestLB Panmure's Life Sciences Group, Code has a team, comprising investment bankers, research analysts and dedicated salesmen, and has been created through the recruitment of specialists from several investment banking firms in London to complement the core of the team from WestLB Panmure.

Code has entered into collaborative agreements with Altium Capital whereby Code will initially operate under Altium's regulatory approval. Altium, a full service investment banking and broking business, will provide sales trading and market making support to Code as well as certain operational services.

Commenting on the launch, Chris Collins, chief executive of Code, said: 'We have assembled a team at Code with unrivalled advisory and fundraising expertise in the European life sciences and medtech sectors.

We believe that we will be able to offer greater sector knowledge and experience than our competitors and look forward to providing a consistent and high quality service to corporate and institutional clients.