Bank of America has hired Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) in-house lawyer Richard Gray as its first European general counsel.

Gray joined the bank on 3 October in the newly-created role of managing director and general counsel of its global corporate and investment banking division in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He has also taken a place on the bank's international leadership team.

At CSFB, Gray was a managing director responsible for supporting the bank's fixed income and equities business. Prior to CSFB he worked at Allen & Overy for six years.

Gray will now report to Bill Caccamise, the New York-based general counsel of Bank of America's general corporate and investment banking division.

William Fall, president of the bank's international leadership team, said Gray will establish a partnership with business, risk and compliance partners to help the bank create a clear and strategic approach to meeting regulatory requirements.

The move will be closely watched by Bank of America's advisers, which include Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Simmons & Simmons, Paul Hastings and Hunton & Williams.

CSFB declined to comment on Gray's replacement.