Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has appointed a new head of banking in the City, as the firm bulks up its Asia practice with the addition of three new partners.

The magic circle firm has named finance partner David Trott to head up its City banking practice. Trott, who has been a partner at the firm since 1997, takes up his new role immediately.

He will replace current London banking chief David Winfield (pictured), who is set to relocate to Asia in January as head of the firm's finance practice in the region.

Winfield will be joined by US-qualified corporate partner Ken Martin, who will also relocate to Hong Kong from London, and US securities partner Calvin Lai.

The new arrivals will boost partner headcount in the firm's Hong Kong corporate practice to six.

Meanwhile, Freshfields has also sealed the hire of Royce Miller from Citigroup to head up its financial services practice in Hong Kong.

Miller will join the magic circle firm in January after 15 years at Citi, where he was managing director and general counsel of the Asia-Pacific institutional clients group.

Asia managing partner Simon Marchant said: "Ken and David's relocation and Royce's appointment will bolster the existing market-leading team in the region. They are senior partners, with a wealth of experience – which is what our clients keep telling us they really value. These appointments to the Hong Kong office are part of Freshfields' continued significant investment in our Asia operations."