Clifford Chance (CC) has added to its Spanish banking practice with the hire of Garrigues' project finance head Jose Guardo.

Guardo, who is known both for his work in the banking and M&A sectors, joined CC's Madrid banking and finance practice today (5 September) after heading up Garrigues' project finance team for the last eight years.

Guardo joined Garrigues in 1993 and spent two years in the EU law department before joining the financial services team. He made partner at the firm in 2003.

The hire takes CC's Spanish banking practice to seven partners and 40 associates. Spanish banking and finance head Alberto Manzanares said the addition would reinforce the magic circle firm's position as a first point of reference for financial institutions in Spain.

He added: "Jose brings both technical excellence and a pragmatic approach to combating the ongoing challenges faced by the sector. He is widely respected by financial institutions in our country."

Guardo said: "We are currently participating in the most significant transformation affecting the global financial system. After my experience in what I consider to be the most prestigious Spanish law firm, joining an international firm of this level represents a great opportunity."

Other recent hires by UK firms in Madrid have included DLA Piper adding Roca Junyent restructuring partners Javier Diaz-Galvez and Luis Martin in May, while Allen & Overy (A&O) bulked up its local office with the hire of Uria Menendez's investment funds head Salvador Ruiz Bachs in March this year.