Linklaters has picked up its second Herbert Smith Freehills financial regulatory partner in under six months, with the magic circle firm set to bring in Nikunj Kiri as a partner.

His hire comes after Legal Week reported in September that Linklaters had hired contentious regulatory heavyweight Martyn Hopper to boost its City practice.

Hopper, who prior to joining Herbert Smith was head of the market integrity group in the enforcement division of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), is still serving out his notice period but is thought to be joining Linklaters within the next few months.