Allen & Overy has boosted its London financial services regulatory practice with a hire from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton's base in the city.

The Magic Circle outfit has hired counsel Knox McIlwain from the U.S. firm, reuniting him with former Cleary partner Bob Penn who rejoined A&O last year. The duo worked closely together while at Cleary, according to a press statement by A&O.

McIlwain's focus will be on financial institution resilience and insolvency, including recovery and resolution planning, as well as providing support to A&O's global derivatives practice.

The statement added that McIlwain will "form an integral part of the U.S. regulatory team", in order to support the firm's growth in that region.

Earlier this month, A&O announced it had called off its long-running merger discussions with U.S. firm O'Melveny & Myers, but restated its commitment to U.S. expansion.

In London, the Magic Circle heavyweight was hit by the departure of two corporate partners last week to U.S. rival Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.

A&O made its first hire since its merger talks ended earlier this month, bringing in Simmons & Simmons employment partner Vicky Wickremeratne.