Stock broker BTIG adds 4 staff in Australia

SYDNEY, Nov 17 (Reuters) - BTIG, a U.S.-based institutional stock broker, has hired four more senior staff to boost its Australian operations, the company said in a statement on Tuesday, taking its total head-count in the country to 11.

BTIG has hired Darin Lester, David McConnell, Dustin Westblade and Trevor Harrison. Lester joins from Macquarie Group (MQG.AX), McConnell from UBS (UBSN.VX), Westblade from ITG Australia and Harrison from Citigroup (C.N), the statement said.

Surprising strength in Australian economy and a strong rally in the share market have encouraged brokers and investment banks to increase their Australian staff numbers.

(Reporting by Denny Thomas; Editing by Mark Bendeich)