Merrill taps veteran M. Stanley Asia banker Keyes

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Wall Street bank Merrill Lynch (MER.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has tapped Terence Keyes, an 11-year veteran at rival Morgan Stanley (MS.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), as head of Asia corporate finance execution, sources familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Keyes declined to comment. A Morgan Stanley spokesman confirmed that Keyes will be leaving the firm.

One of the sources said Keyes would take up his new post in less than three months after completing his so-called gardening leave.

(Reporting by Tony Munroe; Editing by Edmund Klamann)