Allen & Overy (A&O) has bolstered its regulatory practice with the hire of Damian Carolan from magic circle rival Clifford Chance (CC). Carolan joins A&O's London office as a partner from CC, where he was a senior associate. He specialises in regulatory matters, specifically focusing on the regulation of wholesale market participants. London regulatory partner Paul Phillips said: "This appointment underlines the firm's commitment to this area at a time when financial regulation is taking on greater strategic importance for our clients."