Bank of America (BofA) has appointed veteran investment banker Richard Hardegree as vice chair of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), according to an internal memo seen on 8 May 2026. The appointment forms part of the bank’s continued efforts to strengthen its technology-focused dealmaking capabilities.
Hardegree will join the firm in August 2026 and will be based in Palo Alto, California. He will report to Eamon Brabazon and Ivan Farman, the bank’s co-heads of global M&A.
Professional background and expertise
Hardegree brings more than 30 years of experience in investment banking, with a strong focus on technology and semiconductor-related transactions. Prior to joining Bank of America, he served as vice chair of technology investment banking at UBS.
Throughout his career, he has advised on several major transactions in the technology sector, including Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware and SAP’s sale of Qualtrics. He is a graduate of Columbia Law School.
Strategic context and hiring trend
The appointment reflects a broader trend among major Wall Street banks to expand their technology investment banking teams amid a recovery in global dealmaking activity. Bank of America has recently increased hiring in this segment, including the recruitment of several senior bankers from competing institutions earlier in 2026.
According to industry data cited in the report, global mergers and acquisitions activity has shown signs of recovery, supported by improving market conditions and increased investment in areas such as artificial intelligence. Deal volume has reached approximately $2 trillion so far in 2026, marking a significant year-on-year increase.
Key details of appointment
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Richard Hardegree |
| New role | Vice Chair, M&A |
| Employer | Bank of America |
| Start date | August 2026 |
| Base location | Palo Alto, California |
| Experience | 30+ years in investment banking |
| Previous employer | UBS |
| Reporting line | Eamon Brabazon, Ivan Farman |
Hardegree’s appointment is part of Bank of America’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in global technology M&A advisory services and expand its market share in high-value dealmaking segments.