Prime brokers Merlin Securities has expanded its trading capabilities with the launch of a 24-hour international and US-based trading desk.

Merlin's clients will be able to execute trades in 96 countries across six continents.

Former RBC Capital Markets trader Troy Prince and JP Morgan trader John Perna have been hired by Merlin to oversee the expanded offering.

Prince most recently focused on US and Asian equities at RBC, following a stint based in Tokyo for Barclays.

Perna has traded at both JP Morgan and Bear Stearns in Asian, European and Latin American markets.

Eric Morgan, Merlin senior partner and head of trading, said clients now had "a level of access that has historically been provided only by the largest prime brokers to the largest hedge funds".

"Our clients increasingly seek to trade around the clock and around the globe. We have launched our 24-hour international and domestic desk to provide comprehensive access to the world's markets," Morgan added.