Barclays Plc is expanding its presence in Asia, outpacing some U.S. competitors after hiring nearly a dozen top sales and trading staff over the past year. The bank has added key personnel from firms like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, particularly in its macro unit dealing with currencies and rates, and in equity derivatives and distressed debt operations. These strategic hires have contributed to a 2.5% revenue increase in its Asia global markets business last year, contrasting with a global market decline of 18%. Barclays aims to leverage its status as Europe's last global investment bank to enhance returns and diversify client portfolios away from U.S. banks, particularly in response to geopolitical and regulatory shifts.