Tony Blair’s favourite banker Chambers set to exit Credit Suisse

Tony Blair’s favourite banker Russell Chambers set to exit Credit Suisse

Tony Blair’s favourite banker is set to leave one of the City’s most powerful firms.

City sources said Russell Chambers will leave Credit Suisse next month. He joined in 2007 to become chief executive of its UK investment bank but has recently been working as a senior adviser to the Zurich-based firm. 

Chambers is one of the best connected bankers in the Square Mile – in 2004 the then Prime Minister Blair was pictured on his yacht off Barbados – and has advised on some of the biggest deals.

Russel Chambers is one of the best connected bankers in the Square Mile – in 2004 the then Prime Minister Blair (pictured) was pictured on his yacht off Barbados

Chambers, 58, still takes a big interest in politics and led the fund-raising for the short-lived Independent Group, the centrist party set up last year by rebel Labour and Conservative MPs.

Insiders said Chambers – who also works at US private equity firm Bain Capital – has no immediate plans to join a rival bank but may join a company board as a non-executive director or chairman. 

Chambers has been a prolific investor in restaurant companies. He owns a stake in the British franchise of American burger chain Five Guys alongside Carphone Warehouse founder Sir Charles Dunstone.

Credit Suisse and Russell Chambers declined to comment.