Guggenheim Capital Markets, LLC, a New York-based broker-dealer, said last week that it had hired Lenny Blasucci, Matthew Perkins, and Nicholas Smith, all of whom will be based in the firm’s New York office. The hires will expand the scope of GCM’s asset-backed business and deepen the firm’s trading abilities, the company said in a press statement. All three are former employees of now-defunct Bear Stearns & Cos. Blasucci, whose expertise lies commercial mortgage-backed securities, held roles at Clinton Group and Sherman Financial Group, after beginning his career at Bear Stearns & Cos. Perkins was co-head of the asset-backed securities group at Bear Stearns, while Smith was previously a trader on Bear Stearns’ ARM desk. “We continue to deepen our bench with a number of capable individuals,” said Ron Iervolino, head of GCM’s sales and trading desk. “We’re delighted to have Lenny, Matt and Nick join our team, as they each bring unique and valuable expertise to GCM that will help us provide clients with top-notch service.” Guggenheim boasts more than $100 billion in assets under management, and is one of the growing number of private dealers now looking to bulk up their structured finance expertise amid the ongoing market turmoil. For more information, visit http://www.guggenheimpartners.com.