That should prove very interesting, given that at the Journal it is believed Barker will compete directly with the FT's Lex column, which Barker currently oversees.

Of course it is possible that the FT is simply acting to prevent the influential Barker from jumping too quickly to the paper's American rival and will not actually permit Barker to conduct any meaningful work between now and his official departure date.

The Guardian took note that the FT moved quickly to bring in fresh talent to help produce the Lex stock market and analyses feature.  

Helen Thomas, previously a London-based Lex writer has joined the New York team.  Also this month, Jo Johnson, previously the FT's South Asia bureau chief, becomes editor of the column, with newly hired John Paul Rathbone signing on as Johnson's deputy, according to the Guardian.  

Finally, Neil Buckley completes a term as Moscow bureau chief to join the Lex team.