Barclays is considering a return to cash equities business in Japan a decade after it exited the business, people familiar with the matter said.

Discussions are at an early stage and no decision has been made, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. Barclays has been hiring equities specialists in Tokyo. They include Takeo Kamai, who oversaw execution services at CLSA’s Japan securities business, and Warren Kim, a senior executive at the same Chinese firm.

A Barclays spokesperson declined to comment.