Greece plans to hire Rothschild as debt adviser

As concerns over Greece and its debt mount, Athens has reportedly decided to call in Rothschild, one of the oldest financial firms in the world, to navigate the country's long-running creditor stand-off and avert default.

According to the Financial Times, Greek authorities hope to finalize the appointment before crunch debt talks with eurozone finance ministers on February 20. The date has been described as the last chance for a bailout review with the upcoming elections in Europe likely to dominate the EU agenda.

Sources told the FT that Rothschild is expected to advise Athens on all areas connected to its debt, including negotiations with creditors, potential inclusion in the European Central Bank's €80 billion per month bond-buying program and the resumption of Greek government bond sales.

They added the bank will be paid a bonus when Greece regains access to...