Independent mortgage-backed securities (MBS) broker-dealer Braver Stern Securities added to its Midwest mortgage sales team as part of an ongoing expansion of its trading platform and product offerings. The firm added veteran investment strategist Scott Buchta as managing director and head of investment strategy. His regular market updates will provide clients commentary on market developments. “Scott’s proven track record of developing investment strategies and wealth of experience will further bolster the strong mortgage sales and trading team at Braver Stern,” said managing director of fixed-income sales Cliff Sterling, in a press statement. Buchta brings more than 23 years of experience in strategy for various fixed-income financial institutions. He previously was a managing director and head of investment strategy at Guggenheim Securities. In the 20 years before that, he served as a senior managing director at the mortgage analytics group of Bear Stearns. Buchta is only one of the securities industry professionals moving around in recent weeks. Austin, Texas-based financial services provider Amherst Securities Group is actively expanding its commercial MBS platform. Write to Diana Golobay.