Wells Fargo is hoping a hiring spree for elite dealmakers will vault its once-forgotten investment bank to the top 5

Kylie Cooper/Reuters

• Wells Fargo has been on a hiring spree for senior Wall Street dealmakers, its CFO said.
• It's part of a multiyear plan to lure top corporate clients.
• If the bank's plan works, it could vault Wells' investment bank into the big leagues.

After years of regulatory time-outs and punishing asset caps, Wells Fargo is finally having some fun.

The lender is hoping a hiring spree of elite dealmakers can help it shed the baggage of past retail...