Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) is a diversified financial services holding company with subsidiaries engaged primarily in investment and financial planning, wealth management, investment banking, asset management, and capital markets. The company has its corporate headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida and it was first established in 1962 by Robert A. James. The company's name was later changed to Raymond James after merging with Raymond & Associates, run by Tom James, who also served as the company's CEO until 2010.
Raymond James Financial operates through several subsidiaries with the most notable being Raymond James & Associates (RJA), which primarily works with corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It also includes Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS), which is one of the largest networks of independent financial advisors in the United States. Together, these businesses offer a broad range of services including banking, mutual funds, insurance, equity research, fixed income products, and more.
Raymond James Financial has built a reputation on a client-centered approach, prioritizing strong client relationships. It provides its financial services to corporations, municipalities, institutional clients, and several million individual investors throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas. The company operates more than 3,000 locations throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas, however, the bulk of the company's clients are in the US.
As of 2021, Raymond James oversees more than $1.1 trillion in client assets. The company has received significant recognition in the industry, such as the “Highest in Investor Satisfaction” award from J.D. Power for several years. Raymond James Financial, Inc. trades under the symbol 'RJF' and is a part of the S&P 500, indicative of its importance in the U.S. market.
While initially owned mainly by the James family, Raymond James Financial became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange in 1983. The company upholds a strong commitment to its clients, focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term profits. This disciplined approach has allowed it to survive economic downturns while other financial institutions stumbled. Raymond James Financial also distinguishes itself with a robust advisor training program, nurturing the next generation of financial advisors under its brand.