Stifel Financial Corporation (SF) is a full-service brokerage and investment banking firm, established in St. Louis, Missouri in 1890 and currently headquartered there as well. The corporation operates in two segments—the Global Wealth Management and Institutional Group, working with individual investors, institutions, corporations, and municipalities.
Under its wing, Stifel encompasses several subsidiaries which include Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Century Securities Associates, Inc., and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC.
Through these, it delivers a broad range of financial services such as wealth management and advisory services, securities trading, investment banking, equity research, public finance, fixed income sales and trading, private client group services, and mutual funds.
Over the years, Stifel has made strategic acquisitions to expand its business, including the acquired companies like Thomas Weisel Partners, Legg Mason Capital Markets, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Sterne Agee and Eaton Partners, thereby enhancing the firm's position in the market.
One notable key to Stifel’s success in the finance industry has been its solid core values which are competence, hard work, and straightforwardness. They help the corporation foster a culture of trust with and provide high-quality service to its clients. With these, Stifel has been able to foster a name for itself as a reputable wealth management, investment banking, trading, and advisory firm over the years.
Despite the volatility in the global financial market, Stifel has been resilient. Proven by its strong and consistent performance over the past decade, the corporation has achieved impressive growth and financial success. Fueled by ambition, the corporation progresses in its vision to maintain a leadership position in the investment banking industry. As of 2020, the company reportedly had an asset valuation of $72 billion and had more than 7,800 employees globally.
Under the leadership of its Chairperson and CEO, Ronald J. Kruszewski, Stifel Financial Corporation continues to grow. He has stated several times that the corporation's goal is not merely to become the largest financial firm, but rather the most profitable, as the team continues to leverage their resources and services in the experience of their clients.
While navigating the complexities of the financial market, Stifel upholds its commitment to its heritage of providing clients with sound advice, strategic solutions, and powerful execution. Through this commitment, the company has maintained a strong client connection and loyalty that extends from individual investors to large institutions.