St Louis has developed into an important financial center in the Midwest, housing the headquarters of many major investment banks, financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. In this article, we will take a look at some of the key investment banks and financial institutions headquartered or with major presence in St Louis.
As a transport hub and major city in Missouri, St Louis has attracted many financial services companies over the past century. Major investment banks such as Stifel and Edward Jones are headquartered in St Louis. In addition, large national banks including Bank of America, Wells Fargo and US Bank have major regional centers located in the city. The strong talent pool coming out of schools like Washington University in St Louis also supports the growing financial sector.
Stifel is a leading St Louis-based investment bank
Stifel Financial Corp is one of the largest investment banks headquartered in St Louis. Founded in 1890, it offers securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory and related financial services. Stifel Investment Banking provides services including M&A advisory, equity and debt capital raising, and restructuring advice. It focuses on key sectors like consumer, energy, financial institutions, healthcare, industrials and technology. Stifel has built a strong presence across the US, with over 350 offices across the country. It is a leading underwriter for US municipal bonds. Stifel’s major offices in downtown St Louis underscore its deep roots in the city.
Edward Jones has grown into a Fortune 500 firm based in St Louis
Edward Jones is a Fortune 500 financial services firm headquartered in St Louis. It is one of the largest brokerage firms in the US, with over $1.4 trillion client assets under management. Edward Jones offers financial advisors, investments including stocks and fixed income, retirement plans, insurance products, mortgages and banking services. It has a unique focus on individual investors and small business owners. Over the decades, Edward Jones has grown across the nation with branch offices in Canada and US. But it retains headquarters in St Louis, underlining the city’s strengths as a financial center.
Large national banks have major regional hubs in St Louis
In addition to native St Louis investment banks, many large national financial institutions have established regional hubs or operations centers in the city. For example, Bank of America’s St Louis operations center houses finance, technology, operations and other corporate functions. It employs over 2,400 staff in the region. Wells Fargo also has major engagement in St Louis, with commercial banking, wealth management and other services. US Bank, the fifth largest retail bank in the US, is headquartered in Minneapolis but has greater St Louis as one of its major markets. The size and skills of the St Louis workforce is an important factor attracting these national financial institutions.
Other major financial firms and Fortune 500 companies in St Louis
St Louis is also home to the headquarters of financial institutions like Stifel Bank & Trust, Scottrade and Archer Daniels Midland. Nestle Purina PetCare is headquartered in St Louis. Consulting and financial advisory firm Aon has major operations in the city. This breadth of large financial services and Fortune 500 companies underscores the emergence of St Louis as a Midwestern financial hub. It offers a strong talent pool and industry ecosystem that breeds further financial services growth.
St Louis has developed into an important financial center, housing major investment banks like Stifel and Edward Jones. Large national banks and financial firms also have significant presence. The talent and industry base will support further growth of St Louis’ financial sector.