Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Office address: 85 Broad Street New York, NY 10004 
Website: www.oppenheimer.com 
Year established: 1881 
Company type: investment bank and financial services 
Employees: 3,100+ 
Expertise: wealth management, debt and equity capital markets, asset management, investment banking, equity research, mergers & acquisitions, retirement services, structured products, private equity, risk management, corporate advisory, institutional brokerage 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Albert Lowenthal (CEO); Peter Albano, Joan Khoury, and Thomas Riordan (senior managing directors); Ed Harrington, Dennis McNamara, and Leon Molokie (EVPs); Bryan McKigney (president) 
Financing status: N/A 

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., a global full-service brokerage and investment bank, has served clients for over 140 years. With more than 3,100 employees across 92 locations worldwide, the company provides tailored services to individuals, families, and institutions. Headquartered in New York, the firm has over $129.8 billion in assets under administration across various international markets. 

History of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. 

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. was formally established in 1950 by Max E. Oppenheimer, a German-American broker dedicated to serving a wide range of financial clients. Their foundation traces back in 1881 when William Fahnestock established Fahnestock & Co., creating a stronghold in early American finance at Two Wall Street. In the 1970s, Oppenheimer expanded its services by adding three subsidiaries focused on brokerage, capital management, and advisory services.  

British firm Mercantile House Holdings acquired Oppenheimer in 1982, but management regained majority control in 1986, fostering independent growth. In 1997, CIBC Wood Gundy acquired Oppenheimer, which rebranded as Oppenheimer Holdings in 2003 following Fahnestock Viner Holdings' acquisition of the retail division. More recently, Oppenheimer has addressed regulatory challenges and strengthened its fintech expertise, continuing its evolution in the finance industry. 

Products and Services of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. 

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. offers comprehensive financial services, with dedicated expertise across various areas: 

• wealth management: advisory and investment services for individuals, families, and foundations 
• financial planning and advisory: customized plans and strategies for personal financial goals 
• investment banking: capital-raising, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic advisory 
• retirement planning: specialized solutions for retirement preparation and management 
• asset management: tailored investment solutions for individual and institutional clients 
• insurance: wide-ranging insurance products for individual and corporate needs 
• corporate services: cash management, executive stock plans, and custom solutions 

With its broad offerings, Oppenheimer provides personalized guidance to support growth, stability, and wealth transition in any market. 

Culture at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. 

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. emphasizes a people-centric culture that values employees as its greatest asset. A collaborative environment promotes growth, providing access to resources that align with evolving industry standards. This commitment ensures each employee has a meaningful role, supported by competitive benefits: 

• health benefits: medical, dental, vision, mental health care, and flexible spending accounts 
• financial security: 401(k) plans, retirement plans, performance bonuses, and legal assistance 
• paid leave: vacation, sick days, bereavement, and family medical leave 
• employee discounts: commuter checks, mobile phone discounts, and employee assistance programs 
• professional development: programs supporting ongoing learning and career advancement 

The firm incorporates ESG principles into its strategies, enabling clients to balance ethical priorities with financial objectives. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.’s approach emphasizes sustainable investments using metrics focused on diversity, governance, and environmental impact. Collaborative efforts, like those with ClearBridge, aim to advance leadership diversity, promote environmental stewardship, and uphold governance standards for positive stakeholder outcomes: 

• inclusive leadership: encourages diverse representation at all levels, particularly within executive roles 
• sustainability: commits to reducing waste and promoting environmentally responsible practices 
• transparent governance: maintains strong board accountability and ensures alignment with shareholder priorities 
• stakeholder collaboration: partners with firms to address shared ESG challenges 
• talent development: invests in building a globally competitive, diverse workforce 

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.’s Connecting-Caring initiative directs employee efforts toward supporting diverse charitable causes and fostering community wellness. Recent projects include blood and essentials drives, alongside ongoing partnerships with programs like Operation Warm, a nonprofit that gives winter coats to poor children in Chicago. Oppenheimer also prioritize youth engagement and health-focused events, extending resources to various communities through these initiatives: 

• student support: hosted school supply drives at 25 branches for children nationwide 
• community building: partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for families in St. Louis 
• basic needs: organized coat, essentials, and food drives in collaboration with Operation Warm and The Bowery Mission 
• youth athletics: contributed to youth athletes through the Mena Singer Foundation 
• environmental care: employees volunteered to maintain gardens at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden 

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. employees earn industry recognition yearly for their expertise, leadership, and contributions to financial services. These awards honor the firm’s dedication to professionalism and commitment to client success. Each accolade reflects the ongoing efforts of Oppenheimer’s team to provide high-quality service to individuals, institutions, and corporations alike. 

About Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. CEO Albert Lowenthal and Key People 

Albert Grinsfelder Lowenthal serves as CEO and chair of the organization, bringing nearly six decades of experience in the securities industry. His extensive background gives him unique insight into the company’s operations, challenges, and growth potential. Under his leadership, Oppenheimer’s stockholders’ equity has significantly grown, driven by acquisitions and organic expansion. 

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. is led by a team of experienced executives overseeing key divisions and initiatives: 

• Peter Albano is a senior managing director and global head of fixed income, overseeing bond strategy and fixed income investments 
• Joan Khoury serves as senior managing director, chief marketing officer, leading brand strategy, marketing operations, and client engagement 
• Ed Harrington acts as EVP for private client division, guiding wealth management and advisory services for individual clients 
• Bryan McKigney, president of Oppenheimer Asset Management, focuses on institutional and individual portfolio management strategies 
• Dennis McNamara serves as an EVP and general counsel, managing legal compliance and regulatory affairs 
• Leon Molokie as an EVP and COO directs operational efficiency and process optimization 
• Thomas Riordan, senior managing director and chief information officer, manages IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology strategy 

The Future of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. 

After the Horizon case arbitration award was vacated in 2023, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. focused on settling related client claims. By prioritizing client compensation and strengthening compliance practices, the firm aims to rebuild trust and minimize risks. This strategy underscores Oppenheimer's commitment to integrity and reliability within the industry. 

Oppenheimer recently supported the annual Operation Warm Coat Drive in Chicago, providing winter coats to children in need. Led by Mike Kelly, the initiative highlights the company’s commitment to helping local families facing seasonal hardships. Through these community-driven efforts, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. reinforces its mission to create a positive, lasting impact across the areas it serves.