StoneX Launches Financial Institutions Group Research Unit

StoneX Financial Inc (NASDAQ:SNEX) has announced the launch of a Financial Institutions Group (FIG) research practice within its subsidiary, The Benchmark Company. This move expands the firm's equity research coverage to include regional and community banks.

The establishment of this practice marks a strategic extension of Benchmark's existing research into the financials sector. It builds on the firm's institutional franchise and underscores its focus on capital markets capabilities, particularly in equity capital markets, research, and distribution. The initiative also aims to strengthen StoneX's relationships within the regional and community banking ecosystem.

Rich Messina, CEO of Benchmark, described the launch as a natural extension of the firm's institutional offerings. "By expanding our coverage within financial institutions, we are enhancing our ability to connect investors with actionable insights while strengthening our engagement with an important segment of the market," he said.

Rob LaForte, Global Head of Fixed Income Sales and FIG at StoneX, highlighted the strategic importance of the sector. "Regional and community banks are one of the most important and underserved segments in the market," LaForte stated. "Adding dedicated equity research deepens what we can bring to these institutions and the investors who follow them."

The new FIG research team is led by Brett Rabatin, Head of FIG Research, who brings over 25 years of sell-side experience covering regional and community banks. Senior Research Analysts Andrew Liesch and Kenneth James join with nearly 20 years and over a decade of industry and sell-side experience, respectively. Kyle Gierman joins as an Equity Research Associate.

The research effort is supported by dedicated distribution and execution professionals. Bob Hughes joins in a specialized sales role focused on connecting FIG research with institutional investors, while Bob Hurley strengthens the trading function with extensive experience in bank stocks and equity sales trading.