Expanding Diversity in Capital Markets

Many thanks to the National Association of Securities Professionals and Miguel Thames for inviting NeuGroup to moderate a panel discussion on “Expanding Business in Capital Markets: Can We Talk?” at the 35th Annual Financial Services Conference last week in Atlanta, Georgia. A special thank you to panelists Meredith Bromley from Southern Company, Michael Murray from The Coca-Cola Company, LaJohn McFadden from CastleOak Securities and Lawrence Goldman, from Ramirez Asset Management. In a discussion moderated by NeuGroup’s Scott Flieger, the panelists—who collectively have nearly 100 years’ experience in capital markets—discussed the differentiating capital raising skills and advisory services available from diverse-owned financial service firms and the mutually beneficial relationships that have developed over many years. The panelists and an engaged audience also discussed opportunities to expand relationships in the capital markets. Comments included taking on more meaningful roles based on strong performance on previous transactions including bond issues, commercial paper and stock buybacks. Also highlighted was tapping into the wealth of intellectual capital at diversity-owned firms to provide strategic advice in areas such as capital structure, liability management and risk management. The session validated many points from a recent NeuGroup Research Report based on a survey conducted by NeuGroup in collaboration with the NASP and Sustainable Fitch .