ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Raymond James is continuing to expand its public finance capabilities in California by hiring education bankers Randy Merritt and Alexzis Fuke. The senior-level bankers will provide sophisticated counsel to K-12 and community college districts throughout the state. Merritt, a managing director, and Fuke, vice president, join a full-service team of banking professionals backed by a powerful and growing distribution network across California.

“Randy and Alexzis are well-regarded for delivering exceptional client service,” said Rob Larkins, Public Finance Western region manager. “They approach tough financing challenges as a team, using innovative and creative thinking. Their talent and professionalism are recognized throughout California and are cornerstones for this team’s bright future. Combining our new bankers’ skills with Raymond James’ bond distribution capabilities is a winning formula for California K-12 and community college districts.”

Merritt and Fuke join Raymond James from George K. Baum & Co. and are the most recent in a string of senior-level hires designed to expand the firm’s presence in a sector with growing financing needs. Other bankers joining the California education public finance team in recent months include Managing Director Charlie Feinstein and Senior Vice President Un Chu Reardon.

Raymond James is dedicated to building the best and brightest team of education bankers in California,“Raymond James is dedicated to building the best and brightest team of education bankers in California,” said Rob Baird, executive vice president and head of Public Finance / Debt Investment Banking at Raymond James. “Our people and their level of service and attention are differentiators in this growing market. We’ve assembled a team of professionals and market experts to serve the hundreds of school districts that need infrastructure upgrades.”

Consistently ranked as a top 10 underwriter of municipal bonds nationally, according to Thomson Reuters, Raymond James has one of the largest public finance practices in the country with more than 180 professionals in 24 locations nationwide. The firm offers municipal issuers a comprehensive distribution platform and the largest middle market sales force of any U.S. broker/dealer.

About Raymond James Financial, Inc.

Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities. The company has approximately 6,600 financial advisors serving in excess of 2.7 million client accounts in more than 2,700 locations throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are approximately $506 billion. Public since 1983, the firm has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1986 under the symbol RJF. Additional information is available at www.raymondjames.com. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC.

News Source : RAYMOND JAMES CONTINUES CALIFORNIA GROWTH, ADDS TWO BANKERS TO EDUCATION FINANCE PRACTICE

29 Dec 2015