From our earliest years, the tradition and excellence of our thinking has helped us help our clients succeed. Oppenheimer’s bold and original thinking is the cornerstone of our consistency in delivering innovative ideas and customized solutions for our clients.
Our entrepreneurial spirit is in our DNA and traces its roots back to Harris C. Fahnestock, a successful investment banker and financial professional to President Abraham Lincoln. He established Fahnestock & Co. in 1881—a predecessor to Oppenheimer. Despite significant economic challenges like the Great Depression, Fahnestock & Co. flourished—opening three offices and acquiring another firm in 1937. By the 1940’s, it expanded overseas into post-war Europe and established new branches in South America. Subsequently, during the severe bear market of the 1970’s, it continued to focus on individual client success and, as a result, avoided being acquired or liquidated—unlike many much larger competitors.
In 2003, Fahnestock & Co. acquired the highly recognized firm of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., took on its current name, and doubled down on its commitment to fueling the power of its thinking with experience, resources, research, and deep investment insight.
As a result, during the Great Recession of 2008, Oppenheimer acquired much of CIBC World Markets’ capital markets business, expanded into the Southeastern U.S., and grew its capabilities in research, investment banking, and fixed income.
We are inspired by our history but we don’t dwell there. Instead, we look to the future with a continued focus and investment in our people, technology, and on a culture that continuously looks to expand our service to clients and a full suite of opportunities to plan, invest, preserve, and transition their wealth.
Today, we are committed to making our second century even stronger than our first. By using The Power of Oppenheimer Thinking in Wealth Management, Capital Markets, and Investment Banking, we will help improve client outcomes and leave the world a better place.
