Raymond James Financial : continues expansion of its Financial Services practice, hires Richard Durkes as Investment Banking Vice Chairman

Media Contact: Jana Strange, 727.567.2824
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November 30, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Raymond James is adding resources to its Financial Services Investment Banking practice with the hiring of Richard Durkes as vice chairman. Durkes will bring the broad range of Raymond James products, advice and services to his extensive relationships throughout the financial services industry. He is based in Chicago.

'Our clients will greatly benefit from Rick's clear-eyed judgment and many years of experience assisting financial services companies achieve their goals,' said Patrick DeLacey, head of Financial Services Investment Banking. 'We are committed to providing outstanding service, and Rick's industry experience and leadership will contribute meaningfully to our long-term strategic growth plan.'

Durkes' new role marks his return to a leadership position in the securities and brokerage industry. He joins Raymond James from BayBoston, a private equity firm focused on community banks and financial services companies, where he remains a senior advisor. In order to focus on his new role with Raymond James, Durkes is stepping down as independent director of U.S. mutual funds managed by Henderson Global and as independent director of certain fund of funds managed by Northern Trust.

Other previous senior leadership positions throughout an extensive 40-year career in the financial services industry include 12 years as managing director at Sandler O'Neill & Partners, six years as global managing director, head of U.S. equities & investment banking at ABN Amro after it purchased The Chicago Corporation, where for 15 years Durkes served depository clients as an M&A advisor, helped to organize The Banc Funds Company and oversaw the firm's equities-related businesses, including sales, trading, research and investment banking.

'Raymond James is an outstanding organization and clearly ascendant among middle market investment banks,' Durkes said. 'I am delighted to join an effective and successful team of excellent bankers, many of whom are former colleagues.'

The addition of Durkes is the most recent personnel initiative aimed at growing the firm's presence in financial services across the capital markets space. Joining the firm in June were investment bankers Bob Toma, Allan Jean, Nathan Strall, Keegan Greene and James Libbey, and Head of Fixed Income Origination and Syndication Julian Bynum.

'It is a privilege to add a person of Rick's stature and reputation to our business,' said Jim Bunn, head of Investment Banking at Raymond James. 'As part of our strategic growth plan, we will continue to look for recruiting opportunities to bring outstanding professionals to our growing platform.'

About Raymond James Investment Banking
Raymond James Investment Banking offers highly regarded capital formation and financial advisory services. Since 2009, Raymond James has participated in raising over $500 billion in capital for its corporate clients and completed more than 340 advisory assignments, including over 300 M&A buy-side or sell-side advisory assignments.

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 more than 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 $480 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.