We believe that what separates Raymond James from our peers is the quality of service we provide. We call it Service 1st – an approach that engenders pride, team spirit, competitive drive, inspiration, concern for clients and fellow employees, empathy for those who need our help and enthusiasm. Service 1st also means a commitment to serve with integrity. Only by providing exceptional support can we be sure to earn the continued loyalty and trust of the wealth managers who work with us.
Service 1st is a key part of our culture at Raymond James in the UK. As we all know, the wealth management industry is a highly competitive space, and what has historically helped distinguish Raymond James from its peers is not our asset size, but the outstanding service that we provide to our clients.
We know that our values hinge on one thing – our Client.
Every person has the power to make a difference, whether you are contributing to a major project, helping resolve a query, or simply taking the time to listen to a Wealth Manager’s concerns.
Little things mean a lot, and no matter what job you perform, everything you do has the potential to make a genuine difference.
>> Learn more about our vision
Black MondayOn 19 October 1987, the stock markets experienced a dramatic plunge that prompted many firms to shut down their trading desks and turn off their phones to minimize internal losses. Raymond James refused to do the same. Our desks stayed open to help meet clients’ needs, resulting in our first and only unprofitable quarter since the firm went public in 1983. |
 |
Who was Raymond James?The Raymond in our name is actually from Edward Raymond, owner of a 15-employee mutual fund sales group, Raymond and Associates, along Florida’s west coast. He sold his company to Bob James on 15 July 1964, on condition that the surviving firm be called Raymond, James & Associates. Three days after the sale, Ed Raymond was involved in a near-fatal automobile accident and never joined the firm. Nonetheless, even after Raymond had passed away, Bob James insisted that his name remain on the door – ahead of James’ own. That was a promise he made to Ed Raymond three days before the accident, and Bob James was a man who kept his promises. |
|
Bear Market of 1974The severe bear market of 1974 threatened the existence of Raymond James, which was bleeding capital by the day. Tom James, his father and other leaders took extreme measures to keep the firm afloat, slashing costs, foregoing paychecks and even attempting to sell the firm for just enough capital to protect client assets and retain as many associates as possible. The story could have ended very differently if not for a sharp upturn and continued rebound in the stock markets late in the year. |
|
Taking Raymond James PublicWhen consideration was being given to taking Raymond James public, Tom James penned a letter to shareholders (largely employees at the time). ” … the public offering should be considered as a statement of our independence. While this is a psychological rather than an economic rationale, it is nonetheless very important. We have asserted for some time that we are not interested in becoming a small part of a very large corporation. That assertion results mainly from the inclinations of management rather than the economic benefits associated with either alternative. The public stock offering affords us the opportunity to enjoy a little bit of the best of both worlds. While shareholders will be given liquidity at fair market value, we will still have the ability to control our own destiny.” After 40+ years of Tom’s leadership, upon becoming CEO, Paul Reilly was often questioned about whether the company might ultimately surrender its cherished independence and be acquired by some larger entity. His response: “Not while I’m around.” It’s a theme that continues today. |
 |
