Raymond James is expanding in Mayfair with a new branch which is being opened by Luke Evans, Wealth Manager & Branch Principal, which will operate as Raymond James, Mayfair.
The office will provide discretionary and advisory services to high net worth individuals, clients of intermediaries, and IFAs.
Luke began in wealth management at Brewin Dolphin, and worked his way up over the years. One of his most formative experiences was helping facilitate the merger of two offices, which established his strong understanding of the importance of building close relationships with clients. Luke also has extensive experience of working across two offices in the Home Counties and advising clients across multiple aspects of wealth management.
Luke commented: “Having seen a variety of changes within the wealth management industry I felt now was a good time to strike out and establish my own office. Mayfair has a long and prestigious connection to financial services and is easily accessible from surrounding areas like from Sussex, Surrey and Kent.”
“Raymond James has made it possible for me to achieve my ambitions, and I’ve been really impressed with their culture and entrepreneurial spirit, both internally and across other branches I’ve met during the process. There is a real feeling of being in partnership, helping my business to succeed. It’s great to wake up each morning and be in control of your own destiny. I can shape my business around what is best for my clients.”
Cynthia Poole, Director of Relationship Management and Business Support, Raymond James said: “We are thrilled to welcome Luke to Raymond James, which signals another great step in expanding our presence within London and the South East. We look forward to providing the range of tools and support to help the new office thrive within our network.”
Luke is planning to strengthen his team with another Investment Manager in the near future.
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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