Amber Soden

A History of Powerful Thinking 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, we expanded overseas into post-war Europe and established new branches in South America. Subsequently, during the severe bear market of the 1970's, we 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. completed the acquisition of CIBC Oppenheimer, which had previously acquired Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. This acquisition strengthened our private client and asset management divisions, leading to the restoration of the Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. name. This strategic alignment amplified our unwavering commitment to our clients and fortified our ability to leverage extensive experience, vast resources, and deep investment insight. During the Great Recession of 2008, Oppenheimer acquired much of CIBC World Markets' capital markets business, expanded into the Southeastern U.S., and grew our 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 constant focus and investment in our people, our technology, and on a culture that continuously looks to expand our service to clients. We have a full suite of opportunities to plan, invest, preserve, and transition their wealth. Today, we are committed to making this, our second century, even stronger than our first. By using The Power of Oppenheimer Thinking in Wealth Management, Capital Markets, and Investment Banking, we consistently strive to improve client outcomes and leave the world a better place.

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