Oppenheimer Expands European Investment Banking Team with New Hires in London

Oppenheimer Strengthens European Investment Banking Presence

Oppenheimer Europe, a subsidiary of prominent investment bank Oppenheimer Holdings, has made a noteworthy move to enhance its investment banking capabilities in Europe. On March 12, 2025, the firm revealed the hiring of three highly-regarded senior investment bankers who will operate from their London office. This strategic expansion aims to boost Oppenheimer's services in the financial and public mergers & acquisitions (M&A) sector.

The newly appointed bankers, acquired from boutique investment firm Hannam Partners, are set to add significant expertise to Oppenheimer's operations. The team comprises Ernest Bell, who takes on the role of Managing Director and European Head of Public M&A and Wealth Management; Giles Fitzpatrick, who serves as Vice Chairman and Managing Director of European Investment Banking; and Richard Clarke, who joins as a Senior Advisor. They will be accompanied by Lucia Sviatkova, taking the position of Associate within the European Public M&A and Wealth Management division.

Max Lami, CEO of Oppenheimer’s European division, expressed enthusiasm at the new additions, stating, “Our sector bankers are extraordinary; they function on a global level while collaborating across borders to provide our clients with exceptional execution and substantial results.” He emphasized the excitement about the experience brought in by Bell, Fitzpatrick, Clarke, and Sviatkova, particularly in wealth management and public M&A sectors, which align seamlessly with Oppenheimer’s expanding investment banking network across Europe.

Key Hires Bring Extensive Experience

Ernest Bell, as the European Head of Public M&A and Wealth Management, comes with a solid transaction history, advising on deals exceeding $25 billion across various industries. Prior to joining Oppenheimer, Bell was an integral part of Hannam Partners and held previous roles at Investec and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Expressing his enthusiasm for joining the firm, Bell noted, “The UK wealth management sector is undergoing a drastic change fueled by the ongoing intergenerational wealth transfer and continuous technological developments, leading to a surge in US-led investments and M&A activities.”

In the realm of public M&A, Bell has affirmed Oppenheimer’s commitment to advising both offeree and offeror companies, ensuring clients benefit from a comprehensive platform backed by the robust capabilities of a leading US mid-market investment bank. This strategic focus is expected to enhance Oppenheimer’s presence in the UK’s wealth management landscape markedly.

Giles Fitzpatrick, now Vice Chairman and Managing Director of European Investment Banking, formerly held significant roles at Hannam Partners, Canaccord Genuity, Fox-Pitt Kelton, and Hoare Govett/ABN AMRO. Fitzpatrick highlighted the crucial nature of the US capital markets, noting, “Post the global financial crisis, the US has solidified its role as the nexus of capital markets and M&A.”

Strengthening Advisory Services

Richard Clarke, who also transitions from Hannam Partners to a Senior Advisor role, possesses extensive advisory experience, previously leading corporate finance efforts at KPMG. His impressive portfolio encompasses over 100 M&A transactions for diverse clients from global financial institutions to public and private entities, further enhancing Oppenheimer's advisory capabilities in the UK.

Gilbert Dychiao, Co-Head of Investment Banking and Global Head of the Financial Institutions Group, added, “With over 30 seasoned bankers dedicated to financial services in both the US and UK, Oppenheimer is positioned to be the go-to advisor for firms and sponsors in the UK wealth management ecosystem.” The integration of this new team aims to cultivate a deeper involvement in the financial services sector, enhancing the overall advisory and capital markets capabilities Oppenheimer offers.

This recent development demonstrates Oppenheimer's commitment to growing its investment banking sphere as it seeks to leverage its strong reputation within the financial services sector and ensure it remains a trusted advisor in an evolving market.