The Public Finance Group has been the mainstay of First Southwest Company’s growth from the inception of the firm in 1946. While First Southwest Company is recognized as a preeminent regional firm, the Public Finance Group endeavors to maintain a strong industry presence. Acting as financial advisor or underwriter, we represent cities, counties, school districts, utility districts, tax increment zones, special districts, state agencies and other governmental entities nationwide. In addition, the firm provides specialized banking services for airports, convention centers, health care, higher education, housing, industrial development, public power, transportation and utilities.
Dedicated to providing a full line of financial services, First Southwest Company strives to provide highly specialized knowledge of the public banking field and the general securities industry. Our resources are fully committed to the development of products and services designed to meet the changing needs of public entities and to understanding new legislative programs impacting our clients. We provide investment recommendations and detailed analyses of marketing and technical considerations at the planning and structuring phases of every transaction. By leveraging the skills and services offered through our underwriting desk and First Southwest Asset Management, Inc., our SEC registered investment advisory affiliate, we add value to many phases of the public or private securities markets.
First Southwest Company continues to receive national recognition as an
industry leader in public finance. Most notably, we have received "Deal of the
Year" Awards by Investment Dealers Digest and Institutional Investor magazines
three times and constantly strive to provide our clients with the most
innovative and customized financings. We also consistently rank in the top two
financial advisors nationally, as measured by number of transactions closed, and
in the top four in total dollar volume of all firms according to records compiled
by Securities Data Company.
The strength of the
Public Finance Group is a testament to the absolute commitment of our public
finance professionals to their clients. The strength of that commitment results
in successful long-term business relationships. Notably, we have several
professionals who have represented the same clients for over 30 years.
First Southwest Company is also one of the leading municipal underwriting firms in the nation. Our underwriting success is due in large part to the distribution strength of our Debt Capital Markets Group, as well as our willingness to commit firm capital in order to finalize transaction pricings. Our strong underwriting presence further complements our financial advisory services, as it allows us to remain abreast of rapidly changing market conditions. When advising clients, we survey the market to measure specific demand for particular bond structures prior to each sale, whether competitive or negotiated. By utilizing the experience and sophistication of our trading and underwriting desks, we assure our clients their securities are priced and structured optimally, thereby achieving our clients’ objectives.
Unlike "independent" financial advisors that do not maintain trading and underwriting capabilities, First Southwest Company is a NASD registered broker/dealer. Through continuous interaction with regulatory agencies such as the NASD, Securities and Exchange Commission, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, individual state securities agencies, and others, our clients enjoy added comfort in the supervisory scrutiny provided by these organizations.
First Southwest Company continues to focus on the total needs of its clients and facilitate the implementation of effective investment banking strategies that serve to bring their goals and objectives to fruition.