Stifel to Shut UK Equities Trading Unit, Refocuses on Advisory Business

Stifel Financial Corp. SF is planning to shut down its UK equities trading business, potentially impacting approximately 20 staff members, as part of a broader push toward advisory services in Europe, according to an MSN article, which cited a Bloomberg report.

SF’s Rationale Behind Existing UK Trading Business

This step follows the firm’s broader shift in priorities after its January 2025 acquisition of Bryan Garnier, a European investment bank with established strengths in healthcare and technology dealmaking. It also supports Stifel’s wider plan for its European business. By exiting a trading unit that lacked scale, the firm can put more attention on mid-market investment banking, especially in sectors that the acquisition has strengthened, such as healthcare and technology.

The change further aligns with the company’s increased focus on mergers and acquisitions and capital-raising activity in Europe, areas that have seen stronger client demand.

Final Thoughts on Stifel

The closure will simplify Stifel’s European footprint, reducing operational complexity tied to trading infrastructure, compliance, and execution services. While about 20 roles may be affected, the firm is expected to redirect resources toward expanding sector-focused coverage teams, especially in healthcare and technology, through Bryan Garnier.

SF’s Zacks Rank & Price Performance

Over the past six months, SF shares have gained 28.8% compared to the industry’s growth of 20.5%.

Currently, the company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Similar Moves by Other Financial Firms

In July, as reported by Banking Dive, Capital One Financial Corporation COF decided to wind down the home equity lending business it acquired while buying Discover Financial in May.

Although COF is shutting the originations pipeline, it will continue to service the existing portfolio and assess strategic options for sale and servicing. Most employees will likely take on other roles within the company or aid in the wind-down of the business, while some jobs may eventually be cut.

In June 2025, as reported by Reuters, HSBC Holdings PLC HSBC decided to close its business banking division in the United States after shutting its retail banking business in 2021. This announcement comes amid the company’s ongoing business simplification efforts and accelerated shift toward the Asia and Middle East regions.

This move was likely to affect nearly 4,500 HSBC clients. The bank will be aiding the impacted clients in transitioning to a suitable alternative provider and will continue to serve some clients in Mid-Market and Global Network Banking Business.

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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