Celebrating 60 years of Raymond James

“Our success was and is all about the people, past and present, who have been part of the Raymond James family, without whom we wouldn't have achieved this much.” – Tom James, Chairman and CEO from 1970 to 2010.

Supporting people and their financial well-being

On August 16, 1962, Bob James founded Robert A. James Investments, in a small, downtown St. Petersburg apartment.

Putting the person first in personal finances wasn’t just a good idea for a small investment firm in 1962, it forever revolutionized the notion of financial well-being. Sixty years later, Raymond James has grown from that family business into a diversified financial services firm with an international reach, and we have never lost sight that our success is driven by helping others achieve theirs. The durability of this tenet is a product of our culture of integrity, a culture that each Raymond James associate has contributed to creating, elevating and protecting.

Staying conservative in uncertain times

Since our doors opened, the firm and our associates have experienced both challenges and successes, navigating through it all together.

Throughout the decades, Raymond James weathered volatile times – including the economic downturn of the ‘70s and “Black Monday” in 1987 when the stock markets plunged. Despite the challenges, the firm not only survived, but thrived, by taking a conservative, long-term approach to our business and keeping clients first.

And now, as our world, industry and clientele continue to evolve, we maintain this approach to achieve future growth – for our firm, advisors, associates and clients.

Looking ahead to the future

We remain committed to preserving the client-advisor relationship and ensuring our advisors can advocate for their clients’ best interests. Because, we believe that putting the financial well-being of our clients first ultimately serves the best interests of our shareholders, our communities and ourselves. It’s part of our DNA. It’s part of our mission. And, it’s part of our future.

As we reflect on and celebrate our firm’s history and achievements, we look toward the possibilities of tomorrow – and, guided by our shared ideals, continue forward together.

Celebrate our history

On August 16, 2022, associates and advisors across the firm stepped into a time machine to commemorate our founding with a “Dress like it’s 1962” day, as we toasted to the next 60!

Want to learn more about our 60 years of rich history? Visit the company history timeline on raymondjames.com for a comprehensive look at our milestones.