
SmithBarney, once a prominent name in the financial industry, underwent a significant change in 2009. It was acquired by Morgan Stanley.
This acquisition marked a major shift in the company's history. SmithBarney was founded in 1938 and was known for its investment banking and brokerage services.
The acquisition by Morgan Stanley brought new resources and expertise to the table. Morgan Stanley was a well-established investment bank with a strong global presence.
Morgan Stanley Deal
Morgan Stanley formed a venture with Citigroup's Smith Barney in 2009.
In 2013, Morgan Stanley purchased Smith Barney outright. This deal was a significant move in the financial industry, especially considering the flux at the time.
The venture was later rebranded as Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, with Morgan Stanley owning 51% of the business.
Morgan Stanley's top official, James P. Gorman, expressed his commitment to buying the remaining 49% of Smith Barney's assets.
Gorman stated that Morgan Stanley plans to buy the next 14% of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney as soon as May 2012.
The deal was seen as an opportunity for Morgan Stanley to expand its business and take advantage of the financial crisis.
Morgan Stanley's purchase of Smith Barney's assets was completed in 2013, solidifying the company's position in the financial industry.
Intriguing read: Ameriprise Financial Ratings
Morgan Stanley to Pay $15M Penalty

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney will pay a $15 million penalty as part of a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The SEC order said that MSSB failed to adopt and implement policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent its financial advisers from using unauthorized third-party disbursements.
Hundreds of unauthorized transfers were made from customers' or clients' accounts to themselves or for their own benefit.
The firm didn't detect hundreds of unauthorized ACH transfers between May 2015 and July 2022 from its customers' or clients' accounts.
Safeguarding investor assets is a fundamental duty of every financial services firm.
MSSB has consented to a cease-and-desist order, a censure and certain undertakings that include having a compliance consultant review all forms of third-party cash disbursements.
These were isolated events, each of which occurred several years ago, but the firm has since enhanced its control framework.
The firm terminated the wrongdoers, reported them to the proper authorities, and worked with affected clients to compensate them for any harm.
Morgan Stanley to Buy Rest of Smith Barney's Assets

Morgan Stanley plans to buy the next 14% of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney as soon as May 2012.
James P. Gorman, Morgan Stanley's president and chief executive, is committed to buying the rest of Smith Barney's assets despite the financial industry's flux. He believes it was an extraordinary opportunity, comparing it to "the phoenix that rose from the ashes" of the financial crisis.
Morgan Stanley currently owns 51% of Smith Barney.
Products [edit]
At Smith Barney, you can access a wide range of services to help you manage your finances.
Their retail brokerage services allow you to buy and sell securities, such as stocks and bonds, with the guidance of a financial advisor.
The company also offers investment banking services, which involve helping clients raise capital and advise on large-scale transactions.
In addition to these services, Smith Barney provides wealth management services to help high net worth individuals and families achieve their financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Smith Barney?
Smith Barney was founded in 1873, with Charles D. Barney & Co. and Edward B. Smith's firm established in 1892, marking the beginning of the company's history.
Is Salomon Smith Barney still in business?
Salomon Smith Barney is no longer a distinct entity, having been renamed to Citigroup Global Markets Inc. in 2003. However, the Salomon Brothers brand still exists, albeit under different ownership.
Sources
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuabrown/2012/09/25/saying-goodbye-to-smith-barney/
- https://apnews.com/article/sec-morgan-stanley-smith-barney-37d9d2aee2374d4d0cea92d948a8e4a3
- https://marketswiki.com/wiki/Smith_Barney
- https://www.euromoney.com/article/b12kmwnxfmff60/the-deal-that-made-morgan-stanleys-james-gorman
- https://www.americanbanker.com/news/morgan-stanley-ceo-well-buy-rest-of-smith-barneys-assets
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