Stifel and Korea Investment & Securities form partnership

ST. LOUIS and SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) and Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd. (KIS), a subsidiary of Korea Investment Holdings, today announced the formation of a major leveraged loan joint venture, SF Credit Partners.

At the same time, Stifel and KIS have entered into a strategic collaboration, whereby each company will leverage the other’s extensive capabilities and regional market expertise. The strategic collaboration and the joint venture are subject to pending regulatory approvals.

“Over the past few years, Stifel has significantly broadened its focus on the vibrant private equity community, both as an advisor and lender to financial sponsors and their portfolio companies,” said the CEO of Stifel. Stifel, Ronald J. Kruszewski. “We are delighted to launch SF Credit Partners with Korea Investment & Securities. This joint venture is an innovative source of additional capital, enabling us to increase commitment capacity and provide enhanced leveraged finance product capabilities and lending solutions to our finance sponsor and corporate clients. . This joint venture anchors a broader strategic collaboration with KIS, a unique relationship that will benefit each company and our respective customers.

“Seizing opportunities in the US market is a key part of KIS’ long-term growth strategy,” said Namgoo Kim, Chairman and CEO of Korea Investment Holdings. “In Stifel, we have found the perfect partner for this effort. Strategic collaboration with Stifel enables both KIS and Stifel to better serve customers and expands each company’s reach into new markets. This significant investment of capital and talent will build on our 2021 opening of our offices in New York, and our creation with Stifel of SF Credit Partners demonstrates our determination to build a sustainable profit center in the United States.

Founded in 1890, Stifel is a US-based, full-service international investment bank with extensive capabilities across all commodities and industry sectors. Stifel operates a substantial fixed income platform, including distribution, research and capital markets for leveraged lending and high yield. Additionally, Stifel is one of the largest equity underwriters and equity research providers in the United States and acts as a leading M&A advisor in public and private transactions.

KIS is one of the largest securities houses in Korea and ranks first among IPO issuers in the country. KIS provides extensive investment banking, alternative investment, investment management, high net worth advisory and startup support services.

GreensLedge Capital Markets LLC and GreensLedge Korea Ltd. advised the parties to this joint venture and strategic collaboration. KBW, a Stifel company, also advised Stifel. Dechert LLP and White & Case LLP provided legal and regulatory advice to Stifel and KIS, respectively.

Company information Stifel

Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, which conducts its banking, securities and financial services businesses through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s brokerage clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its trading division Eaton Partners; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC. The Company’s affiliate brokers provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory and related financial services to individual investors, professional fund managers, corporations and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of personal and corporate lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, NA and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, NA provide trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

Korean Investment Securities Information

Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd. (KIS, unlisted company) is a major subsidiary of Korea Investment Holdings (KIH, listed on KRX) which is a Korean non-bank financial holding company providing the following financial services through its subsidiaries; securities, asset management, savings banking, credit finance, venture capital, private equity, real estate trust, hedge fund management and accelerator. KIS was reformed in June 2005 when the company merged with Dongwon Securities. The former Korea Investment & Trust Co., Ltd. (KITC) was Korea’s leading distributor of investment trust products, while Dongwon Securities was one of Korea’s leading securities brokerage firms. With the merger, KIS became a central subsidiary within KIH and one of the leading securities companies in Korea with 72 branches, 7 overseas subsidiaries, 2 overseas offices and 2,908 employees (as of end June 2022). The company’s highly diversified profit model generates balanced earnings across all segments of its business, from brokerage and asset management to investment banking and trading. KIS also maintained its leading position in the Korean capital market. Dedicated to building a solid foundation for growth, its ultimate goal is to become Asia’s premier financial company by enhancing its business competitiveness at home and abroad and continuously promoting risk management, digital innovation and overseas expansion. For more information about KIS, please visit the company’s website at Securities.koreainvestment.com/eng/main.jsp

Stifel Contacts

Media:
Neil Shapiro, +1 (212) 271-3447
[email protected]

Investor Relations:
Joel Jeffrey, +1 (212) 271-3610
[email protected]

SIC contacts

Media:
Lee Ji Hoon, +82-2-3276-4155
[email protected]

Investor Relations:
Sang Hoon Kang +82-10-9162-8062
[email protected]