Wall Street Access Welcomes New Global Trading Team

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wall Street Access, a diversified financial services firm, announced today that it has added an experienced global equities trading team. This addition expands the firm's offerings to include market-making capabilities for the first time in its history. Wall Street Access, with offices in Manhattan and Tinton Falls, New Jersey, has provided asset management, institutional research, execution, and brokerage services for more than 30 years.

Led by Dana Pascucci, an experienced sales trader who has been in the business for more than 15 years, the team of 12 professionals joined Wall Street Access from broker-dealer Rodman & Renshaw, following that firm's transition to a new business model.

"Financial services firms are challenged right now, with many ultimately being forced to either restructure or exit the business," said Sean Kelleher, President of Institutional Sales and Trading at Wall Street Access. "In this environment, we are extremely pleased to bring on Dana and his experienced team. They allow Wall Street Access to better serve clients and expand our offering with market making that enables us to trade globally in various marketplaces around the world."

"When searching for a new home for the team, it was important to find a place with a strong belief in establishing and maintaining client relationships, while offering a suite of execution services. In addition to meeting these requirements, Wall Street Access has maintained a strong balance sheet through the turbulent times the industry has faced in recent years," Pascucci said. "The only way to stay relevant in this marketplace is to truly understand client needs, offer impeccable customer service, and provide the client with real liquidity and value-add research products. I believe we have the opportunity to do this at Wall Street Access."

Pascucci, now Managing Director of Institutional Sales & Trading at Wall Street Access, held the same title at Rodman & Renshaw, where he covered U.S. hedge funds, mutual funds, and banks. Previously, Pascucci served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Institutional Sales Trading at Hudson Securities. He began his career as an Institutional Sales Trader at Schwab Capital Markets and E*Trade Capital Markets. Pascucci had been a producing manager at his previous firms, helping build a number of different businesses. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Arizona State University.

Other senior team members include Vincent Pelosi, Senior Vice President of Institutional Sales and Trading; and Dean Esposito, Patrick Clarke, and Gregg Bouwmans, Vice Presidents of Institutional Sales and Trading. Team members Joseph Grieco, Matthew Treacy, Thomas Ajello, James Fradella, Rob Trimble, and Keith Knox have also joined.

According to Kelleher, Wall Street Access will continue to actively look for new, strategic additions that will help grow the firm. "Wall Street Access has weathered the financial crisis better than boutique competitors," he said. "Our entrepreneurial culture and proven history of successfully integrating new businesses into our firm allows us to take advantage of these opportunities. We have an environment where we can add A-plus players with strong institutional relationships and create a brand in high-touch trading in the fragmented small/mid-cap space."

About Wall Street Access
Wall Street Access combines an independent, entrepreneurial culture with a powerful platform to build and operate a diverse set of successful financial services businesses, including institutional brokerage, fixed income, securities research, and asset management. Wall Street Access has the expertise and flexibility to quickly seize emerging opportunities and has successfully evolved through up and down market cycles while always remaining a trusted and reliable partner for its clients since 1981. Wall Street Access is a member of the NYSE, FINRA, ISE and SIPC. To learn more, please visit www.wsaccess.com.

SOURCE Wall Street Access