Wedbush Securities Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1955 by Edward Wedbush and Robert Werner, Wedbush Securities Inc. is a privately held financial services firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The firm is dedicated to securing clients' interests, strengthening their vision, and helping them achieve financial success through a focus on client service, financial safety, innovation, and advanced technology.

Key Strategic Focus

Wedbush operates through three primary divisions:

Wealth Management: Offers a comprehensive suite of wealth management products and financial services, supported by nearly 200 investment professionals.

Investment Banking & Capital Markets: Delivers innovative investment products, investment banking, and fund services to assist institutional and corporate clients in diversifying and growing their portfolios.

Clearing & Execution: Specializes in global clearing and execution services across all asset classes for broker-dealers, trading firms, and professional traders.

Financials and Funding

As of April 2025, Wedbush Securities manages $5.7 billion in assets across 10,099 client accounts. The firm is privately owned, allowing it to maintain independence and make decisions without external pressures.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Wedbush Securities emphasizes innovation and the utilization of advanced technology to enhance client services. The firm has integrated high-performance trading technologies through strategic acquisitions, such as Lime Brokerage in 2011 and Lightspeed in 2018, to bolster its clearing and execution capabilities.

Leadership Team

Gary L. Wedbush: President.

Leadership Changes

In May 2018, Edward Wedbush stepped down as co-founder, with his sons Gary Wedbush and Richard Jablonski assuming roles as co-presidents.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The financial services industry is highly competitive, with firms vying for market share through diverse service offerings and technological advancements. Wedbush Securities operates in a landscape alongside both large multinational corporations and specialized boutique firms.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Stifel: Founded in 1890, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, offering investment banking and securities services.

Houlihan Lokey: Established in 1972, based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in financial advisory services.

William Blair: Founded in 1935, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, providing investment banking and asset management services.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Wedbush has engaged in several strategic partnerships to expand its market reach:

Maybank Partnership (2023): Enabled clients to trade in Southeast Asian markets and access Maybank’s research and market insights.

Velocity Trade Investment (2023): Became the largest shareholder of the Toronto-based global broker-dealer.

Hana Securities Alliance (2024): Expanded investment banking reach to South Korea and provided clients access to Hana's research and market insights.

Operational Insights

Wedbush's strategic focus on client service, financial safety, innovation, and advanced technology positions it competitively within the financial services industry. The firm's independence and diversified service offerings provide distinct advantages over competitors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Wedbush aims to continue its growth through strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and a commitment to client-centric services. The firm's adaptability and focus on innovation position it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the financial services sector.