CRB Group announces new investment banking strategy to support fintech community

CRB Group, Inc., the parent entity of Cross River Bank and CRB Securities, LLC (CRBS), has made a significant announcement regarding the launch of an Investment Banking strategy, marking a pivotal expansion in its service offerings and reinforcing its dedication to the fintech sector.

At the forefront of this strategic development are Benjamin Samuels and Henry Pinnell, appointed as Co-Heads of Investment Banking, bringing their extensive experience to lead the new division within CRB Securities, LLC. This move is set to enhance CRB Group’s ability to meet the diverse needs of its fintech clients, offering expert advice on mergers & acquisitions, capital markets transactions, and other vital corporate finance matters.

Gilles Gade, Founder and CEO of Cross River, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, highlighting the wealth of experience Samuels and Pinnell bring to the table. “We are proud to launch our investment banking division… Ben and Henry are tasked with enhancing even further our product offering to our fintech partners and beyond,” Gade said.

The introduction of the Investment Banking team signifies Cross River’s ongoing commitment to innovation and leadership within financial services, aiming to provide a comprehensive suite of services powered by its significant banking expertise, network, and industry insights. This initiative is a response to the growing demand for creative financial solutions within the fintech sector, aligning with CRB Group’s mission to address the strategic needs of its clients comprehensively.

Benjamin Samuels joins CRB Securities, LLC with a rich background from Morgan Stanley, where he led the firm’s Equity Private Placements, SPAC, and PIPE efforts globally. Henry Pinnell, previously a Senior Managing Director at SVB Securities, brings over 15 years of investment banking experience, with a focus on the fintech and financial services sectors.

Both Samuels and Pinnell expressed their excitement about the potential of their new roles to influence the fintech ecosystem positively. “I could not be more thrilled by the opportunity we have to offer the fintech community a differentiated suite of solutions,” Pinnell commented.

The strategic expansion of CRB Group into investment banking underlines a significant moment in the evolution of financial services, where the integration of traditional banking expertise with innovative fintech solutions becomes increasingly crucial. By leveraging the deep industry knowledge and experience of its new leaders, CRB Group is well-positioned to offer unique insights and solutions that cater to the complex needs of the fintech community.

This move not only highlights the company’s adaptability and foresight in responding to market demands but also sets a new benchmark for how traditional financial institutions can evolve to meet the needs of the rapidly growing fintech sector.