Oppenheimer Hires Bruce Rideaux and Promotes Lauren Carter As Public Finance Business Continues to Expand
Rhea-AI Summary
Oppenheimer (NYSE: OPY) announced two senior personnel moves in its Public Finance division, hiring Bruce Rideaux as Managing Director in Public Finance and promoting Lauren Carter to Head of Negotiated Underwriting, following the retirement of Beth Wolchock. The firm reported a No. 18 ranking in US municipal long-term competitive underwriting so far in 2026, up from No. 46 in 2025. Head of Public Finance Elizabeth (Beth) Coolidge was also elected to a four-year term on the MSRB Board of Directors beginning October 1, 2026, after leading an expansion that increased Oppenheimer’s senior-managed negotiated par by 200% compared with full-year 2023.
Positive
- Competitive underwriting ranking improved to No. 18 in 2026 from No. 46 in 2025
- Senior-managed negotiated par increased by 200% versus full-year 2023
- Experienced hire Bruce Rideaux has advised on more than $35 billion in financings
- Leadership continuity with Lauren Carter promoted to Head of Negotiated Underwriting
- Industry recognition as Beth Coolidge elected to a four-year MSRB Board term from October 1, 2026
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 19 | advisor development forum | Neutral | -2.6% | Hosted advisor forum focused on leadership development, technology and future client service. |
| Jul 31 | 2Q26 earnings report | Positive | -3.7% | Reported higher quarterly revenue, net income and Capital Markets pre-tax income. |
| Jul 20 | derivatives platform expansion | Positive | -0.8% | Added seven senior professionals to expand institutional derivatives capabilities. |
| May 01 | 1Q26 earnings report | Negative | -6.7% | Reported a net loss alongside legal and stock-based compensation expenses. |
| Apr 24 | litigation settlement | Negative | +5.5% | Agreed to pay $70 million into escrow under a binding settlement term sheet. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent positive operating and expansion announcements were followed by negative price reactions, while the negative litigation settlement announcement was followed by a positive reaction.
Key Terms
public-private partnerships financial
negotiated underwriting financial
competitive underwriting financial
msrb regulatory
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Senior Personnel Moves Strengthen Leadership and Add Specialized Capabilities in Key Areas of the Municipal Market
Head of Public Finance Elizabeth (Beth) Coolidge Elected to MSRB Board, Underscoring Strength of Oppenheimer's Public Finance Franchise
Rideaux, who is based in
The transition provides continuity within a key part of Oppenheimer's municipal business while expanding Carter's leadership responsibilities across the platform. The personnel moves also build on a period of continued investment in Oppenheimer's municipal businesses.
Carter joined Oppenheimer in March as part of an expansion that also included Matt Davis, Managing Director, Head of Competitive Municipal Underwriting, and Brendan Shanahan, Managing Director, Municipal Trading. Together, the additions significantly strengthened the firm's underwriting, sales and trading capabilities.
"Bruce's addition and Lauren's expanded leadership role reflect the continued growth of our Public Finance business and the depth we are building across the platform," said Peter Albano, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Fixed Income at Oppenheimer. "Bruce brings significant experience in complex project finance and public-private partnerships in
Adding to the franchise's momentum, Elizabeth (Beth)
"Beth's election to the MSRB Board is a well-deserved recognition of the leadership, judgment and experience she has brought to the municipal finance industry throughout her career," said Robert Lowenthal, President and CEO of Oppenheimer. "It also speaks to the strength of the leadership team we have assembled as we continue investing in and expanding our Public Finance franchise."
Rideaux has extensive experience working with complex issuers, including state and local governments, utility systems and transportation organizations, as well as on public-private partnerships. Over the course of his career, he has advised on more than
Prior to joining Oppenheimer, Rideaux held positions at Hilltop Securities, PFM Financial Advisors and UBS. He holds a B.A. in Mathematics from The University of
Carter has nearly 25 years of municipal experience across competitive and negotiated transactions. Prior to joining Oppenheimer, she was a Managing Director at Janney Montgomery Scott. She has consistently ranked among the leading competitive underwriters nationally.
"Public Finance has strong momentum because we continue to build our business around what our clients need from us,"
**(Source: Bloomberg, League Tables, US Municipal Long-Term Competitive).
About Oppenheimer Holdings Inc.
Oppenheimer Holdings Inc., through its Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. subsidiary and related entities, provides a full range of wealth management, securities brokerage and investment banking services to high-net-worth individuals, families, corporate executives, businesses and institutions. For more information, please visit oppenheimer.com.
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SOURCE Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.