Matt Shields

Founded in 1988 by Richard Messina, the Benchmark Co. LLC is a full-service broker/dealer headquartered in New York City. The firm provides equity research, sales and trading services for institutional and private clients. They focus on the media, energy, enterprise software, infrastructure software, biotechnology, specialty pharmaceuticals, REITs, Internet and communications sectors. The Benchmark Co.'s clearing agent is JP Morgan Clearing Corp.

Founded in 2003, FIG Partners LLC is a broker/dealer specializing in mid- and small-cap bank and thrift stocks. They strive to generate superior returns for institutions and high net-worth individuals through integrated trading, sales and research. They are employee-owned. FIG Partners is a member of the NASD and the SIPC. They are located in Atlanta, Georgia.