Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Investment Banking Partner in Insurance & Financial Services
Philo Smith is a leading independent investment banking and advisory firm specializing in the insurance and financial services industry. Founded in 1962, we have built a reputation for delivering superior investment and advisory results through over five decades of dedicated expertise. Our investment banking services focus on mergers and acquisitions for insurance companies, brokers, and specialty finance firms, while our investment management division offers tailored products for corporations, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals. We prioritize client interests through a commitment to integrity, responsiveness, and performance, supported by a team with extensive industry knowledge and a track record of executing over 100 transactions.Our conservative, long-term investment approach emphasizes fundamental research and direct engagement with company management to identify opportunities with favorable risk-reward profiles. As a registered investment advisor with the SEC, we maintain rigorous compliance standards and offer transparent, client-centric solutions through vehicles like PSCO Partners and separately managed accounts. Our leadership team combines deep sector specialization with decades of experience in financial analysis, valuation, and strategic advisory services.
Services
Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory
Investment Management
Strategic Financial Advice
Portfolio Management
Insurance Industry Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of specialized experience in insurance and financial services sectors.
- Our team has executed 100+ M&A transactions ranging from $2M to $70M.
- We maintain a conservative investment approach with SEC-registered compliance.
- Our leadership team holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, and 79 registrations.
- We offer tailored investment vehicles like PSCO Partners and separately managed accounts.
Associations and certifications
- FINRA
- SIPC
Services
Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory
Philo Smith provides strategic financial advice on mergers and acquisitions for insurance companies, brokers, and specialty finance firms. Our team executes transactions ranging from $2 million to $500 million, leveraging deep industry relationships and 50+ years of experience. We specialize in creating value through strategic combinations and capital solutions.
Investment Management
We offer actively managed investment products focused on insurance and financial services sectors. Our offerings include PSCO Partners Limited Partnership, separately managed accounts, and the PhiloSelect Dividend Account. These vehicles emphasize fundamental research and long-term growth through direct ownership of industry-specific equities.
Strategic Financial Advice
Our firm delivers tailored strategic guidance for insurance and financial institutions, covering capital funding, long-range planning, and market positioning. With expertise in property casualty, life insurance, and specialty finance, we help clients navigate complex financial challenges and growth opportunities.
People
James Amen
Managing Director & Partner
Manages investment management and corporate finance operations with 30+ years of experience. Former Bear Stearns executive who has executed 100+ transactions. Holds MBA from University of Chicago.
Francis Skip Hagerty
Managing Director & Partner
Specializes in insurance M&A with 20+ years of experience. Former GE Capital executive who has led 100+ transactions. Harvard MBA graduate with FINRA Series 7, 63, and 79 registrations.
Michele O'Grady
Managing Director & Partner
Oversees financial operations and compliance for investment accounts. Former CFO of venture capital firm with 25+ years in financial management. Holds MBA from University of Bridgeport.
James Inglis
Managing Director & Partner
Senior investment analyst with 40+ years of industry experience. Former Metropolitan Life executive specializing in insurance sector research and portfolio management.
David Salmon
Managing Director & Partner
Focuses on M&A transactions with 15+ years of experience. Former Jefferies analyst who has completed 30+ deals ranging $2M-$70M. Colby College economics graduate with multiple FINRA registrations.
Questions
What services does PhiloSmith offer?
We provide M&A advisory services, investment management solutions, and strategic financial consulting specifically for insurance and financial services companies.
How long has PhiloSmith been in business?
We have specialized in insurance and financial services since our founding in 1962, with over 60 years of industry expertise.
What transaction sizes do you handle?
Our M&A advisory services typically cover transactions ranging from $2 million to $500 million in value.
What investment vehicles do you offer?
We manage PSCO Partners Limited Partnership, separately managed accounts, and the PhiloSelect Dividend Account focused on insurance and financial sectors.
Are you registered with regulatory authorities?
Yes, we are a registered investment advisor with the SEC, and our broker-dealer is FINRA/SIPC member firm.
