Samuel A. Ramirez, Sr.

Samuel Ramirez made history in the world of Hispanic business by becoming the first Hispanic to open a successful investment bank. Not only has his bank been successful but it has actually thrived. This success has really made him a major player on Wall Street. They now manage over two billion dollars in funds. They also run an investment trust that puts money into Hispanic owned businesses.

Samuel Ramirez was born in Harlem, his parents having moved there from Puerto Rico before he was born. His father worked at the Brooklyn Naval Yard while his mother was a seamstress. After graduating from high school Ramirez enrolled at St. France's College where he would earn a degree in economics. While a student at college he spent his summers working at a securities firm. After graduation he would take a job at an investment bank where he specialized in municipal bonds. He developed a good reputation there amongst investors, mainly because of his focus on preserving capital rather than chasing big returns

After a few years at the investment bank Ramirez decided that it was time to go out on his own. He founded his own company that specialized in selling municipal bonds. They would also offer investment banking services to local and state governments. His reputation as a reliable investor followed him to the new company and he was soon managing over two billion dollars. One of the strategies that Ramirez used to help ensure that his business had the best chance of success was to deliberately not focus on the Hispanic market. He realized that at that time the Hispanic market was just too small and he would have to attract large clients if he wanted to be successful.

Eventually however the market for Hispanic business would grow dramatically and Ramirez was ready to take advantage of it. His company would add an equity research department that would focus on Hispanic owned companies. This proved to be a good decision as the number and value of these companies exploded. He also started offering an investment trust that invests in Hispanic companies. This trust has had very good returns and it has helped to establish Samuel Ramirez as one of the best investors in the business.

The company has also started to expand into the commercial banking market having bought a share in a bank. This bank is actually targeting the Hispanic community and is trying to position itself as a major player in helping to provide financial services to the Hispanic community. In the mean time Samuel Ramirez continues to run his investment company which continues to grow. It has become very much a family business as his son, daughter and son in law all work for the company now. His son has taken over most of the day to day operations.