Ken Griffin: Citadel rewires for Wall Street

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Ken Griffin: Citadel rewires for Wall Street

It has already won a reputation as one of the world’s leading hedge funds. Now Citadel has its sights set on investment banking. Chief executive Ken Griffin sees a sweet spot where many firms have left the stage. He normally succeeds in his goals. Chief executive Ken Griffin believes his newly expanded business will be a force to reckon with on Wall Street, says Helen Avery.

Should the traditional players on Wall Street be running scared?
 

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FOR CITADEL TO be referred to today as a hedge fund is something of a misnomer. From humble roots as a three-man convertible arbitrage shop in 1990, the firm now employs 1,100 people worldwide and has broadened into investment management, market-making and fund administration. Its latest foray has caused something of a stir on Wall Street.

Founder Ken Griffin is moving the firm into investment banking. It propels Citadel into a position above the smaller investment banking boutiques, but below the large established investment banks, filling some of the void left by Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers. With the advantage of a clean slate to work with and no legacy to have to adapt in the new world of investment banking, Griffin is aiming to capture a corner of the market where there is, as yet, little competition.

Gerald Beeson, Citadel’s COO and 16-year veteran, says the aim was always to create a diversified business that could withstand market cycles. "Management has continually focused on finding new areas of business to expand its reach.

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