Independent broker-dealer Braver Stern Securities opened two new fixed-income institutional sales offices in Boston, MA and Richmond, VA.
At the same time, John Keller has been hired to head the Boston fixed-income institutional sales operation while David Cuttino has also been added to lead the institutional MBS sales operation in Richmond.
Both Keller and Cuttino bring an expertise in MBS that will complement Braver Stern’s existing customer-focused strategy, according to a release from the firm.
Cuttino was formerly at BB&T Debt Capital Markets where he most recently traded agency and non-agency mortgage products. Before BB&T, he was a portfolio manager at West Side Advisors in New York City, where he managed a RMBS portfolio of agency derivative products and non-agency credit. Cuttino started his career as a civilian engineering contractor to the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC.
Meanwhile, Keller was previously a portfolio manager for funds including ABS, MBS, CMBS, real estate equity and private equity for Cambridge Place Investment Management. Hewas also an ABS/MBS analyst and portfolio manager for Babson Capital, and an ABS/MBS trader and analyst at Standish, Ayer & Wood before that. He started his career as an MBS trader for Edward Jones.
“We are very excited to have Mr. Keller and Mr. Cuttino join us, as they are seasoned veterans and a true testament to our commitment to expand and bolster the firm’s institutional sales platform,” said George Kenny, head of institutional fixed-income sales at the firm. “Boston is a key focus for Braver Stern and the new office will allow the firm to interact with customers directly while continuing to grow its presence in the region. Richmond is also a target area for us, and we look forward to expansion in both of these important markets.”
“These hires will add value for our customers by providing them with in-person, real-time resources in both Boston and Richmond, and will expand our reach in those two critical markets. John and David are both great additions to our platform, ” Joseph Valentine, managing director of fixed-income trading, added,
