Steven Nigro Brings Financial Services Industry Focus to Allegiance Capital

Online, October 25, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Allegiance Capital, one of the largest private investment banks serving the lower middle market, announced today that Steven Nigro has joined its New York office to serve as a Managing Director, leading the firm's Financial Services Practice Group. Mr. Nigro has closed more than 50 insurance, banking, broker-dealer and specialty finance transactions during his career.

"We're very pleased Steven Nigro is joining Allegiance Capital and will spearhead our investment banking initiatives within the financial services industry," said Chris Parisi, Head of Allegiance Capital's New York office. "He has a very strong record of serving clients in this sector, and has facilitated some of the most significant corporate finance deals for middle market financial services companies."

Before joining Allegiance Capital, Mr. Nigro was Chief Operating Officer of Pfife Hudson Group, Inc., an investment bank focused on financial services. Previously he'd served as Managing Director for Rhodes Financial Group L.L.C. and also for Hales & Company, both financial advisory firms catering exclusively to the financial services and insurance industries.

Prior to his career in investment banking, Mr. Nigro held operating positions, as Chief Financial Officer for an insurance carrier and for a securities broker-dealer, and also as a merchant banker concentrating on the acquisition and operations of financial institutions. Mr. Nigro currently serves on the Board of Directors of Maiden Holdings, Ltd., and is a Certified Public Accountant in New York.

"Allegiance Capital is a solid platform steered by highly experienced professionals, and I am thankful for their confidence and looking forward to their support," Mr. Nigro said. "The Allegiance Capital operating philosophy and entrepreneurial spirit is consistent with the needs of middle market financial institutions that often rely on their investment banker for business and operations guidance as well as financial advice. Today's regulatory and operating environment is challenging for financial firms, and we intend to meet those challenges together with our clients."