MEET Andy Shipe, Associate General Counsel in the Private Client Group at Raymond James, an Institutional Member of the FSDA.

We are speaking today with Andy Shipe, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was raised in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, before I headed off to college at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and then law school at Fordham University in New York City. I began my career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx, and then transitioned to financial services by joining the CFTC and the SEC back in Washington, DC.

At both agencies, I worked on legislation and regulatory reforms that impacted intermediaries in the securities, derivatives and currency markets. After many years in government service, I moved to the private sector where I advised U.S. and non-U.S. firms as to compliance with the overlapping standards that apply to securities broker-dealers, derivatives firms, asset managers, and exchanges. I also advocated on behalf of investment firms before legislators and regulators as they sought to create or change rules that govern the financial services industry.

Tell us a little about your firm.

This November, I relocated to St. Petersburg to join a native Florida institution. Raymond James has a world class team focused on serving individuals and families as they plan for their futures. We’ve been a member of FSDA for many years and appreciate FSDA’s support for investor protection and financial literacy.

Why is it important for Raymond James to be a member of the FSDA?

Working with legislators and agency leaders in Washington taught me just how much policy makers need information from the industries they oversee. Decisions are made quickly, and the agenda can change overnight. For a business to thrive, it has to educate policy makers and be alert to their priorities.

Florida is a growing state with an economy that is attracting new residents, new businesses, and new industries. In this rapidly changing environment, the legislature and the executive branch will be very attentive to the protection of investors and the well-being of the local businesses that employ Floridians. FSDA keeps us up to date on developments in Tallahassee, and provides a voice on the issues that matter to our industry.

Please tell us a little bit about Raymond James’ community involvement and your firm’s “give something back” initiative.

Before moving to Florida, I was the pro bono attorney for our local Little League. I am glad to be with a firm that celebrates community involvement. Raymond James associates are active in cities and towns across the country. During this year’s annual Raymond James Cares Month, our associates and advisors organized donation drives, hosted virtual bingo nights, distributed meals to the needy, and cleaned up public parks. All told, our associates volunteered nearly 6,700 hours to benefit 250 charitable organizations. I believe our presence in local communities and the variety of our associates’ efforts truly sets us apart.

Andy, thanks for taking time to speak with us today.