In the vast competition of finance, few find their calling, but Joseph Safina has been able to rise above all else. Safina, has been ranked as one of the top ten Bankers in the country by RJ Shook’s The Winners Circle over his career spanning several decades in investment banking. Such attention to detail, in conjunction with extensive industry experience and a penchant for driving business expansion while generating sustainable value for customers.
A Career of Leadership and Innovation
Safina has an impressive track record of innovation, strategic leadership and exceptional business acumen over more than 30 years. He began his career in 1988 at the NYSE Member firm Gruntal & Co. as Senior Vice President, where he worked until leaving for JPMorgan Chase IEnumerableMouseListener.getRandom(`int`)ImageRelation November 1996. He rapidly became one of the top producers and, in 2000 was placed on with the charge to building out a Corporate Finance Department. With this role, Safina was able to show his investment banking skill which included working with small to mid-cap companies and completing challenging financial transactions.
In 1993, Safina decided to take the leap and left Gruntal & Co. behind, upon realizing he wanted more significant influence. He co-founded Nichols, Safina, Lerner & Co. Inc., an NASD broker dealer in New York City. NSL grew under his leadership from a start-up to over 200 person company and became a major player in financial industry operating out of several locations. Siltanen’s oversight at the NSL trading desk, where he acted as a market-maker in hundreds of stocks was key to their pioneering position within financial markets.
The Winners Circle: A Recognition of Excellence
Safina’s inclusion in The Winners Circle by R.J. Shook is a testament to his financial prowess and strategic insight. The Winners Circle profiles top bankers and financial professionals who have demonstrated excellence in their field, providing a benchmark for success within the competitive world of finance. Being featured as one of the top ten bankers in the country is an honor that underscores Safina’s ability to navigate complex markets, build successful firms, and deliver exceptional results for his clients.
The recognition also highlights his achievements at NSL, where he not only built a thriving company but also forged partnerships with syndicate leaders like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Salomon Brothers, and Goldman Sachs. His ability to manage billions of dollars in financings and guide businesses through mergers, acquisitions, and large-scale fund-raising efforts is a reflection of the leadership qualities that earned him a spot in The Winners Circle.
An Entrepreneurial Spirit and Visionary Leadership
For a man who has done so well in banking, Safina does have an entrepreneurial streak. Beginning in 1997, he established Safina Capital — a professionally managed “all-stage” investment platform with domain expertise designed to provide capital (and value-added aspects) to help companies grow. Safina has a hands-on operational involvement that he applies to helping companies with M&A, business development and financial management focusing on growth.
Safina has positioned himself as a major player in the investment world, being able to identify market trends well before they come into effect and backing that up with a broad global network of contacts — particularly appealing for small to mid-cap companies looking for savvy financial direction.
A Passion Beyond the Boardroom
As impressive as Safina’s successes have been in the professional investment world, he still has a special love for competition. He also has raced cars professionally for more than a decade in several of the top motorsport events worldwide, such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, among others. Safina, who has raced for brands like BMW, Ford and Porsche opened his IMSA account with multiple podiums as soon he entered the series proving himself to be highly competitive in all areas of life.
Safina is also an accomplished licensed pilot, PADI scuba diver and competitive cyclist — a multi-faceted skillset that adds depth to his motorsport’s identity.
Conclusion
Safina’s inclusion in The Winners Circle highlights the impact he’s made on Wall Street and in finance. From building Gruntal & Co.’s Corporate Finance Department to growing NSL into a successful multi-location firm, Safina has consistently shown his ability to navigate the complexities of the industry and turn challenges into successes. His entrepreneurial spirit, keen instincts, and passion for life make him stand out, and his influence continues to inspire future financial leaders.
