Sterne Agee announced the hiring of Scott Studwell as senior managing director and head of equity capital markets origination and syndicate.

Studwell will be responsible for expanding Sterne Agee’s capital raising capabilities, with an initial focus on depositories and financial institutions.

For the last eight years, he was with Keefe, Bruyette and Woods, most recently as managing director and head of U.S. capital markets. Prior to KBW, he served as vice president at Bear Stearns & Co.

“Scott brings tremendous experience to the firm and has demonstrated strong leadership skills,” said Ryan Medo, executive managing director of equity capital markets at Sterne Agee. “Hiring Scott was a strategic maneuver designed to raise our equity capital markets’ profile and take our firm to the next level.”

Studwell is the latest addition to several investment bankers Sterne Agee has hired. The company has more than doubled the number of senior investment bankers companywide and is continuing to experience growth in its equity capital markets business.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have joined the Sterne Agee team,” said Studwell. “The firm has built a tremendous reputation over the years by serving as a valuable partner to our clients. I am committed to helping Sterne Agee further expand its presence and capabilities in the equity capital markets business. Our team is comprised of very skilled professionals focused on delivering great service and building on past success.”