Stifel Financial opened its first office in Israel, focused on investment banking and related institutional services. Alain Dobkin joins Stifel as managing director and Israel country head.

Dobkin, who is based in Tel Aviv, is a veteran investment banker with more than 20 years of experience advising clients on Israel-related cross-border transactions in both the public and private capital markets. Over the course of his career, he has advised on deals totaling nearly $40 billion in aggregate value across multiple sectors, including technology, healthcare, industrials, energy, and real estate.

Dobkin was one of the original members of Citigroup’s investment banking platform in Israel and was a key contributor in developing its significant presence there during his 13-year tenure. He was later a managing partner at Israel’s Spring Hill Partners.

“We view Israel as a highly strategic market,” said Brad Raymond, global head of Investment Banking at Stifel. “With robust growth in both M&A and overall capital markets activity, strong middle-market characteristics, and key industry sector concentration, Israel is an excellent fit for our global investment banking platform. Alain is uniquely qualified to lead our efforts in Israel, bringing to Stifel a strong track record of success and deep network of key relationships.”

St. Louis-based Stifel is a full-service investment bank serving middle-market clients.