Houlihan Lokey Advises Finance 500 and CB Resource

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Finance 500, Inc., and CB Resource, Inc., two Irvine-based companies operating as strategic partners under common ownership (together, the Company), have agreed to be acquired by Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE:SF; Stifel). Finance 500 is a market leader in the underwriting and issuance of certificates of deposits, while CB Resource is an advanced technology-enabled platform delivering enterprise risk management, strategic planning, capital planning, and interactive performance-based analytics to community banks nationwide. The transaction was signed on March 13, 2024, and is subject to regulatory approvals.

Founded in 1982, Finance 500 is a leading brokerage and investment services provider focused on underwriting FDIC-insured CDs and trading fixed-income securities. The Company has assisted more than 1,200 depository institutions in raising over $200 billion to support near and long-term funding needs.

Finance 500 is complemented by CB Resource, which was founded in 2011 and acquired by Finance 500 in 2014. CB Resource provides actionable intelligence, risk management, and planning solutions to banks focused on strategic growth, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and shareholder value. Its proprietary technology and consulting services sit at the heart of key decision-making within a critical subject area for banking institutions.

Stifel Financial Corp. is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. This deal deepens Stifel’s financial institutions platform with market-leading CD underwriting, tech-enabled risk management, and strategic planning capabilities. Finance 500 and CB Resource clients will also benefit from Stifel’s market presence, financial strength, and access to the firm’s comprehensive suite of products and services.

Houlihan Lokey served as exclusive financial advisor to Finance 500 and CB Resource.