(BLACK PRWIRE) (February 5, 2009) NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CastleOak Securities, L.P., a leading minority-owned investment bank, announced today the hiring of two seasoned professionals, Hiram Matthews and Joseph McManus, to its capital markets team.

With over 20 years of industry experience, Hiram is a tremendous asset to us. He brings a proven track record and marketplace relationships that will strengthen our business. Hiram joins as Senior Managing Director and Head of Structured Products. He will focus on building our structured products team in New York as well as our regional offices in Atlanta and Chicago, said David R. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of Castleoak.

Joe McManus brings over 20 years of fixed income sales experience across a diverse set of products including investment grade credit, ABS, and CDOs, said Mr. Jones. His ability to connect with clients and understand their needs will bolster an already strong fixed income sales team.

Mr. Matthews previously served as Product Manager of Structured Products, for Barclays Capital. In this role he marketed Barclays structured products throughout the US, Europe and Asia. Earlier, he was Sales Manager, Structured Products Group for UBS Securities. Mr. Matthews has also held sales positions with Chase Securities and Goldman Sachs. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wesleyan University and holds an MBA from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Business Administration.
Mr. McManus previously served as a Vice President with Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.s Investment Grade Credit Product Group. Earlier, he was a Senior Account Executive with Spear, Leeds & Kellog, LLP. and Assistant Vice President at Carroll, McEntee & McGinley & Co., Inc. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Xavier University.

About CastleOak Securities, L.P.
CastleOak Securities, L.P. is a leading minority-owned investment bank with an extensive suite of financial services including equity sales and trading, fixed income sales and trading, and financial advisory services. The firm offers clients expertise in primary and secondary market transactions, advice on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, valuations and general strategic assessments. Based in New York, with regional offices in Chicago and Atlanta, CastleOak is managed by a team of seasoned investment bankers who provide innovative, client-driven solutions that leverage their extensive professional experience, strong institutional relationships and keen market insight.
For more information, please visit www.castleoaklp.com.