A Resource for Advisors:
Elevating Conversations About Selling a Business
Helping Clients Explore Business Sales with Foresight and Confidence This month, I had the opportunity to present to a major commercial bank on a topic that has been central to my practice for decades: how to prepare clients mentally, emotionally, and operationally for exploring the sale of their business. While M&A expertise may not be […]
Comment on FINRA Regulatory Notice 25-07: Modernizing FINRA Rules, Guidance, and Processes for the Organization and Operation of Member Workplaces
>> View full comment letter on Finra.org Dear Ms. Mitchell, As the founder and a principal of one of the only 100% woman-owned broker-dealers in the United States, I appreciate the opportunity to comment on FINRA Regulatory Notice 25-07. Tobin & Company Securities LLC (“TOBIN”) is a boutique broker dealer that has served issuers and […]
The Hidden Risks of Newer Boards—and Why Guardrails Matter
Last month, I joined a panel at the Private Company Governance Summit in Washington, D.C., focused on a critical but often-overlooked issue: conflicts of interest on newer private company boards. The conversation, moderated by Bill Hayes and joined by Tom Sween and Jim McHugh, sparked a level of engagement that confirmed what I’ve long believed: […]
Comment on FINRA Regulatory Notice 25-04: Broad Review to Modernize Rules
>> View full comment letter on Finra.org Dear Ms. Mitchell, As the founder and principal of one of the only woman-owned broker-dealers in the United States, I welcome the opportunity to comment on FINRA Regulatory Notice 25-04. Tobin & Company Securities is a boutique broker dealer that has served issuers and sponsors and safeguarded investors […]
Top Five Trends in (Smaller) M&A
Or, stated another way…. Private Equity is Hungry in 2025: What SMB Founders Need to Know How often have you seen a newsletter about the “TOP TRENDS IN M&A” and started reading with excitement, only to find that the author’s content is about large M&A deals and offers little value to founders and owners of […]
Comment on FINRA Regulatory Notice 25-05: Outside Business Activities and Private Securities Transactions
>> View full comment letter on Finra.org Dear Ms. Mitchell, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on FINRA Regulatory Notice 25-05, which proposes a revised framework for Outside Business Activities (OBAs) and Private Securities Transactions (PSTs). I write on behalf of TOBIN, a boutique, woman-owned broker-dealer, to offer our direct perspective. While we appreciate […]
Chaperoning Broker-Dealer Engagements –
How Do They Work?
If you are a foreign broker dealer – that is, a broker-dealer NOT registered with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) – you can still conduct securities business in the United States. Fortunately, you are not required to become a licensed U.S. broker dealer. Instead, you can partner with TOBIN and be “chaperoned” under […]
Common Pitfalls in M&A – and How to Avoid Them
It’s an understatement to say that delving into a merger with, or the sale or purchase of, a company is a momentous business move. It makes sense that the M&A journey can be fraught with pitfalls. These are the hazards that I, with my decades of M&A experience, find to be quite common and that […]
Mergers and Acquisitions: Key Steps and Strategies for Success
Growth through M&A is never accidental. It’s the result of deliberate strategic alignment, exhaustive planning and experienced execution. At TOBIN, we understand that pursuing a merger or acquisition isn’t about volume or vanity—it’s about precision, insight and value creation. Understanding the Difference: Merger vs. Acquisition A merger typically joins two companies of comparable size and […]
Maximizing Value: Why TOBIN is the Right Investment Banker for Your Small-Company Business Sale
Embarking on the journey of selling your business is a monumental decision, one that necessitates an advisor who not only comprehends the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) but also tailors its approach to the unique aspects of your company. For sellers with revenues of $25 million or less, who may be feeling a bit […]