Business Details
Your Trusted Financial Partner for Investment Solutions
First Southern is a boutique financial services company dedicated to delivering personalized investment solutions and brokerage services to individuals and institutional clients across the United States and Puerto Rico. Founded on principles of integrity, trust, and expertise, we prioritize long-term client relationships to help achieve financial objectives. Our team of seasoned professionals specializes in wealth management, investment banking, and public finance, offering tailored strategies that align with each client's unique goals. With decades of collective experience, we combine deep market knowledge with a commitment to transparency and ethical practices. Our wealth management approach focuses on identifying personalized solutions engineered for long-term success, while our investment banking division provides underwriting, M&A advisory, and capital sourcing services.In public finance, we work with municipalities and non-profits to structure tax-exempt securities that meet specific community needs. We maintain rigorous compliance standards and hold memberships with FINRA, MSRB, and SIPC, underscoring our dedication to regulatory excellence. Our client-centric philosophy ensures full disclosure in all transactions, with a focus on building trust through consistent, reliable service. Through continuous professional development, we maintain cutting-edge expertise in fixed income, municipal bonds, and portfolio management. This combination of personalized service, technical proficiency, and ethical conduct positions us as a trusted partner for clients seeking comprehensive financial solutions.
Services
Wealth Management
Investment Banking
Brokerage Services
Portfolio Construction
M&A Advisory
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in investment banking and wealth management
- Our team includes FINRA-licensed professionals with specialized municipal finance expertise
- We provide personalized portfolio solutions tailored to individual client objectives
- We maintain transparent fee structures with full disclosure in all transactions
- Our professionals hold advanced certifications in portfolio management and compliance
Associations and certifications
- FINRA
- MSRB
- SIPC
Services
Wealth Management
Our Wealth Management Group creates personalized investment strategies engineered for long-term success. We analyze individual financial goals and risk profiles to construct diversified portfolios incorporating equities, fixed income, and alternative investments. With experienced advisors holding Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses, we deliver comprehensive solutions including retirement planning, estate strategies, and insurance products tailored to high-net-worth individuals and institutions.
Investment Banking
We provide full-service investment banking capabilities including underwriting primary bond offerings and structured distressed transactions. Our team specializes in M&A advisory, valuation services, and capital sourcing for public and private sector clients. With expertise in municipal finance and corporate transactions, we deliver strategic solutions for commercial real estate, healthcare, and financial institution sectors across the United States and Puerto Rico.
Public Finance
Our public finance division structures tax-exempt securities for municipalities, development authorities, and non-profits. We specialize in general obligation bonds, school district financing, and healthcare infrastructure projects. The team's deep understanding of regulatory requirements and market dynamics ensures customized solutions that meet community development needs while providing stable returns for investors.
Brokerage Services
We offer comprehensive brokerage services covering equities, municipal bonds, and structured products. Our fixed income team provides secondary market trading of investment grade and high yield bonds, supported by real-time market analysis and research. With FINRA-member status and SIPC protection, we ensure secure transactions and compliance with all regulatory standards for individual and institutional investors.
Portfolio Construction
Our portfolio construction services focus on creating diversified investment strategies tailored to client risk tolerance and financial goals. We combine modern portfolio theory with active risk management techniques to optimize returns across market cycles. The approach integrates tax-efficient strategies, liquidity planning, and ongoing performance monitoring to maintain alignment with evolving client needs and market conditions.
People
Manuel Gonzalez Hinds
Senior Vice President
With 25+ years in wealth management, he specializes in equities, fixed income, and retirement planning. Holds multiple FINRA licenses and insurance certifications.
German Ramirez de Arellano
Managing Director
Brings 35+ years of financial services experience with expertise in retail management and high-net-worth client services. Holds Series 7 and insurance licenses.
Ral Juan Escudero
Managing Director
Licensed attorney with 40 years in financial services, specializing in estate planning, managed accounts, and corporate finance solutions.
John R. Watson
Director of Capital Markets
35+ years of experience in global finance with expertise in Puerto Rico-issued products, structured securities, and portfolio management strategies.
Wilson Colberg Trigo
Managing Director
35-year industry veteran specializing in high-net-worth client services with Series 7 and 63 FINRA licenses and extensive private banking experience.
Questions
What services does First Southern offer?
We provide wealth management, investment banking, public finance, and brokerage services tailored to individual and institutional clients.
How does First Southern approach client relationships?
We focus on building long-term relationships through personalized solutions and transparent communication aligned with client objectives.
In which geographic areas do you operate?
We serve clients across the United States and Puerto Rico from our Atlanta and San Juan offices.
What expertise do your professionals hold?
Our team includes FINRA-licensed advisors with specialized knowledge in municipal bonds, portfolio management, and compliance.
