R.J. O’Brien & Associates Merges with StoneX Group: A New Era in Futures Brokerage and Clearing
On April 14, 2025, R.J. O’Brien & Associates (RJO), the venerable futures brokerage and clearing firm based in Chicago and New York, announced a significant milestone in its long-standing history. The company’s parent firm has reached a definitive agreement to merge all of RJO’s global businesses into StoneX Group Inc. (SNEX), subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
A Rich Heritage Meets Modern Innovation
Founded in 1799, RJO has been a cornerstone of the futures industry for over two centuries. With a reputation for integrity and expertise, the firm has weathered numerous market cycles and economic upheavals. StoneX, on the other hand, is a modern, technology-driven financial services firm that provides a wide range of services, including commodity risk management, foreign exchange, and securities.
A Stronger Combination for the Future
The merger of RJO and StoneX is expected to create a leading global futures brokerage and clearing firm, combining RJO’s rich history and deep industry knowledge with StoneX’s innovative technology and broad product offerings. The new entity will be well-positioned to serve a diverse client base, from small farmers and hedgers to institutional investors and multinational corporations.
The Impact on Customers
For individual and institutional clients, the merger may bring several benefits. Enhanced technology platforms, expanded product offerings, and improved operational efficiency could lead to a better overall customer experience. Additionally, the merged firm’s larger scale may provide greater financial stability and risk management capabilities.
The Impact on the World
The merger of RJO and StoneX is likely to have a ripple effect on the broader financial industry. The consolidation of two major players in the futures brokerage and clearing space could lead to increased competition and innovation, as other firms respond to the new entity’s offerings and capabilities. Furthermore, the merger may signal a trend towards greater consolidation in the financial services sector, as firms seek to gain scale and efficiencies in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
A New Chapter in the Futures Industry
As RJO embarks on this new chapter in its history, the firm remains committed to its core values of integrity, expertise, and innovation. With the support of StoneX, RJO is poised to continue providing top-tier service to its clients and contributing to the growth and development of the futures industry.
- RJO, the oldest futures brokerage and clearing firm in the US, is merging with StoneX Group
- The merger is expected to create a leading global futures brokerage and clearing firm
- Customers may benefit from enhanced technology platforms, expanded product offerings, and improved operational efficiency
- The merger could lead to increased competition and innovation in the financial services sector
- RJO remains committed to its core values of integrity, expertise, and innovation
In conclusion, the merger of R.J. O’Brien & Associates and StoneX Group represents an exciting new chapter in the futures industry. By combining the rich heritage and deep industry knowledge of RJO with StoneX’s modern technology and innovative product offerings, the new entity is well-positioned to serve a diverse client base and contribute to the growth and development of the financial services sector. For individual and institutional clients, the merger may bring several benefits, including enhanced technology platforms, expanded product offerings, and improved operational efficiency. For the world, the merger could lead to increased competition and innovation, as other firms respond to the new entity’s offerings and capabilities. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the futures industry will never be the same.
