The firm has appointed James Cox as managing director and branch manager of the private client group, while Christine Barray starts as assistant vice president and registered retail client assistant, Sterne said. 

Cox moves to the role from the investment banking industry in Chicago, having served as branch manager for Stifel Nicolaus, Gruntal & Co and AG Edwards.

Meanwhile, Barray has over 27 years of experience. She began her career at Freehling & Co and was an assistant branch manager with Stifel Nicolaus, Gruntal & Co and AG Edwards.

Sterne, Agee & Leach was founded in 1901, with 50 offices across 22 states. It is one of seven subsidiaries of Sterne Agee Group and has over $17 million in assets.