Dan Ives leaves Wedbush to launch a new merchant bank

Dan Ives is leaving Wedbush Securities after eight years to start a new merchant bank, according to an interview published Wednesday. The firm is expected to be announced in the coming weeks and will combine research, advisory work, capital raising, and investing. Ives said the new venture will focus on helping companies and investors benefit from opportunities tied to artificial intelligence and other broader shifts in the economy. He described the planned firm as a “modern merchant bank” with longterm capital and partners. The new business aims to recruit talent from Wall Street and will cover sectors including technology, energy, and financials. Ives said he expects to continue following technology stocks while helping build the larger platform.