Aaron James Deer

Aaron James Deer is a Managing Director and Equity Research Analyst for Sandler O’Neill + Partners L.P., covering West Coast financial institutions. His focus areas include commercial banks and thrifts, financing of venture capital and private equity-backed enterprises, and innovation among financial intermediaries. He has provided research support on numerous stock underwritings and IPOs for clients ranging from community banks to global institutions. In 2014, Mr. Deer was recognized by StarMine to be among the world’s top sell-side analysts for stock picking within the U.S. banking industry based on the returns of his buy/sell recommendations. Prior to joining Sandler O’Neill + Partners L.P., Mr. Deer worked for RBC Capital Markets providing research coverage on a variety of regional and national banks. Before that, he supervised research and valuation teams for RSM EquiCo Capital Markets — now part of D.A. Davidson & Co. — specializing in middle market mergers and acquisitions. He also has worked with business and political leaders from around the world as a Communications and Strategy Adviser in Washington, D.C., and Paris, France. He began his career serving in a variety of frontline and back-office positions at regional and community banks. Mr. Deer is quoted frequently in national media on banking issues and the economy, and he advises management teams and boards on strategy and industry trends. He holds a Master of Business Administration with an international business concentration and an Master of Arts in international affairs — trade and investment policy concentration — from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics from the University of North Dakota. He also serves as a Director on the board of the GW Alumni Association.