Moelis & Company (MC): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered how Moelis & Company, a leading global independent investment bank, operates and generates revenue? With a market cap of $3.57 billion as of April 2025, and a team of over 300 advisory professionals across 23 locations, the firm offers strategic and financial advice to a diverse clientele. Keep reading to discover the history, ownership structure, and the unique strategies that drive Moelis & Company's success in the financial world.

Moelis & Company (MC) History

Moelis & Company's Founding Timeline

Year established

Moelis & Company was established in 2007.

Original location

The company's headquarters are located in New York, NY.

Founding team members

The firm was founded by Ken Moelis, who previously held the position of President of Investment Banking at UBS.

Initial capital/funding

In 2007, the company secured an initial capital commitment of $170 million from Stephan Schwarzman, the CEO of Blackstone. This investment played a crucial role in establishing and growing the company.

Moelis & Company's Evolution Milestones

Moelis & Company's Transformative Moments

Moelis & Company has undergone several transformative moments that have shaped its trajectory:

• Strategic Independence: The decision to remain an independent advisory firm has allowed Moelis & Company to offer unbiased advice, fostering long-term client relationships.
• Focus on Restructuring: Specializing in restructuring services has enabled the firm to capitalize on opportunities during economic downturns, providing crucial advice to distressed companies.
• Global Expansion: Expanding its presence in key international markets has allowed Moelis & Company to serve a diverse client base and participate in cross-border transactions.
• Adaptation to Market Trends: Adapting to emerging trends such as sustainability and technology has ensured that Moelis & Company remains relevant and competitive in the evolving financial landscape.

Learn more about the company's Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Moelis & Company (MC).

Moelis & Company (MC) Ownership Structure

Moelis & Company operates with a corporate ownership structure, being a publicly traded company. Understanding its ownership and leadership provides insight into its governance and strategic direction.

Moelis & Company's Current Status

Moelis & Company is a publicly traded company, meaning its shares are available for purchase on the stock market. This allows a broad range of investors, from individuals to institutions, to own a stake in the firm. As a public entity, Moelis & Company is subject to regulatory oversight and reporting requirements, ensuring transparency in its operations and financial performance.

Moelis & Company's Ownership Breakdown

The ownership of Moelis & Company is distributed among various shareholders, including institutional investors, individual shareholders, and company insiders. As of the fiscal year 2024, the ownership breakdown is as follows:

Moelis & Company's Leadership

The leadership team at Moelis & Company is responsible for guiding the firm's strategic direction and overseeing its operations. Key figures include:

• Ken Moelis: As of April 2025, Ken Moelis continues to serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. His leadership is pivotal in shaping the company's strategic vision and driving its growth.
• Joseph Simon: Serving as a Managing Director, Joseph Simon plays a crucial role in overseeing key client relationships and strategic initiatives.
• Elizabeth Crain: As a Managing Director, Elizabeth Crain is instrumental in driving the company's advisory services and ensuring client satisfaction.

The Board of Directors includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, providing oversight and guidance on key decisions. These leaders are essential in maintaining the company's competitive edge and ensuring its long-term success. You might also be interested in Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Moelis & Company (MC).

Moelis & Company (MC) Mission and Values

Moelis & Company aims to provide clients with unbiased, conflict-free advice, building long-term relationships based on trust and exceptional service, while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and professional development for its employees.

Moelis & Company's Core Purpose

Official mission statement

While a specific, formally published mission statement is not readily available in recent sources, Moelis & Company's approach and values can be inferred from their operational philosophy and public statements. The firm emphasizes:

• Providing unbiased and conflict-free advice to clients.
• Building long-term relationships based on trust and exceptional service.
• Fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and professional development for its employees.

Vision statement

Similarly, a specific vision statement is not publicly available. However, the vision of Moelis & Company can be understood through its strategic objectives and achievements:

• To be a leading global independent investment bank, recognized for providing innovative and strategic advice.
• To attract and retain top talent by fostering a supportive and challenging work environment.
• To expand its global footprint and service offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Company slogan/tagline

Moelis & Company does not have a widely publicized official slogan or tagline. Instead, their brand is built on their reputation and the quality of their services. Key aspects of their brand messaging include:

• 'Independent Advice, Global Reach': Highlighting their commitment to unbiased advice and their extensive international presence.
• 'Client-Centric Approach': Emphasizing their dedication to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each client.
• 'Excellence in Execution': Focusing on their ability to deliver superior results through deep industry knowledge and expertise.

To gain more insight into the firm's investor profile, check out: Exploring Moelis & Company (MC) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Moelis & Company (MC) How It Works

Moelis & Company operates as an investment bank, offering financial advisory services to corporations, governments, and financial sponsors worldwide.

Moelis & Company's Product/Service Portfolio

Moelis & Company's Operational Framework

Moelis & Company generates revenue primarily through advisory fees earned upon the successful completion of transactions. The firm's operational framework involves:

• Client Engagement: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients through senior-level attention and industry expertise.
• Deal Origination: Proactively identifying and pursuing potential M&A, restructuring, and capital markets opportunities.
• Transaction Execution: Providing comprehensive advisory services throughout the transaction lifecycle, from initial analysis to closing.
• Industry Specialization: Organizing advisory teams around specific industries to provide in-depth knowledge and insights.
• Global Network: Leveraging a global network of offices and partnerships to serve clients on cross-border transactions.

Moelis & Company's Strategic Advantages

Moelis & Company's success is driven by several strategic advantages:

• Independent Advisory Model: Remaining free from conflicts of interest associated with lending or underwriting activities.
• Experienced Professionals: Attracting and retaining highly experienced investment bankers with deep industry knowledge.
• Global Reach: Offering advisory services to clients across major markets worldwide.
• Focus on Complex Transactions: Specializing in advising on large, complex, and often cross-border transactions.
• Strong Restructuring Expertise: Maintaining a leading position in restructuring advisory, particularly during periods of economic distress.

To gain more insights into the values that guide the company, check Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Moelis & Company (MC).

Moelis & Company (MC) How It Makes Money

Moelis & Company primarily generates revenue by providing financial advisory services. These services include advising on mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations and restructurings, and other corporate finance matters.

Moelis & Company's Revenue Breakdown

Moelis & Company's Business Economics

Moelis & Company operates with a business model centered around providing high-value strategic advice. The firm's profitability is significantly influenced by:

• Deal Volume and Size: Higher volumes of M&A and restructuring activities typically translate to increased revenue.
• Pricing Strategies: Fees are usually based on the size and complexity of the transaction, as well as the specific services provided.
• Economic Conditions: Overall economic health and market stability play a crucial role in driving corporate transactions.
• Global Presence: A global footprint allows the firm to capitalize on international deals and diverse market opportunities.

Learn more insights into the company's values: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Moelis & Company (MC).

Moelis & Company's Financial Performance

Key aspects of Moelis & Company's financial performance include:

• Revenue Generation: As of the fiscal year 2024, Moelis & Company's revenue is derived almost entirely from advisory fees.
• Profit Margins: Profitability can fluctuate depending on compensation expenses and operating costs.
• Key Financial Metrics: Metrics such as revenue per employee and deal success rates are important indicators of the firm's efficiency and effectiveness.
• Market Position: Moelis & Company's standing in the market impacts its ability to attract and secure significant advisory mandates.

Moelis & Company (MC) Market Position & Future Outlook

Moelis & Company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for independent financial advisory services, leveraging its expertise in mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and capital markets. The firm's future outlook appears positive, driven by its focus on building long-term client relationships and expanding its global presence. For more information, check this out: Exploring Moelis & Company (MC) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Competitive Landscape

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

Moelis & Company maintains a strong position as an independent investment bank, particularly known for its expertise in:

• Restructuring: Consistently ranked among the top restructuring advisors globally.
• Mergers & Acquisitions: A recognized advisor on large, complex M&A transactions.
• Strategic Advisory: Provides independent advice, free from conflicts of interest associated with lending or underwriting.

The company's strategic focus on specialized advisory services and its ability to attract and retain top talent are key differentiators in a competitive market.