Top Financial Services Private Equity Firms

Private equity continues to be a driving force in transforming the U.S. financial services sector. From fintech and asset management to real estate and institutional lending, private equity firms are backing companies that are rethinking the way capital flows and financial systems operate. These firms offer more than just funding, they provide deep industry knowledge, operational expertise, and long-term partnerships.

In this article, we profile the top private equity firms across the U.S. that focus on financial services. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a growing company looking to scale, these investors offer the resources and experience to help your business reach the next level.

1. Warburg Pincus LLC

Warburg Pincus is one of the most established names in private equity, with over 50 years of experience and a singular focus on PE investing. Headquartered in New York, the firm has deployed more than $77 billion across 870+ companies in over 40 countries.

With $28 billion in assets under management, Warburg Pincus consistently partners with high-growth businesses in financial services, backing companies that are redefining banking, asset management, insurance, and consumer finance.

The firm is especially active in sectors where financial services intersect with technology. Warburg Pincus has built a global fintech investing practice that targets payment processing platforms, exchanges, and innovative wealth management tools.

Their integrated approach to fintech and financial infrastructure positions them as a forward-thinking capital partner for companies transforming traditional financial systems.

2. Gramercy Funds Management

Founded in 1998 and based in Greenwich, Connecticut, Gramercy Funds Management is a leading investment manager focused on emerging markets.

The firm is known for delivering risk-adjusted returns across strategies such as private credit, distressed debt, capital solutions, and private equity. They are registered with the SEC and are a UNPRI signatory, underscoring their commitment to responsible investing.

While Gramercy primarily operates in emerging markets, it has carved out a strong niche in financial services through investments in capital markets, banking platforms, and structured finance. Their investment ticket typically ranges from $10–50 million, with a long-term approach aimed at helping companies navigate complex regulatory and economic environments.

3. Hines Interests

Hines Interests is a real estate investment powerhouse with a global presence and more than $51 billion in equity under management.

Established in 1957, the firm has extensive experience in property development, asset management, and private equity across both developed and emerging markets. It has launched over 50 investment funds and maintains a long-term strategic approach.

While best known for real estate, Hines intersects significantly with financial services, particularly in asset-backed lending and fund structuring. Their ability to deploy capital at scale makes them a key player in sectors that merge finance with real assets, such as infrastructure funds and institutional property investment platforms.

4. Aquiline Capital Partners

Established in 2005 by Jeff Greenberg, Aquiline Capital Partners is a New York-based private equity firm that focuses exclusively on financial services and technology. The firm partners with companies that provide essential solutions to the financial services ecosystem, spanning insurance, asset management, fintech, and beyond.

The firm operates across three investment divisions: Aquiline Financial Services, which targets underpenetrated sectors; Aquiline Technology Growth, which backs fintech and insuretech innovators; and Aquiline Credit Opportunities, which focuses on asset-based finance and structured credit.

This multi-pronged strategy enables Aquiline to support businesses at various growth stages, always within its domain of expertise in financial services and tech-enabled markets.

5. IFC Asset Management Company

IFC Asset Management Company is part of the International Finance Corporation and was established in 2009. Based in Washington, D.C., the firm channels private equity capital into sectors like banking, agriculture, housing, and education. Its strategy is global, targeting investments that drive development and economic resilience.

In financial services, IFC Asset Management focuses on scaling inclusive finance initiatives, such as microfinance institutions and digital banking, across underserved regions. The firm also plays an important role in improving access to capital for SMEs, often serving as a catalytic investor in difficult markets.

6. Liquid Realty Partners

Liquid Realty Partners specializes in real estate private equity secondaries, offering liquidity solutions to institutional investors. The firm has executed over $1 billion in transactions involving real estate funds, trusts, and portfolios worldwide. Its approach emphasizes efficiency in otherwise illiquid markets.

Their work intersects with financial services through complex deal structures and secondary fund management. Liquid Realty’s expertise makes them a go-to partner for institutions seeking liquidity or restructuring within long-duration financial investments, especially in property and fund-based financial vehicles.

7. Neuberger Berman

Founded in 1939, Neuberger Berman is one of the largest privately held asset managers in the world. With over $500 billion in AUM and a presence in 25 countries, the firm offers a wide range of strategies across equity, fixed income, hedge funds, real estate, and private equity. It is recognized for its strong ESG credentials, earning top ratings from the UNPRI.

In financial services, Neuberger Berman invests heavily in asset management, wealth tech, and financial infrastructure. The firm’s long history and employee-owned model allow it to take a long-term view, aligning closely with clients and portfolio companies seeking stability and growth.

8. Oaktree Capital Management

Oaktree Capital Management is a global investment firm known for its deep expertise in credit and special situations. Founded in 1995, the firm manages around $120 billion in assets and operates in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, London, and Hong Kong. Their team includes over 40 portfolio managers with an average of 24 years of experience.

Oaktree’s financial services investments span distressed debt, direct lending, and control investing in underperforming or transitioning financial platforms. Their philosophy emphasizes risk control, consistency, and market inefficiency, making them a trusted partner for complex financial restructurings and growth capital deployments.

9. Zephyr Management

Established in 1994, Zephyr Management has launched over 20 funds with approximately $1.2 billion in committed capital. The firm operates out of New York, London, and Bangalore, focusing on emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Its strategy is built on identifying secular growth trends and adhering to a disciplined investment process.

In financial services, Zephyr targets opportunities that align with broad macroeconomic shifts, such as the rise of mobile banking and financial inclusion. Their diversified regional presence allows them to identify unique fintech and banking models that are poised for high-impact growth in underserved markets.

10. Vulcan Capital

Vulcan Capital is the multi-billion-dollar investment vehicle of Paul G. Allen, the late co-founder of Microsoft. Formed in 2003, Vulcan invests across early-stage venture, public equities, leveraged buyouts, and special situations. The firm is known for its patient capital and diverse asset allocation strategy.

Vulcan’s investments in financial services focus on innovation and long-term value creation, ranging from digital banking platforms to capital markets infrastructure. Their flexibility in investment size and stage makes them a versatile partner for companies aiming to disrupt traditional finance.

11. ACON Investments

ACON Investments is a middle-market private equity firm with over $5.4 billion in assets under management. Founded in 1996, ACON operates across the U.S. and Latin America, with a portfolio spanning more than 65 companies. The firm focuses on buyouts, growth capital, and co-investments in sectors like consumer goods, healthcare, and financial services.

Their value addition comes from close collaboration with management teams to improve operations and pursue strategic M&A. In financial services, they look for companies with scalable models that can benefit from digital transformation, operational efficiency, and expanded market access.

12. Amundi

Amundi, Europe’s largest asset manager, entered the U.S. market through the 2017 acquisition of Pioneer Investments. With over $85 billion in AUM in the U.S., the firm operates hubs in Boston and Durham, offering institutional and retail investment solutions across asset classes.

Amundi’s focus in financial services includes asset management platforms, fintech solutions, and institutional advisory products. Their global perspective and research-driven approach make them a valuable partner for financial firms looking to grow in both U.S. and international markets.

13. Battery Ventures

Battery Ventures is a global investment firm with $6.9 billion in AUM and offices in Boston, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, London, and Israel. Founded in 1983, Battery invests in technology-driven companies across the growth spectrum, from seed to private equity.

Their financial services investments focus on software, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise tools that modernize financial operations. Battery brings a hands-on approach, using data and operational benchmarks to help companies optimize performance, expand into new markets, and build sustainable growth.

14. Broadway Angels

Broadway Angels is a network of senior women investors who have built successful careers in top-tier VC and PE firms and leading technology companies. Founded in 2010, the group focuses on early-stage investments across sectors including financial services, health tech, and enterprise software.

Their emphasis on diversity, mentorship, and network-driven investing makes Broadway Angels a unique contributor to the financial services startup ecosystem. The firm supports entrepreneurs building next-generation finance solutions with capital, experience, and high-impact connections.

15. Cordillera Investment Partners

Cordillera Investment Partners is a San Francisco–based firm managing over $1.6 billion in niche, non-correlated assets. Founded in 2014, Cordillera targets investment opportunities that fall outside traditional private equity frameworks, including specialized finance models and alternative lending structures.

In financial services, Cordillera focuses on misunderstood or undercapitalized segments that offer downside protection and upside potential. Their thesis-driven, flexible strategy makes them a compelling partner for innovative financial platforms with unique value propositions.

Let’s Recap

The firms profiled above reflect the diversity and depth of private equity expertise in the U.S. financial services market. From legacy managers like Neuberger Berman to alternative specialists like Cordillera and Broadway Angels, each brings a unique approach to capital deployment, operational guidance, and long-term value creation.

If you're seeking growth capital or a strategic partner to scale your financial services company, Private Equity List offers the fastest way to identify and connect with top-tier investors across the U.S. and beyond.

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