Stifel Nicolaus & Company Inc. ("Stifel") is an American multinational brokerage and investment banking firm.

According to the press release dated March 23, 2010, the suit alleges Stifel hired Neil R. Harrison after he had been terminated by former St. Louis-based A.G. Edwards in 2006 for cause for “failing to follow firm policies.” The suit further alleges Stifel, as well their Edwardsville Illinois branch manager, knew from inception of hiring Mr. Harrison that Mr. Harrison engaged in unauthorized trading, excessive trading, “churning,” and engaged in material misrepresentations and omissions in connection with the purchase and sale of an estimated $50 million to $100 million securities transactions from September 2006 until October 2008. The suit also alleges Stifel had ongoing knowledge of Harrison’s activities through daily, weekly and monthly exception reports generated by Stifel.

Plaintiff filed a first amended Complaint on March 17, 2010. On March 23, Plaintiff filed a first amended Complaint and Statement of Claims for Damages. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the amended Complaint on June 11. On December 28, the Court issued an Order granting Defendant's Motion to Dismiss. Plaintiffs filed a notice appealing the Court's Dismissal Order on January 25, 2011. The Court of Appeals issued an Order affirming in part and reversing in part the Court's Dismissal Order on August 6, 2012. The case was remanded to the District Court. On April 5, 2013, the Court issued an Order dismissing the matter without prejudice pending arbitration.