Our Pillars

No other Wall Street institution has a story like ours.
Our company was founded upon six core pillars:

Exceptional Talent and Entrepreneurialism

We recruit and hire exceptional talent to ensure our clients receive unparalleled service with a customized approach. We’re passionate about the continued growth and development of our employees so they can take their careers to the next level.

Continuous Innovation

We’re an innovation company. Why? Because more than 75 years of experience has taught us that the next 75 years belong to those who not only invest in but invent the future. Our commitment to fueling continuous innovation – both for ourselves and our clients – keeps us at the cutting edge of finance, where we deliver smarter, more personalized financial services to our clients.

Experienced Leadership

Cantor’s executive leadership team shapes the firm’s vision and strategy, guided by their deep expertise and a commitment to excellence. Their leadership fosters innovation, drives success, and reinforces our dedication to the communities where we live and work.

Resilience and Perseverance

Not only have we persevered through every market fluctuation over the past seven decades, but we’ve built a global financial services powerhouse in the wake of unprecedented hardship. In 2001, we tragically lost 658 of our 960 New York-based colleagues in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. Due to the unwavering dedication, determination and ingenuity of our employees, we stand stronger now more than ever before.

Genuine Philanthropy

Philanthropy has long been a pillar of our ethos, but it was amplified by the devastating events of September 11th, 2001, when 658 colleagues perished in the World Trade Center Attacks. The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund was established as a response to the tragic event, but its genesis spawned our larger culture of dedication to supporting those in need. Since its creation, the Relief Fund has raised over $300 million and has expanded to support victims of terrorism and provide disaster relief. On Charity Day – created to commemorate our lost colleagues- both Cantor Fitzgerald and BCG Group donate 100% of their revenues to Relief Fund charities.

Surpassing Client Expectations

For almost 80 years, we’ve been a formidable part of financial services in the United States and abroad. The firm’s longevity is testament to our commitment to strengthening and maintaining client bonds beyond transactions – our goal is to exceed their needs and expectations.

Employees in a conference room

Our
History

2025

Howard Lutnick confirmed as the 41st United States Secretary of Commerce and steps down as Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., the holding company that controls Cantor, BGC Group, Inc., and Newmark Group, Inc.

Brandon Lutnick named Chairman and Kyle Lutnick named Executive Vice Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.

2024

BGC Group announces that 10 global investment banks and market making firms join them in the creation of FMX to launch premier U.S. treasury and U.S. interest rate futures trading marketplace.

Stephen Merkel named Executive Vice Chairman for Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.

2023

Howard W. Lutnick celebrates his 40th anniversary at the firm, making him one of the longest-standing CEOs on Wall Street.

BGC Partners completes its corporate conversion to a full C-corporation, changes its name to “BGC Group, Inc.,” and switches its Nasdaq ticker symbol to “BGC.”

2021

Cantor Fitzgerald and its affiliates host their annual Charity Day to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

2020

Cantor Fitzgerald celebrates its 75-year anniversary.

2019

Cantor Fitzgerald remains the top-ranked bank on Wall Street for SPAC underwriting for the second year in a row.

2018

BGC Partners Announces Completion of Spin-Off of Newmark Group.

2017

Cantor Fitzgerald hires Anshu Jain to be President of Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. Howard W. Lutnick and Anshu Jain make a series of strategic hires to expand and grow Cantor Fitzgerald’s Fixed Income, Investment Banking, Equities and Prime businesses.

Newmark Group announces IPO.

2015

BGC Partners successfully acquires control of GFI Group Inc. and subsequently sells its Trayport business to Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

2014

BGC makes unsolicited proposal to acquire GFI.

2013

BGC Partners sells eSpeed to Nasdaq.

Cantor Fitzgerald becomes a Primary Dealer in Ireland.

2012

BGC Partners continues real estate services consolidation by acquiring the assets of Grubb & Ellis, a national commercial real estate firm.

2011

BGC Partners enters the real estate brokerage market and acquires Newmark & Company Real Estate, Inc., a leading commercial real estate services firm.

2010

Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisors is launched.

2009

Cantor Fitzgerald establishes its Prime Brokerage Services group.

2008

BGC Partners, L.P. merges with eSpeed, Inc. to form BGC Partners, Inc. BGC Partners goes public and is listed on NASDAQ.

2006

Cantor Fitzgerald becomes a primary dealer for the US. Federal Reserve.

Howard W. Lutnick pays a total of $180m to the families impacted by 9/11, 25% of all Cantor Fitzgerald profits over five years.

2004

Cantor Fitzgerald spins out a portion of its voice brokerage business to form BGC Partners L.P.

Cantor Fitzgerald and its affiliates host their first Annual Charity Day to turn the tragedy of 9/11 into charitable giving.

2001

Cantor Fitzgerald tragically loses 658 of its 960 New York-based employees in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.

Howard W. Lutnick announces a plan to rebuild Cantor Fitzgerald and assist the impacted families by donating 25% of all company profits to them over a 5-year period and paying for their healthcare for 10 years.

1999

eSpeed becomes publicly traded.

1996

Cantor Fitzgerald launches its fully electronic trading platform, eSpeed.

Howard W. Lutnick is named Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald.

1991

Howard W. Lutnick is named CEO and President of Cantor Fitzgerald.

1983

Howard W. Lutnick joins Cantor Fitzgerald as a Fixed Income analyst.

1972

Cantor Fitzgerald becomes the world’s first screen-based marketplace for US Government Securities.

1965

Cantor Fitzgerald begins offering large volume equities trading for institutional investors.

1945

Cantor Fitzgerald was founded by Bernard Gerald Cantor and John Fitzgerald as a bond brokerage firm.

  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
  • 2009
  • 2008
  • 2006
  • 2004
  • 2001
  • 1999
  • 1996
  • 1991
  • 1983
  • 1972
  • 1965
  • 1945

Executive Leadership

Brandon Lutnick Headshot

Brandon Lutnick

Chairman

Kyle Lutnick

Executive Vice Chairman

Stephen Merkel

Executive Vice Chairman, Executive Vice Chairman, Executive Managing Director, and General Counsel

Danny Salinas

Chief Financial Officer

Mike Whitaker Headshot

Mike Whitaker

Group Chief Information Officer

Eugene Gorfin

Chief Operating Officer

Brandon Lutnick

Brandon Lutnick Headshot

Brandon Lutnick

Chairman

Brandon Lutnick is the Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. and a member of the Board of Directors for BGC Group, Inc.

In his role as Chairman, Mr. Lutnick is responsible for shaping long-term corporate strategy and growth, promoting strong governance, shepherding innovation at scale, working closely with the respective leadership teams of Cantor Fitzgerald’s three core businesses – Cantor, Newmark and BGC. Mr. Lutnick also serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cantor Equity Partners series of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies sponsored by Cantor Fitzgerald.

Prior to being named Chairman in 2025, Mr. Lutnick worked as an Executive in corporate strategy at Cantor Fitzgerald after initially joining Cantor in 2022 in equity sales and trading. He began his career as a credit analyst at Oak Hill Advisors.

Mr. Lutnick graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University.

Kyle Lutnick

Kyle Lutnick Headshot

Kyle Lutnick

Executive Vice Chairman

Kyle Lutnick is the Executive Vice Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. and a member of the Board of Directors for Newmark Group, Inc.

In his role as Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Lutnick drives interdisciplinary collaboration across Cantor Fitzgerald’s three core businesses – Cantor, Newmark and BGC – advancing high-impact growth initiatives and scaling emerging areas of the business, such as AI, digital infrastructure and data centers.

He also serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Newmark helping to shape the firm’s strategic and transformation agenda, including data, artificial intelligence and technology matters, and strategic account and platform growth.

Previously, Mr. Lutnick served as Global Managing Director of Knotel, Inc., Newmark’s flexible office and workspace business, after initially joining in 2021 and holding roles as General Manager of UK & EMEA and Vice President of Business Development. He began his career as an associate on Newmark’s retail advisory team, serving clients in New York City.

Mr. Lutnick graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stanford University.

Stephen Merkel

Stephen Merkel

Executive Vice Chairman, Executive Vice Chairman, Executive Managing Director, and General Counsel

Stephen Merkel is Executive Vice Chairman, Executive Managing Director, and General Counsel for Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. (“Cantor Fitzgerald”), responsible for overseeing the legal function globally. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for BGC Group, Inc. and Newmark Group, Inc.

Prior to joining Cantor Fitzgerald in 1993, Mr. Merkel was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at Goldman Sachs & Co., dedicated to the J. Aron Division. Before that, he was an associate with the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. He also served as a law clerk for the Honorable Irving R. Kaufman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Mr. Merkel received a Bachelor’s degree with a major in History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania and received his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

Mr. Merkel is currently on the Board of Trustees for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and on the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation. He was a founding member of the Wholesale Markets Brokers’ Association for the Americas. Mr. Merkel lives with his wife, Robin Shanus, and has three adult children, David, Gabe and Leo.

Danny Salinas

Danny Salinas

Chief Financial Officer

Danny Salinas is a Senior Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Cantor Fitzgerald L.P. As CFO, Mr. Salinas is responsible for financial operations, including accounting, finance, regulatory reporting, treasury, financial planning and analysis, as well as taxation, risk management, investor relations and corporate services.

Prior to joining Cantor, Mr. Salinas held various executive positions at TD Bank Group, most recently as Chief Financial Officer for TD Securities. He also practiced as a tax attorney at Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett, where he advised on strategic corporate transactions. Mr. Salinas began his career at Deloitte & Touche, where he received his CPA.

He earned a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rutgers University.

Mike Whitaker

Mike Whitaker Headshot

Mike Whitaker

Group Chief Information Officer

Mike Whitaker is the Group Chief Information Officer of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. (“Cantor Fitzgerald”) responsible for developing and implementing the group’s global technology strategy.

He is also the Group Chief Information Officer of Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”), BGC Group, Inc., and Newmark Group, Inc. In these roles, he provides strategic oversight of technology, data, and information initiatives across the three companies.

Mr. Whitaker has more than 40 years’ experience in financial services and technology. He joined Cantor Fitzgerald in 2024 from Citi, where he spent 15 years in senior technology management roles and rose to become the firm’s Head of Operations & Technology and a member of the Executive Management Team.

Prior to joining Citi, Mr. Whitaker worked at Deutsche Bank and Barclays Capital, where his responsibilities included CIO for Global Fixed Income, Global Equities & Prime Finance, eCommerce, and Algorithmic trading functions.

Mr. Whitaker holds a Master of Science degree in financial markets and derivatives from City, University of London.

Eugene Gorfin

Eugene Gorfin

Chief Operating Officer

Eugene Gorfin is Chief Operating Officer of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. ("Cantor Fitzgerald"). In this role, Mr. Gorfin provides leadership and oversight for Operations, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Compliance and the Chief Administrative Office functions across the Cantor Fitzgerald Group. He works closely with business and functional leaders to support the execution of the firm’s strategic priorities and continued growth.

Mr. Gorfin has more than 25 years of experience in financial services, operations, governance, and business transformation. Prior to joining Cantor, he spent nearly 15 years at Barclays, most recently serving as Managing Director, Americas Deputy Chief Operating Officer and CEO of the U.S. Services Entity. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at UBS and KPMG Consulting.

He holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and International Business from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.