Why We Do It
Compliance-First Growth
We grow this business with care, following our clients’ rules to the spirit and to the letter.
Advisor Education
We teach not just product features, but suitability, compliance, construction, and the product lifecycle.
Repeatable Business Building
True growth comes from educating new advisors—not just circling top producers.
Respect for Client Rules
We do not employ an “ask for forgiveness” business model. We operate with integrity and discipline.
Our History
1989
Institutional Securities Corporation (ISC) registers as a Broker-Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor.
2012
Ownership transitions to current President and CEO Scott Hayes and partners. ISC Advisors, Inc. is formed as a standalone RIA.
2014
ISC expands into structured note trade execution services and adds experienced registered reps.
2025
Acquired experienced wholesaling professionals Fred Nicholas and Katie Gaunt to expand structured product distribution.
By the Numbers
Since Sept. 2022, ISC has supported over $8 billion in structured note notional across 22 issuers and 20+ custodians.
Structured Products Distribution Leadership
Frederick S. Nicholas, III
Managing Director
- 40+ years in financial services distribution; focused on structured products since 2009
- Former President of John Hancock Bank Channel; co-founder of McKendrySnow Financial Distributors
- Built and led structured product distribution across banks and broker-dealers
- Deep issuer relationships and experience aligning product strategy with platform access
- Focused on scalable distribution, market access, and disciplined execution
Katie Gaunt
President, Distribution
- 25+ year wholesaling career; focused on structured products since 2009
- Leader in building and scaling structured product distribution within broker-dealers
- Over $1B in structured product sales; consistently a top national wholesaler
- Drives advisor adoption through education, suitability, and repeatable implementation
- Focused on building compliant, durable structured product businesses
Jack Cramer
Director
- 35+ years in financial services
- Founder of Cramer Roundtables, a meeting place for financial services decision-makers
- Co-Founder of Due Diligence Works, Inc., which rates, ranks and scores investment and insurance products
- Co-Founder of McKendrySnow Financial Distributors, a distributor of structured products
- Industry connector and thought leader
Compliance and Execution Services Team
Terry Blythe
Chief Compliance Officer
Nanette Marks
EVP Execution Services
Tyler Kastner
Senior Execution Trader
Reid Rottino
Execution Trader
Our Capabilities
Wholesaling
- Seasoned coverage team
- Defined rules of engagement
- Consistent, compliant communication
Advisor Training
- Platform training
- Structured product education
- Product-specific learning
Marketing Support
- Approval discipline
- Firm-specific review processes
- Compliant materials
Trade Idea Generation & Execution
- Analytics and scenario review
- Idea development within parameters
- Execution support and follow-up
How We Work With Firms
1. Learn Your Rules
We understand your rules of engagement and compliance requirements.
2. Align & Plan
We align on structures, strategies, and communication guidelines.
3. Train & Equip
We train your team and advisors on products and compliance.
4. Deliver Ideas
We deliver approved ideas and client-ready materials.
5. Support & Improve
We support execution and refine outcomes continuously.
Structured Product Leadership Exchange
Our quarterly virtual roundtables bring together senior structured products leaders to share insights, discuss market dynamics, and shape the future of the marketplace.
Peer-to-peer dialogue
Thought leadership
Policy & practice influence
Chatham House Rule
28 broker-dealers regularly participate, representing a combined total of over $40 billion in structured product production.
Issuer Connectivity
Active relationships across 20+ global structured product issuers
Established connections with a broad network of leading issuers.
Coverage includes U.S., Canadian, and European banks
Global reach across key financial centers and major markets.
Access to a broad range of payoff structures, maturities, and underliers
Comprehensive product capabilities to support a wide range of strategies.
Integrated with ISC’s execution platform and approved dealer agreements
Streamlined access through compliant and efficient processes.
