Ten years ago, Forefront launched with a simple but ambitious goal: to deliver exceptional marketing and communications services to the industry’s most innovative fintech and capital markets firms. What followed was not an overnight success story, but steady progress – moment by moment – shaped by clients who trusted us, teammates who pushed us and an industry community that’s been constantly supportive.
Now, as we celebrate our 10th anniversary and introduce our new brand and website, we’re reflecting on the milestones that defined our first decade and set the foundation for the next.
October 2018 – First STA Conference
With a three-person contingent – Mark Dowd, Sam Belden and Rafi Reguer – Forefront supports its first STA Market Structure Conference. The team manages onsite media, produces thousands of words of live-tweeted panel commentary and meets with dozens of current and future clients, marking an early moment of visibility for the firm within the trading community.
July 2019 – First Dedicated Office
After outgrowing its co-working space, Forefront moves into its own office in NYC’s Flatiron District, establishing a true home base for a growing team and client roster.
October 2019 – First Wall Street Rides FAR Sponsorship
Forefront sponsors Wall Street Rides FAR for the first time, fielding a riding contingent of ten. The event becomes a cornerstone of the firm’s culture – blending community, philanthropy and the teamwork required in agency life.
January 2022 – Launch of Corporate Social Responsibility Program
At the urging of team members who wanted to work at a company that actively gives back, Forefront formally launches its CSR program. What began as a grassroots initiative has evolved into an ongoing commitment to volunteerism, including support for Badass Animal Rescue, One Sandwich At A Time, The Bowery Mission and The New York Foundling.
February 2023 – First Equity Partnership
Forefront signs its first work-for-equity engagement with crypto ECN Crossover Markets – a milestone that reflects the firm’s willingness to bet on both its clients and its own ability to drive results.
April 2024 – 50th Podcast Episode
Forefront releases the 50th episode of its “At the Forefront” podcast, which features interviews with fintech and capital markets leaders along with regular insights on marketing, communications, design and beyond. Our 50th episode features Ronan Donohue of Q4 Capital Advisors and focuses on how the traditional banking world is being transformed by innovative technologies like AI.
August 2024 – 50th Brand & Website Launch
Forefront delivers its 50th brand and website project with the launch of Castle Island Ventures’ new visual identity and digital presence. The project remains one of the team’s favorites – both for the clean, minimalist aesthetic and for the special meaning it held after years of collaboration with CIV portfolio companies.
December 2024 – Named One of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work
PRWeek recognizes Forefront as one of its annual “Best Places to Work.” Based on employee feedback and engagement surveys, the honor reflects the culture the team has built together – one centered on trust, collaboration and long-term growth.
February-April 2025 – Two Full-Service Clients Acquired
In February 2025, LiquidityBook – Forefront’s very first client – is acquired by FactSet. After nine years serving as LiquidityBook’s fully outsourced marketing and communications department, the transaction represents a proud full-circle moment and a testament to the power of long-term partnership. Two months later, it was announced that Forefront client Hidden Road would be acquired by digital asset infrastructure provider Ripple.
January 2026 – 40 Active Clients
With the signing of Virtu Financial, Forefront reaches 40 active clients for the first time in its history – a milestone that underscores the firm’s steady expansion across trading, fintech and capital markets.
Looking Ahead
Together these milestones tell a story of clarity around who we are and who we’ve always been: a full-service agency at the forefront of fintech and capital markets marketing – grounded in proof, strengthened by culture and fueled by partnership.
As we step into our next decade, our commitment remains the same: to deliver exceptional work, to stay ahead of industry trends and to serve as long-term partners to firms shaping the future of financial markets.
Stay Connected with Forefront
We’re proud of what we’ve built – and grateful to every client, teammate and partner who made it possible.
To follow along as we enter our next chapter, explore our work and connect with us on LinkedIn. Our second decade is just getting started.