Robert Karofsky

In the wake of criticism of Morgan Stanley CEO Philip Purcell, numerous high-profile executives, vice presidents, and traders have left the company. Robert Karofsky was among a group of eight promising young traders who departed to Deutsche Bank. Karofsky and his group were widely recognized as some of the most promising young talent at Morgan Stanley. Robert Karofsky was approached by Deutsche Bank about the move shortly following the forced resignation of his department head, John Havens. Karofsky possesses close ties to Havens. The move provides Robert Karofsky and his group with the opportunity to grow Deutsche Bank’s cash equities business in North America. Deutsche Bank has held second-tier status in the industry, a situation that could be changed by the new hires. Robert Karofsky was considered one of the biggest losses for Morgan Stanley. He was responsible for a broad spectrum of stock- and equity-based trades at the firm. He accepted the role of Managing Director and Global Head of Program Trading and Direct Markets Access and Americas Co-Head of Cash Equities at Deutsche Bank.