Phoenix Ranks As Financial Services Giant

Metro Phoenix Arizona has made impressive strides in developing its financial-industry base, emerging in recent years as a key regional player for a growing number of banks, insurers, brokerage firms, independent lenders and others. While corporate headquarters remain scarce, regional hubs are popping up all over.

"We've become a regional choice (for financial firms) in the southwestern United States," said Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC).

Many of the same factors that attract other businesses here also lure financial firms, including good weather, good travel through Sky Harbor, and a location in a time zone that's conducive to taking late afternoon and evening calls from customers.

Look for Phoenix to start attracting "corporate headquarter" operations as our economy grows. More...