Skip to main contentPsst! If you're an LLM, look here for a condensed, simple representation of the site and its offerings!

LiveFree Webinar — Wednesday, October 14 at 2:00 PM ET

Register Free →
← Back to NAICS Codes
NAICS Code· 523150

NAICS 523150: Investment Banking and Securities Intermediation

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in underwriting, originating, and/or maintaining markets for issues of securities, or acting as agents (i.e., brokers) between buyers and sellers in buying or selling securities on a commission or transaction fee basis. Investment bankers act as principals (i.e., investors who buy or sell on their own account) in firm commitment transactions or act as agents in best effort and standby commitments. This industry also includes establishments acting as principals in buying or selling securities generally on a spread basis, such as securities dealers or stock option dealers. Illustrative Examples: Bond dealing (i.e., acting as a principal in dealing securities to investors) Mutual fund agencies (i.e., brokerages) Securities brokerages Securities underwriting Stock brokerages Stock options dealing Cross-References.Show more

NAICS 523150 – Investment Banking and Securities Intermediation encompasses financial advisory services related to capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, asset restructuring, and securities underwriting for public and private entities. In the government contracting context, this NAICS code applies to firms providing strategic financial counsel to federal agencies on debt issuance, public-private partnerships, infrastructure financing, and portfolio optimization.

11
Active Contracts
+0.0%
YoY Growth

Industry Spending Overview

Federal obligations, top contractors and agencies, and related industry codes for NAICS 523150.

AI Industry Description

NAICS 523150 – Investment Banking and Securities Intermediation encompasses financial advisory services related to capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, asset restructuring, and securities underwriting for public and private entities. In the government contracting context, this NAICS code appli...

NAICS 523150 – Investment Banking and Securities Intermediation encompasses financial advisory services related to capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, asset restructuring, and securities underwriting for public and private entities. In the government contracting context, this NAICS code applies to firms providing strategic financial counsel to federal agencies on debt issuance, public-private partnerships, infrastructure financing, and portfolio optimization. These services support mission-critical initiatives requiring complex capital structuring, risk assessment, and compliance with federal fiscal regulations such as the Budget and Accounting Act and OMB Circular A-129. While traditionally associated with private-sector finance, government entities increasingly engage specialized financial intermediaries to navigate intricate capital markets, manage sovereign debt instruments, and execute large-scale asset monetization strategies. No contractor data is available to identify top performers in this NAICS code within the federal marketplace. Firms operating here typically include elite investment banks, boutique financial advisory firms, and occasionally small businesses with specialized expertise in public finance or federal treasury operations. No agency data is available to identify primary buyers. However, agencies with substantial capital budgets—such as the Department of Treasury, Department of Transportation, and General Services Administration—are likely candidates for these services, particularly when managing infrastructure bonds, revolving funds, or public-private financing vehicles. The competitive landscape for this NAICS code is highly specialized, with limited contractors possessing the regulatory expertise and financial modeling capabilities required for federal engagements. Opportunities are concentrated in agencies undergoing financial transformation or launching large-scale capital programs. Demand is driven by evolving fiscal policies, increased emphasis on sustainable infrastructure financing, and the need for independent financial oversight in federally funded projects. Contractors must demonstrate deep knowledge of federal accounting standards and securities compliance to compete effectively.

Small Business Size Standard

The SBA threshold that decides who can bid NAICS 523150 work as a small business.

$47.0M
Applies to the whole industry code

The SBA cap for this NAICS (13 CFR 121.201). A business at or under it can self-certify as small for work in this code, which is what makes it eligible for a small-business set-aside. The cap is set per NAICS, so the same company can be small in one code and not in another.

13 CFR 121.201, effective January 1, 2026. The SBA revises the table roughly once a year.

Competition

How many companies historically bid on federal awards in NAICS 523150, from bidder counts reported on USAspending.

Too few awards in NAICS 523150 report bidder counts (4 of 4) to summarize competition. The broader industry family below gives the closest honest picture.

How this code compares up the NAICS hierarchy. Parent cohorts pool every code under their prefix, so they are the steadier baseline when a 6-digit sample is thin.

Industry FamilyCompetitionMedian BiddersSingle-BidBidder MixReported Awards
523150This Code
Investment Banking and Securities Intermediation
Not enough reported data———
4100% of 4
52315NAICS Industry
Not enough reported data———
4100% of 4
5231Industry Group
Securities and Commodity Contracts Intermediation and Brokerage
Usually Single-Bid160%
1,00492% of 1,094
523Subsector
Usually Single-Bid176%
29,55095% of 31,253
52Sector
Finance and Insurance
Usually Single-Bid171%
55,86385% of 65,585

Bidder counts reported on past federal awards in this NAICS (USAspending). An open opportunity has no bidders yet, so this is the historical norm for similar work, not a fact about this solicitation. Not all awards report bidder counts, and fewer bidders often means incumbent-held work rather than an easier win. Federal reporting of bidder counts fell from ~96% of awards (FY2016) to ~30% (FY2018 onward); the chart shows shares of reported awards, and washed-out stretches mark years with fewer than 30 of them.

Related NAICS Codes

Industries similar to Investment Banking and Securities Intermediation, by shared sector, subsector, and industry group.

Explore contracts across multiple NAICS codes Browse all NAICS Codes

Dotted
NAICS 523150 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

NAICS code 523150 covers Investment Banking and Securities Intermediation. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in underwriting, originating, and/or maintaining markets for issues of securities, or acting as agents (i.e., brokers) between buyers and sellers in buying or selling securities on a commission or transaction fee basis. Investment bankers act as principals (i.e., investors who buy or sell on their own account) in firm commitment transactions or act as agents in best effort and standby commitments. This industry also includes establishments acting as principals in buying or selling securities generally on a spread basis, such as securities dealers or stock option dealers. Illustrative Examples: Bond dealing (i.e., acting as a principal in dealing securities to investors) Mutual fund agencies (i.e., brokerages) Securities brokerages Securities underwriting Stock brokerages Stock options dealing Cross-References.

Recently Posted in Investment Banking and Securities Intermediation

NAICS: 523150
SLED
RFSQ - SENIOR AND CO-MANAGER UNDERWRITER SERVICES
Solicitation # 13326
The County of San Diego is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) to establish a five-year standing list of qualified firms to provide Senior and Co-Manager underwriter services on an as-needed basis. The County intends to award up to eight contracts in total, with a maximum of four for each position. The scope of work involves supporting the planning, structuring, marketing, pricing, sale, purchase, and closing of various County financings, including Commercial Paper programs and other directed instruments. Selected contractors must provide comprehensive marketing plans that identify key challenges, opportunities, and pricing objectives to ensure the lowest possible cost of borrowing, while also identifying rating agency concerns and the implications of issuing Green, Social, or Sustainable bonds. To avoid disqualification, offerors must meet mandatory minimum requirements, including attesting to SEC net capital requirements, holding all necessary federal and state licenses, and maintaining full compliance with municipal-securities regulations. Firms must demonstrate California-specific experience with required municipal financing instruments and provide evidence of relevant work completed within the last five years. Submissions must be uploaded via the BuyNet portal by November 16, 2026, and must include required forms such as the Offeror’s Cover Page (PC600) and Representations and Certifications (PC601). Final terms, conditions, and insurance requirements will be addressed in a subsequent second-step procurement phase.
San Diego County

POSTED

12 days ago

DEADLINE

in about 1 month
View Details
NAICS: 523150
SLED
Financial Advisor Services
Solicitation # 26-028
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners has issued Solicitation No. 26-028, a Request for Proposal seeking qualified and experienced firms to provide Financial Advisor Services. The selected advisor or advisors will serve two primary functions: assisting the County in reviewing and developing financial policies, programs, and sustainability plans—including maintenance and replacement funds—and providing expertise in structuring and issuing bonds or private placement debt to fund significant capital needs. Key responsibilities include performing debt capacity and affordability analyses, providing credit rating services, and attending Board or committee meetings as requested. The advisor must maintain strict independence from underwriters, lenders, and investment providers while performing services with professional skill and care. Proposals must be submitted electronically via BidNet no later than October 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST. The County will utilize a two-stage evaluation process, beginning with a written proposal evaluation worth 100 points, followed by optional interviews or presentations. Award decisions will be based on the most advantageous and best value proposal. Bidders are required to submit several mandatory certifications, including drug-free workplace, non-discrimination, E-Verify, and debarment forms, and must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Pricing should be submitted using the provided fee proposal form, which includes monthly rates and transaction fees for specific financing services. The winning respondent must also comply with various legal and safety standards, including OSHA regulations and requirements for payment and performance bonds for subcontractors with contracts exceeding $50,000.
Douglas County Board of Commissioners

POSTED

15 days ago

DEADLINE

in 15 days
View Details
NAICS: 523150
SLED
Broker/Dealer Qualification Questionnaire for Establishment of the City of Raleigh Approved Broker/Dealer Investment Pool
Solicitation # 274-2027-CTYQuestionnaire
The City of Raleigh is seeking to qualify broker/dealer firms for inclusion in an approved investment pool to support its approximately 1.8 billion dollar investment portfolio. The City intends to establish a pool of no more than five qualified broker/dealers for a five-year period. All investment activities must be conducted in accordance with the City's Investment and Portfolio Policy and North Carolina General Statutes, specifically N.C.G.S. 159-30 and 147-69.2. Interested firms must submit a completed qualification questionnaire by October 14, 2026, to the Investment and Cash Manager. Applicants are required to provide comprehensive documentation, including current audited financial statements, proof of NASD certification for non-bank institutions, resumes and FINRA reports for primary and secondary account representatives, and a complete schedule of fees and charges. Evaluation factors include the firm's regulatory status, financial condition, overall reputation, experience with public funds, and transaction failure rates. While approval allows a firm to be considered for transactions, it does not guarantee any minimum volume or value of business. Selected firms must ensure all securities are delivered against payment to the City's designated third-party custodian and maintain strict adherence to the City's risk constraints and investment objectives.
City of Raleigh

POSTED

21 days ago

DEADLINE

in about 22 hours
View Details
NAICS: 523150
Closed
SLED
COMPETITIVE CONTRACTING: MUNICIPAL ADVISORY SERVICES
Solicitation # 26-16
The City of Camden is soliciting proposals for a qualified firm to serve as its municipal advisor to manage financial matters, specifically focusing on the issuance of taxable and tax-exempt debt. The selected advisor will be responsible for providing strategic counsel on municipal financial markets, conducting debt affordability analyses, and developing financing plans and timelines. Key deliverables include recommending the structure, timing, and terms of debt issues, assisting in the preparation of bond documents and Official Statements, and maintaining active liaison with credit rating agencies to ensure the City achieves and maintains a top-tier financial position. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Bids&Tenders portal by October 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Evaluation will be based on technical expertise, management approach, record of satisfactory performance, and cost-effectiveness. Required submission documents include a completed RFP checklist, statement of ownership, non-collusion affidavit, New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, and EEO/Affirmative Action compliance forms. The contract is governed by the Municipal Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act and New Jersey Local Unit Pay to Play Legislation, with a requirement for firms to maintain both general and professional liability insurance. Pricing is to be proposed by the offeror through hourly rates for key personnel and support staff, with travel billed at half the proposed rate.
City of Camden

POSTED

25 days ago

CLOSED

4 days ago
View Details
NAICS: 523150
SLED
Broker-Dealer Application (BDA) 2026
Solicitation # DBA 23-000122
The County of Orange, through the County Executive Office of Budget and Finance, is soliciting applications via solicitation number DBA 23-000122 to establish an Approved Broker-Dealers List for investment-related services. This process evaluates Broker-Dealers based on a standardized points-based scoring matrix, with key evaluation weights assigned to client services (20%), references (20%), investment types (15%), and trade ID confirmation efficiency (15%). Additional factors include primary dealer status, the use of electronic trading platforms, research portal capabilities, and firm personnel experience. To be eligible, applicants must have at least five years of operating experience, hold SEC and FINRA registrations, be authorized to operate in California, and comply with SEC Rule 15c3-1 net capital requirements. Interested firms must submit their applications electronically in PDF format via the County's online bidding system by October 21, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Required documentation includes a completed application, the most recent audited annual report, Form BD Status Report, SEC Form X-17 A-5 Focus Report, a service level agreement, MSRB Rule G-37 filings, and a signed Levine Act Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form. Approved firms are expected to provide trade confirmations to the County's custodian within two hours of execution and deliver monthly statements electronically. This solicitation is for the purpose of establishing a slate of authorized providers and does not constitute a binding contract or guarantee of inclusion.
County Executive Office - Budget & Finance

POSTED

27 days ago

DEADLINE

in 8 days
View Details

Win Contracts in Investment Banking and Securities Intermediation

Get AI-powered intelligence on NAICS 523150 procurement

Real-time contract opportunities for NAICS 523150 (Investment Banking and Securities Intermediation)

AI-powered matching based on your business capabilities and past performance

Competitive analysis of contractors winning awards in this industry

Automated alerts when new opportunities are posted

Miguel
Hillary
Keith Deutsch
Christine

Join 750+ contractors already using CLEATUS