At Finalis, our members bring decades of experience, deep expertise, and fresh perspectives to the private capital markets. In this edition of Inside The Network, we sat down with Michael Lamm, co-founder and Managing Partner of Corporate Advisory Solutions (CAS), to discuss his career journey, the power of specialization, and how technology and community are reshaping the future of dealmaking.
Michael has been in investment banking for nearly 25 years, completing more than 145 transactions. His story is one of adaptability, focus, and building lasting relationships — qualities that continue to shape the way CAS approaches deals today.
From Venture Capital to Investment Banking: A Path Toward Specialization
Michael began his career in venture capital, working with Israeli technology companies just after college. When September 11 disrupted global markets and venture funding slowed, he pivoted into investment banking around 2002. That move became the foundation of a career that has spanned two decades and multiple industry cycles.
After ten years at another firm, Michael and his partner decided to branch out on their own. In 2013, they launched CAS. The goal was simple but bold: to build a different kind of boutique investment bank.
They focused on three verticals where they had deep experience — credit and collections, healthcare revenue cycle management, and contact center outsourcing. Instead of being generalists, CAS specialized.
“The decision was deliberate: build expertise, know the buyers, show up at the industry trade shows, and cultivate relationships that made us trusted insiders.”
Cross-Border M&A Deals: Building Trust Across Cultures
Over the years, CAS has closed more than 145 transactions, many of them cross-border. For Michael, those deals stand out because they require more than financial expertise. They demand cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and trust.
When U.S. companies are acquired by firms in India or the Philippines, the transaction is about more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about bridging business practices, time zones, and people. Michael finds that dynamic particularly rewarding — it highlights what investment banking is truly about: not just structuring deals, but guiding life-changing outcomes for owners and their families.
Key Investment Banking Trends: Interest Rates and AI in Dealmaking
High Interest Rates and Their Impact on M&A Valuations
High interest rates remain one of the most significant headwinds for M&A. When borrowing costs rise, valuations come under pressure, and deal flow slows. Michael sees this challenge affecting bankers across the industry, not just at CAS.
He is cautiously optimistic about the future. Rate cuts, when they arrive, could reignite M&A activity. Until then, firms must be prepared for longer timelines and tougher negotiations.
“Interest rates drive value up or down. We’re still in a high-rate environment, but cuts are coming. When they do, M&A activity should pick up again.”
AI in Investment Banking: From Efficiency to Client Strategy
If interest rates are the headwind, artificial intelligence is the wildcard. AI is everywhere — from note-taking in meetings to drafting deal materials — and its impact is being felt across the transaction lifecycle. Buyers now routinely ask about a company’s AI strategy, and investors are launching funds focused exclusively on AI opportunities.
Michael advises his peers not to dismiss it: education is key. Ignoring AI or delaying adoption, he says, could put firms at a disadvantage. Instead, he encourages bankers to learn how AI can support efficiency, productivity, and better client service.
“Don’t put AI in the background. Spend the time to understand how it will affect your client and your business. The biggest risk is being afraid of it.”
His perspective is shaped by experience. Having lived through the dot-com boom and bust, Michael expects AI to create both winners and losers. The key is to approach it as a value enhancer, not a threat.
Why CAS Chose Finalis: A Dealmaking Community
CAS had long worked with another broker-dealer, but over time, the limitations became clear. Technology was not a priority, and the relationship was transactional rather than community-driven. Michael and his partner knew they needed something more.
That’s what drew them to Finalis. For CAS, the decision to join wasn’t just about finding compliance coverage — it was about aligning with a broker-dealer that was technology-first and community-oriented.
Technology-First Compliance and a Thriving Banker Community
The Finalis Portal has been a game-changer, making compliance processes faster and less burdensome. Instead of endless email chains and phone calls, CAS can manage agreements and workflows seamlessly online.
Just as important is the community of professionals Finalis brings together. In Michael’s words, being proactive in that network is what creates value. By engaging with peers, bankers unlock opportunities, share best practices, and expand their reach beyond what they could achieve alone.
He also highlights the Capital Introductions program, which enables CAS to connect with investors outside its core focus. In the past, calls from investors uninterested in tech-enabled services might have gone nowhere. Now, CAS can pass those opportunities into the Finalis network, ensuring no relationship goes to waste.
“Finalis is more than compliance. It’s about building a community that creates value for everyone. That’s why we decided to make the leap.”
Advice to Investment Bankers: Networking, Specialization & Growth
For bankers considering Finalis, Michael’s advice is simple: don’t sit on the sidelines.
He encourages new members to be proactive, to meet other bankers, and to engage in the community. Waiting passively for opportunities, he says, is a missed chance to create value.
Beyond that, Michael offers timeless guidance for younger professionals in the industry. Build your network early, he stresses, and don’t be afraid to connect with business owners and executives directly. Technical knowledge matters, but relationships are what open doors and sustain careers.
“Technology dominates so much of what we do, but human connection is critical. Those relationships will support you throughout your career.”
Final Thoughts: Investment Banking Specialization and the Future of Dealmaking
Michael Lamm’s career illustrates the qualities that define great investment bankers: adaptability, deep specialization, and a commitment to relationships. His views on AI, interest rates, and cross-border dynamics show not only where the industry is headed, but also the type of foresight and expertise that define the Finalis community.
At Finalis, we’re proud to support professionals like Michael who bring vision and dedication to every transaction.
Ready to grow your practice with a broker-dealer that goes beyond compliance? Contact us today to explore how Finalis can help you scale faster, safer, smarter, and more profitably.
