Municipal Enterprise Solutions LLC started operations today as a consultant to municipalities on finances and operations.
Founded by former presidents of Standard & Poor’s, MBIA Insurance Corp., and former bond insurer CFIG Holding, Ltd., the firm based In Stamford, Conn., will offer a wider array of services than those usually provided by municipal financial advisors.
Municipal financial advisors generally focus on advising debt issuance, said Municipal Enterprise Solutions principal John Pizzarelli. Municipal Enterprise Solutions’ advice will not just be limited to this. Municipal Enterprise Solutions will have a more holistic approach, he said.
“Municipal Enterprise Solutions targets institutions seeking cost savings and efficiencies through process improvements and best practices in finance, investments, risk management and strategy,” the firm’s press release states.
Along with municipalities, the firm aims to serve government agencies and nonprofit enterprises.
While some government accounting firms may handle some of the same responsibilities, the firm may be unique in its comprehensive offerings, said principal Kathleen Corbet.
Principal Neil Budnick has 30 years experience in capital markets, public finance and the financial guaranty industry. He is the former president of MBIA. He also worked at S&P, specializing in debt capacity analytics and local government analysis.
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy appointed Budnick to be chair of the Investment Advisory Council to advise the state’s treasurer on investment policies for state retirement and benefit funds.
Pizzarelli worked for 20 years at MBIA, including as head of public finance. After leaving MBIA he worked in municipal finance on Wall Street, as chief executive officer of CIFG Holding, and as head of U.S. public finance for CIFG Assurance North America Inc.
Corbet has over 25 years experience in the global financial services industry. Her experience includes work as president of Standard & Poor’s and executive vice president of asset manager AllianceBernstein, L.P. She has served as a consultant in finance, operations, investment and technology for the public and private sectors.
Besides these three founders, Municipal Enterprise Solutions has employees in its Stamford, Conn. office.
“We are tapped into a reservoir of excellent advisors who can be brought in when needed,” Pizzarelli said. The advisors’ areas of specialization include health and human services, education and community art, Corbet said.
While some work will be done out of the Stamford office, the consulting work will require a great deal of travel, Corbet said.
