The R.J. O’Brien team’s dedication to excellence is over a century in the making. We are not only the first futures brokerage and clearing firm to achieve this milestone, but also the last surviving founding member of CME Group. RJO is thoroughly dedicated to this industry, and throughout our history we have worked tirelessly to meet our clients’ needs.

RJO opens an office in Paris, France
RJO opens an office in Dubai, UAE
RJO expands its operations in Europe through the acquisition of The Kyte Group Limited, now known as R.J. O'Brien Europe Limited.
R.J. O’Brien & Associates celebrates its 100th anniversary year.
The firm releases its first-ever mobile trading application, RJO Mobile Trader.
RJO invests in UK operation as a focal point for growth in Europe.
RJO CEO Gerald Corcoran testifies before U.S. House Committee on Agriculture on recommendations for strengthening industry’s financial safeguards.
O’Brien Family resumes majority interest in R.J. O’Brien & Associates LLC.
RJO becomes member of CBOE Futures Exchange.
RJO launches R.J. O’Brien & Associates Canada Inc., its first Canadian subsidiary.
RJO expands business in Asia opening operations in Hong Kong.
RJO establishes first presence in Asia with a sales representative office in Beijing.
O’Brien Investment Services, an RJO subsidiary serving self-directed private clients, becomes RJO Futures.
RJO joins the New York Mercantile Exchange and COMEX (now part of CME Group) and the New York Board of Trade (now ICE Futures U.S.).
John W. O’Brien named Chairman of the Board.
Robert O’Brien, Sr. named Chairman Emeritus.
Robert O’Brien, Jr. named Vice Chairman.
Gerald F. Corcoran named Chief Executive Officer.
RJO joins London International Financial Futures Exchange (Liffe).
Gerald F. Corcoran named Chief Operating Officer and Director of RJO.
RJO joins the Chicago Board of Trade.
Mayor Richard M. Daley proclaims October 17 as R. J. O’Brien Day in Chicago
Gerald F. Corcoran joins RJO and is named Chief Financial Officer. Firm has approximately 35 employees.
John W. O’Brien, Sr., son of Robert J. O’Brien, Sr., named CEO of RJO.
First live, direct-from-the-floor commodity report in broadcast history: “Bob O’Brien Commodity Report.”
Robert O’Brien, Jr. named President of RJO.
Robert O’Brien, Sr. named Chairman of the Board of RJO.
Robert O’Brien, Sr. made Director and Secretary of the new International Monetary Market upon creation of the world’s first financial futures.
John V. McCarthy company name officially changed to R.J. O’Brien & Associates (RJO).
Robert O’Brien, Sr. elected Chairman of the Board of CME and served two consecutive one-year terms through 1968.
An RJO employee, 22-year-old Sandra Stephens, becomes the first woman ever to work on the floor of CME.
Robert O’Brien, Sr. elected Second Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
First branch office established – Russ Brooks: Harlan, Iowa.
RJO takes first delivery of the new Live Cattle contract, the first live commodity traded on the CME floor.
Robert O’Brien, Sr. elected to Board of Governors of Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) (served continuously from 1964-1977).
John V. McCarthy dies.
Robert O’Brien, Sr. named President of John V. McCarthy.
Robert J. O'Brien, Sr., son-in-law of John V. McCarthy, joins firm and begins client and business research. John V. McCarthy & Co. has four employees.
Geraldine McCarthy, daughter of John V. McCarthy, marries Robert J. O’Brien, Sr.
Firm becomes founding member of Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) when it is transformed from the Chicago Butter & Egg Board.
John V. McCarthy & Co. established on October 17 as cash butter and egg house.