US investment bank Sterne, Agee & Leach has expanded its private client group by opening an investment office in Chicago. James Cox joins as a managing director and branch manager in Chicago, having previously served as branch manager for Stifel Nicolaus, Gruntal & Co. and AG Edwards. Christine Barray will serve as the assistant vice president and registered retail client assistant in Chicago. She previously worked at Freehling & Co., and as assistant branch manager at Stifel Nicolaus, Gruntal & Co., and AG Edwards.