As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2008

Registration No. 333-________

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Florida		65-0701248
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12^th Floor
Miami, Florida 33137
(212) 409-2000

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

Brett Kaufman, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.
4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12 ^th Floor
Miami, Florida 33137
(212) 409-2000

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)

Copies to:
David Alan Miller, Esq.
Graubard Miller
The Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10174
(212) 818-8800
(212) 818-8881 — Facsimile

     Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

     If the only securities being registered on this Form are to be offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box: o

     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: þ

     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: o

     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: o

     If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box: o

     If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box: o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

o Large accelerated filer		þ Accelerated filer
o Non-accelerated filer		o Smaller reporting company
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Proposed

Proposed

Amount

Maximum

Maximum

Amount Of

To Be

Aggregate Price

Aggregate

Registration

Title of Shares To Be Registered

Registered

Per Unit(1)

Offering Price(1)

Fee

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value

12,127,898

$1.905

$23,103,645.69

$907.97

⁽¹⁾ The amount is based on the average of the high and low prices of the registrant’s common stock on the American Stock Exchange on September 5, 2008 and is used solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

 

Preliminary Prospectus
Subject to Completion, September 8, 2008

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

12,127,898 shares of common stock

     This prospectus relates to 12,127,898 shares of our common stock that may be offered for resale for the account of the selling shareholders set forth in this prospectus under the heading “Selling Shareholders” beginning on page 13. The selling shareholders acquired these shares in connection with our acquisition of Triad Advisors, Inc. by way of merger. The selling shareholders may sell these shares in a variety of transactions as described under the heading “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page 14.

     The shares covered by this prospectus include 7,993,387 currently outstanding shares of our common stock owned by the selling shareholders and up to an additional 4,134,511 shares of our common stock issuable in satisfaction of contingent earn-out obligations set forth in the definitive agreement pursuant to which we acquired Triad Advisors, Inc.

     Our common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “LTS.” On                                                   , 2008, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $           .

     We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares covered by this prospectus.

     Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 3 for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our common stock.

     Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is                                                    , 2008

     You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus. The selling shareholders are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our common stock.

Table of Contents

		Page
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY			3
RISK FACTORS			3
WARNING REGARDING OUR USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			12
USE OF PROCEEDS			12
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS			13
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			14
LEGAL MATTERS			14
EXPERTS			15
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION			15
EX-5.1 Opinion of Graubard Miller
EX-23.1 Consent of Eisner LLP
EX-23.2 Consent of KPMG LLP

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     We are engaged in investment banking, equity research, institutional sales and trading, independent brokerage and advisory services and asset management services through our subsidiaries, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. (“Ladenburg”), Investacorp, Inc. (collectively with related companies, “Investacorp”) and Triad Advisors, Inc. (“Triad”). We are committed to establishing a significant presence in the financial services industry by meeting the varying investment needs of our corporate, institutional and retail clients.

     Ladenburg is a full service broker-dealer that has been a member of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) since 1879. It provides its services principally for middle market and emerging growth companies and high net worth individuals through a coordinated effort among corporate finance, capital markets, asset management, brokerage and trading professionals.

     Investacorp is a leading independent broker-dealer and investment adviser that has been serving the independent registered representative community since 1978. We acquired Investacorp in October 2007.

     Founded in 1998, Triad is a leading independent broker-dealer and registered investment advisor headquartered in Norcross, Georgia that offers a broad menu of products, services and total wealth management solutions to approximately 380 independent financial advisors located nationwide. We acquired Triad in August 2008.

     Each of Ladenburg , Investacorp and Triad is subject to regulation by, among others, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”).

Triad Acquisition

     On August 13, 2008, we completed the acquisition of Triad Advisors, Inc. In connection with the acquisition, we issued to the former Triad shareholders a total of 7,993,387 shares of common stock. We also agreed to issue to the former Triad shareholders up to an additional 4,134,511 shares if Triad meets certain profit targets during the three-year period following completion of the acquisition. As a condition to the acquisition, we agreed to register all of such shares of common stock, which are covered by this prospectus.

Corporate History

     We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida in February 1996. Our principal executive offices are located at 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12 ^th Floor, Miami, Florida 33137. Our telephone number is (212) 409-2000. Ladenburg’s principal executive offices are located at 153 East 53 ^rd Street, New York, New York 10022. Ladenburg has branch offices located in Melville, New York, Miami and Boca Raton, Florida, Lincolnshire, Illinois, Los Angeles, California, Princeton, New Jersey, Columbus, Ohio and Houston, Texas. Investacorp’s principal executive offices are located at 15450 New Barn Road, Miami Lakes, Florida 33014. Triad’s principal executive offices are located at 5185 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 280, Norcross, GA 30092.

RISK FACTORS

     You should carefully consider all of the material risks described below before you decide to invest in our company. Our business, financial condition or results of operation could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline because of any one of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risk Factors Relating to Our Business

We have incurred in the past, and may incur in the future, significant operating losses.

     Although we had net income for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we did incur significant losses from operations during each of the four years ended December 31, 2005 and we incurred a loss for each of the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008. We cannot assure you that we will be able to sustain revenue growth, profitability or positive cash flow on either a quarterly or annual basis. Although we believe that we have adequate cash and regulatory capital to fund our current level of operating activities through the next twelve months. If we are unable to sustain profitability, we may not be financially viable in the future and may have to curtail, suspend or cease operations.

     A large part of our revenue for any period may be derived from a limited number of underwritings in which Ladenburg serves as either the lead or co-manager. We cannot assure you that Ladenburg will continue to serve as lead or co-manager of similar underwritings in the future. If Ladenburg is not able to do so, our revenue may significantly decrease and our results of operations may be adversely affected.

Our revenues may decline if the market for SPAC offerings declines.

     The number of new SPAC offerings, as well as the equity capital markets generally, have declined significantly during the first and second quarters of 2008. A continued downturn in the market for SPAC transactions could adversely affect our results of operations. Underwritings for SPAC transactions have been an important source of revenues for us since 2005. SPAC transactions are currently exempt from rules adopted by the SEC to protect investors of blank check companies, such as Rule 419 under the Securities Act of 1933. However, the SEC may determine to adopt new rules relating to SPAC transactions which could impact our ability to successfully underwrite these transactions.

Deferred underwriting fees may not be received by us in certain situations.

     At June 30, 2008, we were owed deferred fees from SPAC underwritings that Ladenburg participated in of approximately $41,361,000, or approximately $24,462,000 after expenses. These deferred fees are not included in our revenues, however, until a business combination is completed by the SPAC and Ladenburg is paid. Accordingly, if the SPACs from which we are owed deferred fees are unable to consummate business combinations, we will not be entitled to receive the deferred fees we are owed. SPACs face significant competition in consummating business combinations. From August 2003 to August 2008, based upon publicly available information, approximately 161 SPACs have completed initial public offerings. Of these companies, only 57 companies have consummated a business combination, while 21 other companies have announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination, but have not consummated such business combination and 20 companies have failed to complete business combinations and have dissolved and returned trust proceeds to their stockholders. Accordingly, if the SPACs that owe us deferred fees do not consummate business combinations, we will not receive these fees and our results of operations may be adversely affected.

     Our revenue and operating results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and from year to year due to a combination of factors, including the level of underwritings and advisory transactions completed by us and the level of fees we receive from those underwritings and transactions. Accordingly, our results of operations may fluctuate significantly due to an increased or decreased number of transactions in any particular quarter or year.

     Our indebtedness may:

	•		limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, regulatory capital requirements, acquisitions or general corporate purposes;
	•		require us to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flows from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, resulting in less cash available for operations and other purposes; and
	•		increase our vulnerability to downturns in our business or in general economic conditions.

     Our ability to satisfy our obligations and to reduce our total debt depends on our future operating performance and prospects. Our future operating performance is subject to many factors, including economic, financial and competitive factors, which may be beyond our control. As a result, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow, and future financings may not be available to provide sufficient net proceeds, to meet these obligations.

Our business is dependent on fees generated from the distribution of financial products.

     An important portion of our revenues is derived from fees generated from the distribution of financial products such as mutual funds and variable annuities by the Investacorp and Triad registered representatives, and to a lesser extent, Ladenburg’s registered representatives. Changes in the structure or amount of the fees paid by the sponsors of these products could directly affect our revenues and profits.

     In addition, there have been suggestions from regulatory agencies and other industry participants that Rule 12b-1 distribution fees in the mutual fund industry should be reconsidered and, potentially, reduced or eliminated. Any reduction or restructuring of Rule 12b-1 distribution fees could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our business could be adversely affected by a downturn in the financial markets.

     Our business is materially affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally, both in the United States and elsewhere around the world. Many factors or events could lead to a downturn in the financial markets including war, terrorism, natural catastrophes and other types of disasters. These types of events could cause people to begin to lose confidence in the financial markets and their ability to function effectively. If the financial markets are unable to effectively prepare for these types of events and ease public concern over their ability to function, our results of operations will be adversely affected.

     Our investment banking revenues, in the form of financial advisory and underwriting fees, are directly related to the number and size of the transactions in which we participate and therefore may be adversely affected by any downturn in the securities markets. Additionally, downturn in market conditions may lead to a decline in assets under management or the volume of transactions that we execute for our customers and, therefore, to a decline in the revenues we would otherwise receive from commissions, fees and spreads. Should these adverse financial and economic conditions appear and persist for any extended period of time, we will incur a further decline in transactions and revenues that we receive from commissions, fees and spreads.

     Misconduct by our employees and independent registered representatives could result in violations of law by us, regulatory sanctions and/or serious reputational or financial harm. Misconduct could include:

	•		binding us to transactions that exceed authorized limits;
	•		hiding unauthorized or unsuccessful activities resulting in unknown and unmanaged risks or losses;
	•		improperly using or disclosing confidential information;
	•		recommending transactions that are not suitable;
	•		engaging in fraudulent or otherwise improper activity;
	•		engaging in unauthorized or excessive trading to the detriment of customers; or
	•		otherwise not complying with laws or our control procedures.

     We cannot always deter misconduct by our employees and independent registered representatives, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. Prevention and detection among our independent registered representatives, who are not employees of our company and tend to be located in small, decentralized offices, presents additional challenges. We also cannot assure that misconduct by our employees and independent registered representatives will not lead to a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

     We may maintain trading and investment positions in the equity markets. To the extent that we own assets, i.e., have long positions, in those markets, a downturn in those markets could result in losses from a decline in the value of those long positions. Conversely, to the extent that we have sold assets that we do not own, i.e., have short positions, in any of those markets, an upturn in those markets could expose us to potentially unlimited losses as we attempt to cover our short positions by acquiring assets in a rising market.

     We may from time to time have a trading strategy consisting of holding a long position in one security and a short position in another security from which we expect to earn revenues based on changes in the relative value of the two securities. If, however, the relative value of the two securities changes in a direction or manner that we did not anticipate or against which we are not hedged, we might realize a loss in those paired positions. In addition, we maintain trading positions that can be adversely affected by the level of volatility in the financial markets, i.e., the degree to which trading prices fluctuate over a particular period, in a particular market, regardless of market levels.

We may be prohibited from underwriting securities due to capital limits.

     From time to time, our underwriting activities may require that we temporarily receive an infusion of capital for regulatory purposes. This is predicated on the amount of commitment Ladenburg makes for each underwriting. In the past, we entered into temporary subordinated loan arrangements with our shareholders or clearing firm. Should we no longer be able to receive such funding from these sources, and if there are no other viable sources available, it would have an adverse impact on our ability to generate profits, recruit financial consultants and retain existing customers.

     Ladenburg’s investment banking clients generally retain it on a short-term, engagement-by-engagement basis in connection with specific capital markets or mergers and acquisitions transactions, rather than on a recurring basis under long-term contracts. As these transactions are typically singular in nature and our engagements with these clients may not recur, Ladenburg must seek out new engagements when its current engagements are successfully completed or are terminated. As a result, high activity levels in any period are not necessarily indicative of continued high levels of activity in any subsequent period. If we are unable to generate a substantial number of new engagements that generate fees from new or existing clients, our business and results of operations would likely be adversely affected.

We depend on our senior employees and the loss of their services could harm our business.

     Our success is dependent in large part upon the services of several of our senior executives and employees, including those of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad. We do not maintain and do not intend to obtain key man insurance on the life of any executive or employee of Ladenburg or Investacorp. If our senior executives or employees terminate their employment with us and we are unable to find suitable replacements in relatively short periods of time, our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

We face significant competition for professional employees.

     From time to time, individuals we employ may choose to leave our company to pursue other opportunities. We have experienced losses of registered representatives, trading and investment banking professionals in the past, and the level of competition for key personnel remains intense. We cannot assure you that the loss of key personnel will not occur again in the future. The loss of a registered representative or a trading or investment banking professional, particularly a senior professional with a broad range of contacts in an industry, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

     Investacorp’s, Triad’s and Ladenburg’s investment advisory contracts with their clients are generally terminable upon 30 days’ notice. These clients can terminate their relationship, reduce the aggregate amount of assets under management or shift their funds to other types of accounts with different rate structures for any number of reasons, including investment performance, changes in prevailing interest rates, financial market performance and personal client liquidity needs. Poor performance of the investment products and services recommended or sold to such clients relative to the performance of other products available in the market or the performance of other investment management firms tends to result in the loss of accounts. The decrease in revenue that could result from such an event could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Systems failures could significantly disrupt our business.

     Our business depends on our and our clearing firms’ ability to process, on a daily basis, a large number of transactions across numerous and diverse markets and the transactions we process have become increasingly complex. We rely heavily on our communications and financial, accounting and other data processing systems, including systems provided by our clearing brokers and service providers. We face operational risk arising from mistakes made in the confirmation or settlement of transactions or from transactions not being properly recorded, evaluated or accounted.

     If any of these systems do not operate properly or are disabled, we could suffer financial loss, a disruption of our business, liability to clients, regulatory intervention or reputational damage. Any failure or interruption of our systems, the systems of our clearing brokers, or third party trading systems could cause delays or other problems in our securities trading activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. In addition, our clearing brokers provide our principal disaster recovery system. We cannot assure you that we or our clearing brokers will not suffer any systems failures or interruption, including ones caused by earthquake, fire, other natural disasters, power or telecommunications failure, act of God, act of war, terrorism, or otherwise, or that our or our clearing brokers’ back-up procedures and capabilities in the event of any such failure or interruption will be adequate. The inability of our or our clearing brokers’ systems to accommodate an increasing volume of transactions could also constrain our ability to expand our business.

Our expenses may increase due to real estate commitments.

     We have subleased office space in various locations to subtenants. Should any of the sub-tenants not pay their rent for an extended period of time, it may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

     The policies and procedures we employ to identify, monitor and manage risks may not be fully effective. Some methods of risk management are based on the use of observed historical market behavior. As a result, these methods may not predict future risk exposures, which could be significantly greater than the historical measures indicate. Other risk management methods depend on evaluation of information regarding markets, clients or other matters that are publicly available or otherwise accessible by us. This information may not be accurate, complete, up-to-date or properly evaluated. Management of operational, legal and regulatory risk requires, among other things, policies and procedures to properly record and verify a large number of transactions and events. We cannot assure you that our policies and procedures will effectively and accurately record and verify this information.

     We seek to monitor and control our risk exposure through a variety of separate but complementary financial, credit, operational and legal reporting systems. We believe that we effectively evaluate and manage the market, credit and other risks to which we are exposed. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of our ability to manage risk exposure can never be completely or accurately predicted or fully assured. For example, unexpectedly large or rapid movements or disruptions in one or more markets or other unforeseen developments can have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The consequences of these developments can include losses due to adverse changes in inventory values, decreases in the liquidity of trading positions, higher volatility in earnings, increases in our credit risk to customers as well as to third parties and increases in general systemic risk.

Risk Factors Relating to Our Industry

     Ladenburg primarily uses one clearing broker, Investacorp currently uses three clearing brokers and Triad uses two clearing brokers to process securities transactions and maintain customer accounts on a fee basis. The clearing brokers also provide billing services, extend credit and provide for control and receipt, custody and delivery of securities. Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad depend on the operational capacity and ability of the clearing brokers for the orderly processing of transactions. In addition, by engaging the processing services of a clearing firm, each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad is exempt from some capital reserve requirements and other regulatory requirements imposed by federal and state securities laws. If any of these clearing agreements were terminated for any reason, we would be forced to find an alternative clearing firm. We cannot assure you that we would be able to find an alternative clearing firm on acceptable terms to us or at all. In addition, the loss of any particular clearing firm could hamper Investacorp’s and Triad’s ability to recruit and retain its independent registered representatives.

Our clearing brokers extend credit to our clients and we are liable if the clients do not pay.

     Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad permits its clients to purchase securities on a margin basis or sell securities short, which means that the clearing firm extends credit to the client secured by cash and securities in the client’s account. During periods of volatile markets, the value of the collateral held by the clearing broker could fall below the amount borrowed by the client. If margin requirements are not sufficient to cover losses, the clearing broker sells or buys securities at prevailing market prices, and may incur losses to satisfy client obligations. Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad has agreed to indemnify the clearing broker for losses it may incur while extending credit to its clients.

     We are exposed to the risk that third parties that owe us money, securities or other assets will not perform their obligations. These parties include:

	•		trading counterparties;
	•		customers;
	•		clearing agents;
	•		other broker-dealers;
	•		exchanges;
	•		clearing houses; and
	•		other financial intermediaries as well as issuers whose securities we hold.

     These parties may default on their obligations owed to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. This risk may arise, for example, from:

	•		holding securities of third parties;
	•		executing securities trades that fail to settle at the required time due to non-delivery by the counterparty or systems failure by clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries; and
	•		extending credit to clients through bridge or margin loans or other arrangements.

     Significant failures by third parties to perform their obligations owed to us could adversely affect our revenues and perhaps our ability to borrow in the credit markets.

     The securities industry is rapidly evolving, intensely competitive and has few barriers to entry. We expect competition to continue and intensify in the future. Many of our competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. Some of our competitors also offer a wider range of services and financial products than we do and have greater name recognition and a larger client base. These competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or changing opportunities, technologies and client requirements. They may also be able to undertake more extensive promotional activities, offer more attractive terms to clients, and adopt more aggressive pricing policies. We may not be able to compete effectively with current or future competitors and competitive pressures faced by us may harm our business.

Our business and results of operations may be negatively affected by errors and omissions claims.

     Our subsidiaries are subject to claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business resulting from alleged and actual errors and omissions in placing insurance, effecting securities transactions and rendering investment advice. These activities involve substantial amounts of money. Since errors and omissions claims against our subsidiaries or their registered representatives may allege liability for all or part of the amounts in question, claimants may seek large damage awards. These claims can involve significant defense costs. Errors and omissions could include, for example, failure, whether negligently or intentionally, to effect securities transactions on behalf of clients, to choose suitable investments for any particular client, to supervise a registered representative or to provide insurance carriers with complete and accurate information. It is not always possible to prevent or detect errors and omissions, and the precautions our subsidiaries take may not be effective in all cases. Moreover, our subsidiaries do not carry errors and omissions insurance coverage and many of their registered representatives do not carry such coverage either. Our liability for significant and successful errors and omissions claims may materially and negatively affect our results of operations.

We are subject to various risks associated with the securities industry.

     We are subject to uncertainties that are common in the securities industry. These uncertainties include:

	•		the volatility of domestic and international financial, bond and stock markets;
	•		extensive governmental regulation;
	•		litigation;
	•		intense competition;
	•		substantial fluctuations in the volume and price level of securities; and
	•		dependence on the solvency of various third parties.

     As a result, revenues and earnings may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year. In periods of low volume, profitability is impaired because certain expenses remain relatively fixed. We are much smaller and have much less capital than many competitors in the securities industry. In the event of a market downturn, our business could be adversely affected in many ways. Our revenues are likely to decline in such circumstances and, if we are unable to reduce expenses at the same pace, our profit margins would erode.

Legal liability may harm our business.

     Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of liability. An underwriter is exposed to substantial liability under federal and state securities laws, other federal and state laws, and court decisions, including decisions with respect to underwriters’ liability and limitations on indemnification of underwriters by issuers. For example, a firm that acts as an underwriter may be held liable for material misstatements or omissions of fact in a prospectus used in connection with the securities being offered or for statements made by its securities analysts or other personnel. In recent years, there has been an increasing incidence of litigation involving the securities industry, including class actions that seek substantial damages. Our underwriting activities often involve offerings of the securities of smaller companies, which may involve a higher degree of risk and are more volatile than the securities of more established companies. In comparison with more established companies, smaller companies are also more likely to be the subject of securities class actions, to carry directors and officers liability insurance policies with lower limits or not at all, and to become insolvent. Each of these factors increases the likelihood that an underwriter of a smaller company’s securities will be required to contribute to an adverse judgment or settlement of a securities lawsuit.

     In the normal course of business, our operating subsidiaries have been and continue to be the subject of numerous civil actions and arbitrations arising out of customer complaints relating to our activities as a broker-dealer, as an employer or as a result of other business activities. In general, the cases involve various allegations that our employees or registered representatives had mishandled customer accounts. We believe that, based on our historical experience and the reserves established by us, the resolution of the claims presently pending will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. However, although we typically reserve an amount we believe will be sufficient to cover any damages assessed against us, we have in the past been assessed damages that exceeded our reserves. If we misjudged the amount of damages that may be assessed against us from pending or threatened claims, or if we are unable to adequately estimate the amount of damages that will be assessed against us from claims that arise in the future and reserve accordingly, our financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

Risk Factors Relating to the Regulatory Environment

     The securities industry and our business is subject to extensive regulation by the SEC, state securities regulators and other governmental regulatory authorities. We are also regulated by industry self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA and the MSRB. The regulatory environment is also subject to change and we may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations imposed by the SEC, other federal or state governmental regulatory authorities, or self-regulatory organizations. We also may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules by these governmental authorities and self-regulatory organizations.

     Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad is a registered broker-dealer with the SEC and FINRA. Broker-dealers are subject to regulations which cover all aspects of the securities business, including:

	•		sales methods and supervision;
	•		trading practices among broker-dealers;
	•		use and safekeeping of customers’ funds and securities;
	•		capital structure of securities firms;
	•		record keeping; and
	•		conduct of directors, officers and employees.

     Compliance with many of the regulations applicable to us involves a number of risks, particularly in areas where applicable regulations may be subject to varying interpretation. The requirements imposed by these regulators are designed to ensure the integrity of the financial markets and to protect customers and other third parties who deal with us. Consequently, these regulations often serve to limit our activities, including through net capital, customer protection and market conduct requirements. Much of the regulation of broker-dealers has been delegated to self-regulatory organizations, principally FINRA. FINRA adopts rules, subject to approval by the SEC, that govern broker-dealers and conducts periodic examinations of firms’ operations.

     If we are found to have violated any applicable regulation, formal administrative or judicial proceedings may be initiated against us that may result in:

	•		censure;
	•		fine;
	•		civil penalties, including treble damages in the case of insider trading violations;
	•		the issuance of cease-and-desist orders;
	•		the deregistration or suspension of our broker-dealer activities;
	•		the suspension or disqualification of our officers or employees; or
	•		other adverse consequences.

     The imposition of any of these or other penalties could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

     FINRA recently adopted Rule 2821, which governs the sale of variable annuity products. Rule 2821 went into effect in May 2008. Each of Investacorp and Triad is required to train its registered representatives on new processes for the sale of these products and delays in completing annuity sales may occur. Accordingly, our revenue may be negatively impacted by delays in the sales process for annuities and our expenses will increase as a result of compliance and technology costs associated with the implementation of this new rule.

     From time to time, various legislative or regulatory proposals are introduced at the federal or state levels to change the status of independent contractors’ classification to employees for either employment tax purposes (withholding, social security, Medicare and unemployment taxes) or other benefits available to employees. Currently, most individuals are classified as employees or independent contractors for employment tax purposes based on 20 “common law” factors, rather than any definition found in the Internal Revenue Code or Internal Revenue Service regulations. Each of Investacorp and Triad classifies its registered representatives as independent contractors for all purposes, including employment tax and employee benefit purposes. There can be no assurance that legislative, judicial, or regulatory (including tax) authorities will not introduce proposals or assert interpretations of existing rules and regulations that would change the employee/independent contractor classification of each of Investacorp’s and Triad’s registered representatives. The costs associated with potential changes, if any, with respect to these independent contractor classifications could have a material adverse effect on us, including our results of operations and financial condition.

     Each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad is subject to the SEC’s net capital rule which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. In addition, Ladenburg is subject to the net capital requirements of Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (“CFTC”) Regulation 1.17. At June 30, 2008, each of Ladenburg, Investacorp and Triad exceeded its minimum net capital requirement. The net capital rule is designed to measure the general financial integrity and liquidity of a broker-dealer. In computing net capital, various adjustments are made to net worth which exclude assets not readily convertible into cash. Additionally, the regulations require that certain assets, such as a broker-dealer’s position in securities, be valued in a conservative manner so as to avoid over-inflation of the broker-dealer’s net capital. The net capital rule requires that a broker-dealer maintain a certain minimum level of net capital. The particular levels vary in application depending upon the nature of the activity undertaken by a firm. Compliance with the net capital rule limits those operations of broker-dealers which require the intensive use of their capital, such as underwriting commitments and principal trading activities. The rule also limits the ability of securities firms to pay dividends or make payments on certain indebtedness such as subordinated debt as it matures. A significant operating loss or any charge against net capital could adversely affect the ability of a broker-dealer to expand or, depending on the magnitude of the loss or charge, maintain its then present level of business. FINRA may enter the offices of a broker-dealer at any time, without notice, and calculate the firm’s net capital. If the calculation reveals a deficiency in net capital, FINRA may immediately restrict or suspend certain or all of the activities of a broker-dealer, including its ability to make markets. Ladenburg, Investacorp and/or Triad may not be able to maintain adequate net capital, or their net capital may fall below requirements established by the SEC or the CFTC, as applicable, and subject us to disciplinary action in the form of fines, censure, suspension, expulsion or the termination of business altogether.

     The market for many insurance products sold by Investacorp’s and Triad’s registered representatives is based in large part on the favorable tax treatment, including the tax-free build up of cash values and the tax-free nature of death benefits that these products receive relative to other investment alternatives. A change in the tax treatment of insurance products or a determination by the IRS that certain of these products are not insurance contracts for federal tax purposes could remove many of the tax advantages policyholders seek in these policies. In addition, the IRS from time to time releases guidance on the tax treatment of products. If the provisions of the tax code were changed or new federal tax regulations and IRS rulings and releases were issued in a manner that would make it more difficult for holders of these insurance contracts to qualify for favorable tax treatment or subject holders to special tax reporting requirements, the demand for the insurance contracts could decrease, which may reduce our revenue and negatively affect our business.

Risk Factors Relating to Strategic Acquisitions and the Integration of Acquired Operations

     We completed two acquisitions in 2008, one acquisition in 2007 and two acquisitions in 2006. We continue to explore opportunities to grow our businesses, including through potential acquisitions of other securities firms, both domestically and internationally. These acquisitions may involve payments of material amounts of cash or debt or the issuance of significant amounts of our equity securities, which may be dilutive to our existing shareholders. We may experience difficulty integrating the operations of these entities or any other entities acquired in the future into our existing business and operations. Furthermore, we may not be able retain all of the employees we acquire as a result of these transactions. If we are unable to effectively address these risks, we may be required to restructure the acquired businesses or write-off the value of some or all of the assets of the acquired business. If we are unable to successfully integrate acquired businesses into our existing business and operations in the future, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We may be adversely affected if the firms we acquire do not perform as expected.

     Even if we are successful in completing acquisitions, we may be adversely affected if the acquired firms do not perform as expected. The firms we acquire may perform below expectations after the acquisition for various reasons, including legislative or regulatory changes that affect the products in which a firm specializes, the loss of key clients, employees and/or registered representatives after the acquisition closing, general economic factors and the cultural incompatibility of an acquired firm’s management team with us. The failure of firms to perform as expected at the time of acquisition may have an adverse effect on our earnings and revenue growth rates, and may result in impairment charges and/or generate losses or charges to earnings.

We face numerous risks and uncertainties as we expand our business.

     We expect the growth of our business to come primarily from internal expansion and through acquisitions. As we expand our business, there can be no assurance that our financial controls, the level and knowledge of our personnel, our operational abilities, our legal and compliance controls and our other corporate support systems will be adequate to manage our business and our growth. The ineffectiveness of any of these controls or systems could adversely affect our business and prospects. In addition, as we acquire new businesses, we face numerous risks and uncertainties integrating their controls and systems into ours, including financial controls, accounting and data processing systems, management controls and other operations. A failure to integrate these systems and controls, and even an inefficient integration of these systems and controls, could adversely affect our business and prospects.

Risk Factors Relating to Owning Our Stock

     The trading price of our common stock has ranged between $1.22 and $2.45 per share over the past 52 weeks. We expect that the market price of our common stock will continue to fluctuate.

     The market price of our common stock may fluctuate in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include the following:

	•		variations in quarterly operating results;
	•		general economic and business conditions, including conditions in the securities brokerage and investment banking markets;
	•		our announcements of significant contracts, milestones or acquisitions;
	•		our relationships with other companies;
	•		our ability to obtain needed capital commitments;
	•		additions or departures of key personnel;
	•		the initiation or outcome of litigation or arbitration proceedings;
	•		sales of common stock, conversion of securities convertible into common stock, exercise of options and warrants to purchase common stock or termination of stock transfer restrictions;
	•		changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; and
	•		fluctuation in stock market price and volume.

     Many of these factors are beyond our control. Any one of the factors noted herein could have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock.

     In addition, the stock market in recent years has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of many companies and that often have been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. These market fluctuations have adversely impacted the price of our common stock in the past and may do so in the future. Furthermore, shareholders may initiate securities class action lawsuits if the market price of our stock drops significantly, which may cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of our management. These factors, among others, could significantly depress the price of our common stock.

     As of August 27, 2008, our executive officers, directors and companies that these individuals are affiliated with beneficially owned approximately 46% our common stock. Accordingly, these individuals and entities will be able to significantly influence most, if not all, of our corporate actions, including the election of directors and the appointment of officers. Additionally, this ownership of our common stock may make it difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, therefore possibly discouraging third parties from seeking to acquire us. A third party would have to negotiate any possible transactions with these principal shareholders, and their interests may be different from the interests of our other shareholders. This may depress the price of our common stock.

Possible additional issuances will cause dilution.

     At August 27, 2008, we had outstanding 171,069,726 shares of common stock and options and warrants to purchase a total of 26,509,648 shares of common stock. We will issue up to an additional 4,134,511 shares of our common stock in October 2011 to the selling shareholders if Triad meets certain earnout targets. We are authorized to issue up to 400,000,000 shares of common stock and are therefore able to issue additional shares without being required under corporate law to obtain shareholder approval. If we issue additional shares, or if our existing shareholders exercise their outstanding options and warrants, our other shareholders may find their holdings drastically diluted, which if it occurs, means that they will own a smaller percentage of our company.

We may issue preferred stock with preferential rights that may adversely affect your rights.

     The rights of our shareholders will be subject to and may be adversely affected by the rights of holders of any preferred stock that we may issue in the future. Our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock and to fix the rights, preferences, privilege and restrictions, including voting rights, of these shares without further shareholder approval.

We do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

     We intend to retain any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. We therefore do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, you must rely on sales of your shares of common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on your investment. In addition, our ability to pay dividends in the future also may be restricted by the net capital requirements imposed on our broker-dealer subsidiaries by the SEC and by covenants contained in our outstanding debt agreements.

WARNING REGARDING OUR USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     Some of the statements contained in this prospectus are forward-looking that relate to possible future events, our future performance and our future operations. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “future,” “intends,” “could,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These statements are only our predictions. Our actual results could and likely will differ materially from these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks described above and appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activities, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus to conform them to actual results or to changes in our expectations.

USE OF PROCEEDS

     We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares covered by this prospectus.

SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

     In connection with our acquisition of Triad, the selling shareholders acquired 7,993,387 shares of our common stock and may acquire up to an additional 4,134,511 shares of our common stock based on Triad’s performance during the three year period following the closing of the Triad merger, all of which is being offered by this prospectus. To our knowledge, as of the date of this prospectus, the selling shareholders have retained their respective beneficial interest in these shares. The information contained herein in respect of the selling shareholders has been provided by such selling shareholders and has not been independently verified by us. The issuance of the shares of our common stock to the selling shareholders was effected in reliance upon the registration exemption set forth in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     Because the selling shareholders may sell all, some or none of the shares of common stock they hold, and because the offering contemplated by this prospectus is not currently being underwritten, no estimate can be given as to the number of shares of common stock that will be held by the selling shareholders upon termination of the offering. The information set forth in the following table regarding the beneficial ownership after resale of shares is based upon the hypothetical assumption that the selling shareholders will sell all of the shares of common stock owned by them and covered by this prospectus.

		Shares Beneficially												Shares Beneficially
		Owned												Owned
		Before Offering												After Offering
		Number of								Number of Shares				Number of
Name of Selling Shareholder		Shares				Percentage				Offered				Shares				Percentage
Mark C. Mettelman (1)			2,022,726				1.18	%			2,022,726				0				*
Robert W. Bruderman Revocable Family Trust dated June 9, 2005 (2)			2,022,726				1.18	%			2,022,726				0				*
The Hixon Special Triad Trust dated June 24, 2008 (3)			1,769,735				1.03	%			1,769,735				0				*
Robert W. Butler (4)			239,802				*				239,802				0				*
Kevin J. Lang (4)			239,802				*				239,802				0				*
The Charles P. Fullerton Revocable Trust dated June 21, 1998 (5)			239,802				*				239,802				0				*
Richard E. Bordelon (4)			199,835				*				199,835				0				*
Henry M. Klausman (4)			39,967				*				39,967				0				*
Karen Vining (4)			119,901				*				119,901				0				*
Craig Smith (4)			79,934				*				79,934				0				*
Marilyn Hosten (4)			79,934				*				79,934				0				*
Mark McGarvey (4)			79,934				*				79,934				0				*
Stan Spackeen (4)			199,835				*				199,835				0				*
Frank Griffith(4)			199,835				*				199,835				0				*
Chester Payne (6)			39,967				*				39,967				0				*
Keith Mathis (7)			319,735				*				319,735				0				*
Jeffrey Rosenthal (8)			39,967				*				39,967				0				*
Nathan Stibbs (9)			39,967				*				39,967				0				*
Michael Bryan (10)			19,983				*				19,983				0				*

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     The sale or distribution of the common stock may be effected directly to purchasers by the selling shareholders, or by any donee, pledgee or transferee of the selling shareholders as principals, or through one or more underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents from time to time in one or more public or private transactions by any legally available means, including:

	•		block trades;
	•		on the American Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter market;
	•		otherwise than on the American Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter market;
	•		through the writing of put or call options relating to the common stock;
	•		entering into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, and the broker-dealers may in turn engage in short sales of the shares as part of establishing and maintaining the hedge positions they entered into with a selling shareholders;
	•		entering into option or loan transactions that require a selling shareholders to deliver shares to a broker-dealer which may then resell or otherwise transfer the shares pursuant to this prospectus to cover the broker-dealer’s own short sales of the shares or to cover short sales of the shares by customers of the broker-dealer;
	•		engaging in short sales of the common stock and delivering shares to cover such short positions;
	•		the pledging of common stock to a broker-dealer and upon the default by a selling shareholders on the pledge the broker-dealer may sell the pledged shares in accordance with this prospectus;
	•		through the distribution of the common stock by the selling shareholders to its partners, members or shareholders;
	•		through a combination of these methods of sale; or
	•		through any other method permitted by law.

     Any of these transactions may be effected:

	•		at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
	•		at prices related to the prevailing market prices;
	•		at varying prices determined at the time of sale; or
	•		at negotiated or fixed prices.

     The sale or distribution of common stock under this prospectus will be made in compliance with the applicable provisions of FINRA’s NASD Conduct Rule 2720. If a selling shareholder effects transactions to or through underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents, these underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling shareholder or purchasers. These discounts, concessions or commissions may be in excess of those customary for the types of transactions involved. However, no FINRA member or independent broker-dealer will receive a commission or discount in excess of 8%.

     A selling shareholder and any broker, dealer or agent that assists in the sale of the common stock may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act. Accordingly, any profit on the sale of common stock by them and any discounts, concessions or commissions received by any of the underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

     A selling shareholder may also resell all or a portion of the common stock in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act. In these cases, they must meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule.

     We will pay all of the costs, expenses and fees incident to the registration of the shares offered under this prospectus. The selling shareholders are responsible for any costs, expenses and fees related to the offer and sale of the common stock to the public, including brokerage commissions, fees and discounts of underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents.

LEGAL MATTERS

     The legality of the common stock offered by this prospectus has been passed upon by Graubard Miller, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

     The consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated in this prospectus by reference to our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of Eisner LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given upon such firm’s authority as experts in accounting and auditing. The combined statements of financial condition of Investacorp, Inc. and related companies (collectively, “Investacorp Companies”) as of June 30, 2007 and 2006, and the related combined statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2007, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available at http://www.ladenburg.com/LTFinancialServices.asp.

     The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. Any information that we file after the date of this prospectus with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information contained in this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by reference our documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until all of the securities are sold:

	•		our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC on March 17, 2008;
	•		our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008 filed with the SEC on May 12, 2008 and August 11. 2008, respectively;
	•		our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 29, 2008;
	•		our current reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 2, 2008, March 5, 2008, March 17, 2008 (the information furnished under Items 2.02 and 9.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement)., March 28, 2008, May 5, 2008, May 12, 2008 (the information furnished under Items 2.02 and 9.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement)., July 10, 2008, August 12, 2008 and August 14, 2008 (the information furnished under Items 2.02 and 9.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement) and our current report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on January 3, 2008; and
	•		the description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A (No. 1-15799) filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, we are not incorporating any document or portion thereof or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules

     Potential investors may obtain a copy of any of our SEC filings without charge by written or oral request directed to Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc., Attention: Investor Relations, 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 12^th Floor, Miami, Florida 33137, (305) 572-4137.

LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

12,127,898 shares of common stock

PROSPECTUS

                                                  , 2008

We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson or other person to give you written information other than this prospectus or to make representations as to matters not stated in this prospectus. You must not rely on unauthorized information. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities or our solicitation of your offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction where that would not be permitted or legal. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any of the sales made hereunder after the date of this prospectus shall create an implication that the information contained herein or our affairs have not changed since the date hereof.

PART TWO
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

     The estimated expenses payable by us in connection with the distribution of the securities being registered are as follows:

SEC Registration and Filing Fee		$	908
FINRA Registration and Filing Fee		$	2810
Legal Fees and Expenses		$	5000
Accounting Fees and Expenses		$	15000
Printing		$	1000
Miscellaneous		$	2000
TOTAL		$	26,718

ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

     Section 607.0831 of the Florida Business Corporation Act (“FBCA”) provides that a director is not personally liable for monetary damages to the corporation or any other person for any statement, vote, decision, or failure to act regarding corporate management or policy unless (1) the director breached or failed to perform his or her duties as a director and (2) the director’s breach of, or failure to perform, those duties constitutes (a) a violation of the criminal law, unless the director had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, (b) a transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit, either directly or indirectly, (c) a circumstance under which the liability provisions of Section 607.0834 are applicable, (d) in a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor or by or in the right of a shareholder, conscious disregard for the best interest of the corporation, or willful misconduct, or (e) in a proceeding by or in the right of someone other than the corporation or a shareholder, recklessness or an act or omission which was committed in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property. A judgment or other final adjudication against a director in any criminal proceeding for a violation of the criminal law estops that director from contesting the fact that his or her breach, or failure to perform, constitutes a violation of the criminal law; but does not estop the director from establishing that he or she had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

     Section 607.0850 of the FBCA empowers a Florida corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or other type of proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal (other than an action by, or in the right of, the corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against liability, judgments, settlements, penalties, fines (including excise taxes assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan), and expenses (including counsel’s fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the proceeding and any subsequent appeals, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction, or upon plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

     In the case of an action by or in the right of the corporation, Section 607.0850 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or other type of proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal, in any of the capacities set forth above against expenses (including counsel’s fees) and amounts paid in settlement not exceeding, in the judgment of the board of directors, the estimated expense of litigating the proceeding to conclusion, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of the proceeding or any subsequent appeals, if the person acted in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. With respect to any claim, issue, or matter as to which the person is adjudged to be liable to the corporation, indemnification is not permitted unless, and only to the extent that, the court in which the proceeding was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for expenses that the court deems proper.

     Section 607.0850 further provides:

	•		that a Florida corporation is required to indemnify a director, officer, employee, or agent against expenses (including counsel’s fees) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with any proceeding or in defending any claim, issue, or matter involved in the proceeding as to which the person has been successful on the merits or otherwise;
	•		that indemnification provided for by Section 607.0850 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may be entitled;
	•		that indemnification provided for by Section 607.0850 shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the person’s heirs, executors, and administrators; and
	•		that a Florida corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against the person and incurred by him or her in any such capacity or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify the person against liability under Section 607.0850.

     A Florida corporation may provide indemnification only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct. The determination is to be made:

	•		by the board of directors upon majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not party to the proceeding;
	•		if a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, by majority vote of a committee consisting solely of two or more directors who are not parties to the proceeding at the time, duly designated by the board of directors (in which interested directors may participate);
	•		by independent legal counsel selected by majority vote of the board of directors who were not party to the proceeding or a committee so designated by the board of directors; or
	•		by shareholders upon majority vote of a quorum consisting of shareholders who were not parties to the proceeding or, if a quorum is not obtainable, by a majority vote of shareholders who were not parties to the proceeding.

     Article XI of our articles of incorporation, as amended, and Article VII of our amended and restated bylaws provide for indemnification of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law, as now in effect or later amended. Article VII of our bylaws provides that expenses incurred by a director or officer in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by us in advance of a final disposition upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the advanced amount if he or she is ultimately found not to be entitled to indemnification.

     We may provide liability insurance for each of our directors and officers for certain losses arising from claims or charges made against them while acting in their capacities as directors or officers. We currently maintain this type of liability insurance.

     Additionally, we have entered into indemnification agreements with all of our directors and officers whereby we have agreed to indemnify, and advance expenses to, each indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. The indemnification agreements will continue until and terminate upon the later of (i) ten years after the date that the indemnitee has ceased to serve as a director or officer for us or (ii) the final termination of all pending proceedings in respect of which the indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of expenses or any proceeding commenced by the indemnitee.

Item 16. EXHIBITS

						Incorporated
Exhibit						By Reference from		No. in
Number				Description		Document		Document				Page
	2.1			Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 9, 2008 by and among Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc., Triple Acquisition Inc., Triad Advisors, Inc. and the shareholders of Triad Advisors, Inc.		A			2.1			—
	5.1			Opinion of Graubard Miller		—			—			Filed Herewith
	23.1			Consent of Eisner LLP		—			—			Filed Herewith
	23.2			Consent of KPMG LLP		—			—			Filed Herewith
	23.3			Consent of Graubard Miller (included in Exhibit 5.1)		—			—			—
	24.1			Power of Attorney (included on signature page of this Registration Statement)		—			—			Filed Herewith

A.

Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 9, 2008 and filed with the SEC on July 10, 2008.

Item 17. UNDERTAKINGS

     (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

               (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

               (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

               (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this section do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

          (4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

               (i) If the registrant is relying on Rule 430B:

                    (A) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

                    (B) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or

               (ii) If the registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

          (5) That, for purposes of determining liability of the undersigned registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

               (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

               (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

               (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the registrant; and

               (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the registrant to the purchaser.

     (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized, in Miami, Florida on September 8, 2008.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature		Title		Date
/s/ Richard J. Lampen   Richard J. Lampen		President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)		September 8, 2008
/s/ Brett Kaufman   Brett Kaufman		Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)		September 8, 2008
/s/ Henry C. Beinstein   Henry C. Beinstein		Director		September 8, 2008
/s/ Robert J. Eide   Robert J. Eide		Director		September 8, 2008
/s/ Phillip Frost, M.D.   Phillip Frost, M.D.		Director		September 8, 2008
/s/ Brian S. Genson   Brian S. Genson		Director		September 8, 2008
/s/ Saul Gilinski   Saul Gilinski		Director		September 8, 2008
/s/ Dr. Richard Krasno   Dr. Richard Krasno		Director		September 8, 2008
/s/ Howard M. Lorber   Howard M. Lorber		Director		September 8, 2008
/s/ Jeffrey S. Podell   Jeffrey S. Podell		Director		September 8, 2008
/s/ Richard J. Rosenstock   Richard J. Rosenstock		Director		September 8, 2008
/s/ Mark Zeitchick   Mark Zeitchick		Director		September 8, 2008