During the summer, Ransom Everglades School senior Emilio Lamar passed the Series 7 Examination and broke the Guinness World Record to become the world’s youngest licensed stockbroker. The previous world record was set in 1993 by a slightly older 17-year-old from New Jersey.
The Series 7 Exam, administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is the most comprehensive financial securities exam. Lamar prepared for the six-hour, 260-question test by studying the 700-page FINRA manual on his own for almost three hours each day for seven weeks and taking several practice tests prior to the exam date.
“When I started studying, I quickly realized that it was not going to be easy,” said Lamar, who was introduced to economics during a Ransom Everglades course. “However, I know how to pace myself, and I enjoy the material. I’m fascinated by the world’s financial markets.”
Lamar also gained insight into the financial world during his summer internship at Sutter Securities in San Francisco. Lamar’s uncle serves as vice president of the firm, which sponsored Lamar’s efforts to take the rigorous exam. He also received plenty of inspiration from his father, Emilio Lamar, Sr., a former managing director at Merrill Lynch, New York, who is now semi-retired.
“I developed a new found admiration for my father,” said Lamar. “I discovered he was a walking encyclopedia on all financial topics. When I was studying and questions arose, I would pick his brain.” Lamar not only passed the exam; he scored 90 percent. He has since sent the required notification to Guinness World Records.
“I see this as a stepping stone to hopefully making a future impact and contribution in the financial world,” he said.
The accomplishment, along with his high academic grades and scores, will surely look impressive on his college applications. Not surprising, Lamar plans to study economics in college. His top three schools of choice are Harvard, Columbia and Stanford. His career goal is to work in the Federal Reserve.
Whatever college Lamar attends, he hopes to walk-on the school’s rowing team. He took to the sport instantly after joining the newly-formed Coconut Grove rowing club during his junior year. He’s spent the past two summers rowing with the Miami Rowing Club and is a varsity member of his crew team.
“I’m tall, and it’s a sport that suits me well,” said Lamar. “I only wish I had found it earlier!”
Whatever Lamar’s future has in store, he will take his music with him. He is an accomplished trumpet player who has been chosen to play first-chair trumpet for three years in the District Honor Band and University of Miami Honor Band.
He released his first album with the All Star Jazz B entitled “With A Swing,” which was produced and recorded by Gloria Estefan’s producer and is available on iTunes and Amazon. He also played during a live jazz series broadcast on WDNA88.9 FM.
Through his community service efforts, Lamar shares his musical talent with local jazz lovers. He plays lead trumpet in the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and Jazz Band, earning 120 community service hours each year, and with the Coral Gables Congregational Church All-Star Jazz Band.
“Over the years, I’ve played Taps to honor our military on Veterans’ Day at events sponsored by the Chamber South Military Affairs Committee,” said Lamar. “These have been memorable performances.”
