Greater Baltimore has a long history in financial services and investment banking, and today is a leader in asset management.  In recent years, the financial services industry in the United States has looked more aggressively at decentralization options, and the Baltimore region offers a strong value proposition to those firms looking for a center to house high end back office operations.  Due to the region's diverse investment community, Greater Baltimore has a deep base of professionals.  Furthermore, its ideally suited location allows for greater ease of access to other cities on the East Coast.