In the 1980s, Cowen expanded internationally, established an investment banking business, and set up offices in London, Geneva, Paris, and Tokyo.

In the 1990s, the firm grew the investment banking business, beginning with five initial public offerings and follow-ons for approximately $200 million, growing to nearly 80 transactions and $5 billion in proceeds by 1995.

In 2000, Cowen sold its private client services unit to Lehman Brothers, retaining its investment banking, research and sales and trading operations.

Cowen and Company also provides proprietary research, including its Ahead of the Curve series, institutional sales and trading services and prime brokerage.

Cowen and Company specializes in growth sectors of the economy, including: consumer, energy, health care, industrials, info tech & services, and technology, media & telecommunications.