In 1958, Frank joined Smith, Barney and Company. He chose to accept their offer because they had a highly ranked research department. After completing the required formal training program, Frank joined the research department to work with Bill Grant on the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. He soon proposed splitting the two areas, and became Wall Street’s first industry analyst dedicated to pharmaceuticals. In 1962, he shifted focus to the life sciences industries, dealing with medical devices, diagnostics companies, and healthcare services. Frank saw rDNA technology as a "game-changing opportunity". After
Barclays Capital bought Lehman's U.S. capital markets unit in September 2008, Frank became a vice chair at Barclays Capital. Frank became a vice chairman at Peter J. Solomon, while Tanner became a managing director. As of January 15, 2013, Frederick Frank and Mary Tanner joined Burrill & Company. Frank became chair of Burrill Securities (2013–) and vice chair of Burrill and Company (January 15, 2013–). Tanner became the Senior Managing Director of Burrill Securities and of Burrill & Company. As of 2014, Frank and Tanner founded EVOLUTION Life Science Partners, and Frank became chair of the company. Frank has also served on numerous advisory groups and boards of directors. ==Philanthropy==