In the late 19th century, a baker named Lasne operated a bakery near Paris' financial district. His clientele included many men who worked in banking and finance, and in an effort to appeal to them, he began baking these delightful brown-butter & almond flour pastries in the shape of small rectangles. They resembled bars of gold, giving them the name financiers. Financiers are extremely flavorful, moist and delicious little cakes, featured prominently in some of the finest Parisian patisseries!