Robert Moriarty has been serving a select group of clients at Merrill  for over twenty years. His practice focuses on helping clients identify their most important goals and objectives and tailoring financial strategies that are designed to accomplish those goals in the most efficient manner possible.

He concentrates on coordinating with clients’ other key advisors to address estate and legacy issues, charitable giving strategies, liability and financing management and investment tax efficiency. He feels that clients choose his team for two primary reasons: long-term trust and service excellence.

Robert works closely with private business owners, private equity partners and corporate executives.

Robert is a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with a bachelor’s degree in communication and economics. He has earned the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) designation from the Investments & Wealth Institute™, a nationally recognized accreditation organization for wealth management professionals.

He is a member of the Board of Regents of St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago and a board member of the Industrial Areas Foundation.

*Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

Stephen E. Pinaire has been with Merrill since November of 1984. Prior to joining Merrill, he worked as a financial analyst and commercial lending officer for the Northern Trust Co. in Chicago. Steve received his BA in Economics and Business from DePauw University in 1981. 

Steve’s areas of professional knowledge and experience include: portfolio and discretionary account management, customized banking and lending strategies through Bank of America, N.A., estate planning needs, alternative investments, option and hedging strategies, customized wealth management strategies and portfolio allocation, structured investments, insurance and annuities, and fixed income strategies. Steve holds his FINRA Series 7, 8, 65 and 63 registrations.

Outside of work, Steve enjoys playing golf, tennis, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Beverly, and four sons.


*Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

*Some or all alternative investment programs may not be in the best interest of certain investors. No assurance can be given that any alternative investment’s investment objectives will be achieved.

*Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Before engaging in the purchase or sale of options, investors should understand the nature of and extent of their rights and obligations and be aware of the risks involved in investing with options. Prior to buying or selling an option, clients must receive the options disclosure document Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. This document is available by contacting your Merrill Financial Advisor.

Mike Barakat joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2012. His focus is on developing strategies and providing advice for individuals, their families and their businesses by understanding their short- and long-term financial objectives. By understanding their goals, Mike is able to provide tailored strategies to help them accomplish their goals in the most efficient manner.

Mike primarily works with private equity and financial services professionals, as well as corporate executives.

Mike holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is member of the CFA Society of Chicago. He is a graduate of Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, holding degrees in Finance and Accounting. Mike is an avid Chicago and Hoosiers sports fan. He grew up locally in Naperville, IL and currently resides in the River North neighborhood with his wife, Deanna, and his son, Adam.