Philosophy
Neil prides himself on building lasting relationships based on trust, loyalty and delivering concierge level service. He works closely with individuals and families spanning multiple generations, business owners and executives. Using a goals-based wealth management strategy, Neil puts his clients at the center of every personalized strategy. He strives to help clients reach the financial goals that matter most to them.
Professional Bio
Neil, Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor, began his career as a Financial Professional at Merrill in 1995; becoming a Financial Advisor in 2000. In 2004, he formed the KESSEL GROUP to provide his vast experience, knowledge and investment advisory skills to his clients through complex market cycles.
Risk management, goals based plans and the client experience is what drives his practice. Neil provides access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America to help address the various aspects of clients’ financial lives.
Neil is dedicated to being a trusted advisor. If you are an existing client, he is truly thankful for the opportunity to serve you and your family.
Education and Licenses
Before joining Merrill, Neil attended college in La Jolla, California, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD.) He is a Senior Portfolio Advisor in the Merrill Investment Advisory Program and is a member of CBOE.
Series 7 FINRA registration (General Securities Representative)
Series 31 FINRA registration (Futures – Managed Money)
Series 65 FINRA registration (NASAA Investment Advisers Law)
Series 66 FINRA registration (Uniform Combined State Law)
California State Insurance License
Personal
Born in South Africa, Neil is married to his wife of 20 years, Desiree, with whom he has two daughters - Lauren and Ava. They have three King Charles Cavaliers named Rusty, Riley and Remy.
The Kessel family enjoy traveling abroad to Europe and South America. They like to immerse themselves in the local culture and connect with people wherever they go. Neil loves taking photographs of his travels; which are displayed in his office.
*Merrill Life Agency's California License Number 0522776
*A Senior Portfolio Advisor can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios and third-party investment strategies.
My goal is to connect you to the people, plan and process that best fit your unique ambitions. We help you pursue your personal goals, such as planning for and funding your children's educations; helping to ensure that your retirement lifestyle their and potential health care costs are covered; and creating a personalized plan designed to help you achieve your family's long-term goals. Everything I do for and with you takes into account your personal perspectives and priorities. I aim to bring simplicity and transparency to the complexities of investing, making the intimidating task of wealth planning an exciting journey of managing and helping you reach your goals.
Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life
The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.
