Since joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 1993, Paul has served as the primary financial resource for an impressive circle of “quietly-wealthy” entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in Silicon Valley and elsewhere. He feels especially fortunate to assist clients who genuinely respect money, want their children to do the same, and raise their kids with the middle-class values that he and many clients still share.

 

Inspired by what clients describe as their most cherished goals for their families and society, Paul examines whether “protective components” are in place – life and disability insurance, and other measures that busy clients may overlook. Next, he crafts coordinated tax minimization and estate planning strategies, and also works to help clients optimize the management of their liabilities. Ultimately, Paul works to brighten key areas of clients’ financial pictures that can contribute to their long-term prosperity and comfort.

 

“Many clients want their wealth to support what they deem important – namely, education, philanthropy and positive change in the world around them. Being a parent myself, I find it easy to put myself in their shoes, appreciate their wishes, and assist when their 24/7 lives require,” Paul explains.

 

When it comes to investing, Paul manages clients’ assets similarly to endowments – favoring the inclusion of non-correlated assets to help clients meet their life goals, not just industry benchmarks. Leaning toward private and public equity, as well as alternative investments, he finds that this approach allows clients’ portfolios to achieve growth, while exposing them to less volatility and risk.

 

Dedicated to serving clients as their lives evolve, Paul is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant, a designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. He also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, CRPC® designation.

Paul is a Portfolio Manager who can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis his own personalized or defined strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. 

Before arriving at Merrill, Paul worked at a small investment firm in Southern California. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Cal State, Long Beach after spending three years at Northeastern University in Boston.

Paul began working at 15 years old and paid for college. A native New Yorker, Paul has been a happy Bay Area resident for more than 29 years. He and his wife, Leslie, are proud parents of a son and two daughters – and share a passion for fitness and the outdoors, especially skiing. Paul also enjoys playing golf and giving back to the community that’s given him so much – having served for many years on several non-profit boards.

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.

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.

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Early in life, Matt learned from his parents the value of investing and being fiscally responsible. Today, Matt feels fortunate to work with Paul Luciano – a highly credentialed and experienced advisor. Together, they assist successful individuals who’ve built their net worth by generating ideas and following their passions – without losing sight of their values. Like Matt’s parents, most clients are deeply involved in their children’s education and activities.

As a financial advisor, Matt serves many “quietly-wealthy” entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and beyond. With most leading busy lives, Matt finds it critical to educate them about making thoughtful financial decisions, even when emotions can take hold. He finds it especially fulfilling to cultivate relationships with clients he admires for their desire to put their wealth to work, in ways that benefit society.

Since joining Luciano & Associates, Matt has been encouraged to capitalize on his strong analytical capabilities, interest in the financial markets and caring demeanor. His personal goal is to help clients optimize their wealth and achieve financial goals that bring meaning to their achievements.

In addition to delivering Paul’s extensive knowledge to clients, he helps them prepare and plan for desired outcomes including liquidity events and other key life transitions. Along the way, Matt makes it his mission to simplify clients’ financial lives, so that they can focus on what matters most to them.


Before joining Merrill, Matt was a financial analyst for the Semiconductors Product Group at Applied Materials in Santa Clara. In that role, he provided support analysis and assisted in management of the segment P&L.

A former Division 1 Men’s Soccer player at College of the Holy Cross, Matt stays fit snowboarding, surfing, lifting weights, and training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has Type 1 Diabetes and participates in fundraising activities with Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) – in support of the organization’s mission to fund research and find a cure. During the holidays, Matt also cooks meals and distribute gift baskets locally to the underprivileged.

Continuing a long family tradition, Anna is celebrating 30 years in the world of financial services. Before joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2013, Anna worked for Bear Stearns and JP Morgan.

Today, Anna is the “point person” for many clients – handling their transactional, account, and administrative needs, as well as serving as their responsive liaison with other members of the team and specialists throughout the firm.

Anna and her husband, Scott, couldn’t be more proud of their children – Alexandra and Anthony. Alexandra graduated from college in 2016, and is following in her family’s footsteps in the financial field. (Her great, great grandfather, G.B. Levaggi, was on the first board of directors at the Bank of Italy.) Anthony graduated from college in 2020, and is also following in the long family lineage in financial services. Anthony is a Wealth Management Client Associate at Merrill in San Francisco. Besides her children, Anna’s passions include international travel, and especially, cooking for and entertaining family and friends. A lover of the great outdoors, Anna runs, hikes, skis, swims, and has completed one triathlon and three marathons. She also has volunteered for many years with the CCD program at St. Bartholomew Church in San Mateo and with Shelter Network (a homeless shelter in San Mateo). Anna is a lifelong resident of San Mateo and studied communications at College of San Mateo.