Juan Herrans, Ricardo Vázquez and Richard Reiss-Huyke began working together in 1994. We are proud of our skill set and the advanced professional credentials we have attained over many years.
The Herrans Group has its central office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with another in Miami, Florida. We work with clients in the Eastern United States, primarily south Florida. All of the advisors on the team are international financial advisors, and everyone on the team is fluent in English and Spanish.
Take advantage of the experience and perspective of a group of financial advisors committed to helping you pursue your financial goals—The Herrans Group.
We start with what’s important to you
We take the time to listen and learn about the needs and goals of your institution and the people it serves – it’s these real-world insights that guide our strategies and personalized service.
The Herrans Group is supported by talented specialists who have experience working with institutions and share a strong commitment to guiding investment programs and strategic decision making.
Mission
mission is simple: to help institutional investors pursue their goals through insightful investment guidance and thoughtful management of their financial assets.
Approach
We can offer boutique-like attentiveness and accessibility combined with the global perspective and industry experience of Bank of America Global Institutional Consulting. Our team is passionate about helping clients strengthen and grow their organization, and helping institutions fulfill their goals and missions. When you work with The Herrans Group, you can expect a high level of commitment, teamwork, personalized service and customized strategies.
Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor
As a Bank of America Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor[s] (RAFA), The Herrans Group one of a select group of Merrill advisors specialized in defined contribution plans who can add value to your plan by:
Offering access to 3(21) fiduciary services1
Helping you shape your investment strategies
Offering thoughtful advice without a proprietary investment requirement
Providing periodic reporting and helping you understand results and measurements to assist you in managing your plan over time
Working with you to create a plan that is designed to drive employee engagement and positive participant behavior
Assisting in the delivery of employee financial wellness programs and education
Educating employees on connecting their life priorities with their finances to help them pursue what matters most to them
1 Fiduciary Advisory Services is an investment advisory program sponsored by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. MLPF&S. MLPF&S offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. Please refer to the Fiduciary Advisory Services Brochure for information on the program including a description of the series and related fees.
Extensive Resources to Address the Financial Needs of Institutions
"Our knowledge of the complex regulatory environment for institutions is the foundation of the advice and guidance we can offer you."
Ricardo Vázquez, CIMA® International Wealth Advisor Global Institutional Consultant
We are proud that three of our team members, Juan Herrans, Ricardo Vázquez and Héctor J. González, hold the Bank of America Global Institutional Consultant title. Bank of America Global Institutional Consulting (GIC) is a select group of highly qualified advisors and specialists who focus on helping institutional clients with a broad range of services, such as retirement and benefit planning, consulting, philanthropic management and investment management and guidance. As members of this group, Juan, Ricardo and Héctor are experienced critical thinkers with an understanding of the complex needs of institutions, including foundations, endowments, pension plans and other nonprofits, insurance companies, credit unions and select financial institutions.
Supported by the resources of Bank of America and Merrill, they are fully equipped to help your organization formulate investment objectives and risk measures, together with specifications for portfolio construction and benchmarks for measuring performance relative to your organization's goals.
Additionally, they can provide you with access to:
The investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, including dedicated Merrill specialists in alternative investments and Bank of America specialists in philanthropy and nonprofit management, retirement and benefit plan services, and investment banking and capital markets
Flexible fee arrangements and services designed to address your organization's investment needs
Detailed analytics and targeted reports that provide insight into your organization's financial landscape to help you make informed decisions
*Some or all alternative investments may not be in the best interests for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other traditional investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high-net-worth investors.
**Global Institutional Consulting is part of the Global Wealth & Investment Management business of BofA Corp. Institutional Investments & Philanthropic Solutions (“II&PS”) is part of Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Trust and fiduciary services and other banking products are provided by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A. Global Institutional Consultants mentioned herein are registered representatives with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) and may assist you with investment products and services. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and clients’ rights and Merrill’s obligations will differ depending upon the products and services actually provided. Banking activities may be performed by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Brokerage and investment advisory services are provided by wholly owned non-bank affiliates of BofA Corp., including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and Member SIPC.
***BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.
Extensive Resources to Address the Financial Needs of Institutions
"Our knowledge of the complex regulatory environment for institutions is the foundation of the advice and guidance we can offer you."
Ricardo Vázquez, CIMA® International Wealth Advisor Global Institutional Consultant
We are proud that three of our team members, Juan Herrans, Ricardo Vázquez and Héctor J. González, hold the Bank of America Global Institutional Consultant title. Bank of America Global Institutional Consulting (GIC) is a select group of highly qualified advisors and specialists who focus on helping institutional clients with a broad range of services, such as retirement and benefit planning, consulting, philanthropic management and investment management and guidance. As members of this group, Juan, Ricardo and Héctor are experienced critical thinkers with an understanding of the complex needs of institutions, including foundations, endowments, pension plans and other nonprofits, insurance companies, credit unions and select financial institutions.
Supported by the resources of Bank of America and Merrill, they are fully equipped to help your organization formulate investment objectives and risk measures, together with specifications for portfolio construction and benchmarks for measuring performance relative to your organization's goals.
Additionally, they can provide you with access to:
The investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, including dedicated Merrill specialists in alternative investments and Bank of America specialists in philanthropy and nonprofit management, retirement and benefit plan services, and investment banking and capital markets
Flexible fee arrangements and services designed to address your organization's investment needs
Detailed analytics and targeted reports that provide insight into your organization's financial landscape to help you make informed decisions
*Some or all alternative investments may not be in the best interests for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other traditional investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high-net-worth investors.
**Global Institutional Consulting is part of the Global Wealth & Investment Management business of BofA Corp. Institutional Investments & Philanthropic Solutions (“II&PS”) is part of Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Trust and fiduciary services and other banking products are provided by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A. Global Institutional Consultants mentioned herein are registered representatives with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) and may assist you with investment products and services. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and clients’ rights and Merrill’s obligations will differ depending upon the products and services actually provided. Banking activities may be performed by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Brokerage and investment advisory services are provided by wholly owned non-bank affiliates of BofA Corp., including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and Member SIPC.
***BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.
Meet the Team
Our team is comprised of talented and experienced individuals committed to building strong client relationships based on trust and personalized service.
Juan Guillermo is an accomplished financial professional with over 30 years of experience in the financial industry. His many years of hands-on industry experience, along with his MBA from The Haas School of Business at University of California at Berkley, and an electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech, have honed his deeply personal and analytical style of advising. He clearly understands client’s needs, market trends and key analytics which are critical for success; but it is his genuine warmth and personalized approach that allow him to develop long-standing, meaningful client relationships. Juan Guillermo joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2010 and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation. He is recognized within Merrill as one of select few advisors to hold the Bank of America title of Global Institutional Consultant.
Juan Guillermo currently holds a position on the audit committee for the nonprofit Centros Sor Isolina Ferré. Past civic engagements include the Puerto Rican government's Commission for Cultural Development and the Museo de Arte de Ponce, among numerous other nonprofit organizations. Juan Guillermo divides his time between Puerto Rico and Miami to meet with clients in the region. When he is in South Florida, he enjoys exploring Wynwood’s eclectic art scene and viewing the latest art museum exhibitions with family and friends.
*Global Institutional Consulting is part of the Global Wealth & Investment Management business of BofA Corp. Institutional Investments & Philanthropic Solutions (“II&PS”) is part of Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Trust and fiduciary services and other banking products are provided by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A. Global Institutional Consultants mentioned herein are registered representatives with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) and may assist you with investment products and services. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and clients’ rights and Merrill’s obligations will differ depending upon the products and services actually provided. Banking activities may be performed by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Brokerage and investment advisory services are provided by wholly owned non-bank affiliates of BofA Corp., including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and Member SIPC.
Valerie joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2015, having worked for two years previously in the financial services industry. Valerie earned her bachelors degree from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
Ivette joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2015, bringing to the team over 16 years of experience in the financial services industry. She studied communications at Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. Ivette has a personal commitment to serving each client with the highest level of personal attention, seeking to give clients a consistent and exemplary service experience.
As an International Wealth Advisor for The Herrans Group, José works closely with institutional and high-net-worth clients to develop thoughtful financial strategies that will help them pursue their goals. His insight and in-depth knowledge of the institutional landscape makes him a valued resource for clients. His past experience as treasurer of the Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico and Banco Santander Puerto Rico, make him deeply knowledgeable about bond trading and analysis. His in-depth knowledge of the wealth management industry paired with his frank, analytical style and natural ability to connect with clients helps to deepen relationships for the team.
As a resident of Coral Gables, José enjoys all of the great things South Florida has to offer. The great weather, diverse cultural offerings and amazing quality of life make it an ideal place to call home. In his time off, José enjoys boating and spending time with his family
Héctor has 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, with the last eight years of his career being directly related to financial advisory services. He joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2010. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA® ) designation. In his role with the team, he can address the investment and income management needs of organizations and individuals alike. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from the University of Puerto Rico, graduating magna cum laude.
He has served as the treasurer of Habitat for Humanity local chapter and has been active in the Puerto Rico Certified Public Accountants chapter, as an elected member of the board of directors and appointee to its executive committee. He has also chaired the securities industry liaison committee in two terms and was appointed to the advisory committee for the governor of Puerto Rico in 2014. He often speaks at industry seminars and conferences. Héctor lives in San Juan with his wife and two children. He is recognized within Merrill as one of select few advisors to hold the Bank of America title of Global Institutional Consultant.
*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.
*Global Institutional Consulting is part of the Global Wealth & Investment Management business of BofA Corp. Institutional Investments & Philanthropic Solutions (“II&PS”) is part of Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Trust and fiduciary services and other banking products are provided by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A. Global Institutional Consultants mentioned herein are registered representatives with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) and may assist you with investment products and services. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and clients’ rights and Merrill’s obligations will differ depending upon the products and services actually provided. Banking activities may be performed by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Brokerage and investment advisory services are provided by wholly owned non-bank affiliates of BofA Corp., including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and Member SIPC.
After 12 years working in the financial services industry, Andres joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2010. He focuses on helping clients to handle their sophisticated wealth management needs and develops diversified strategies that may, if appropriate, incorporate alternative investments. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designations. Andrés earned his bachelor's degree in accounting at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras and has an MBA from New York University. He is recognized within Merrill as one of select few advisors to hold the Bank of America title of Global Institutional Consultant.
*Some or all alternative investments may not be in the best interests for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other traditional investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high-net-worth investors.
*Global Institutional Consulting, operating under the name “Bank of America,” is a business offering products and services for the benefit of institutional and ultra‐high net worth clients and is part of Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM), the wealth and investment management division of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). Global Institutional Consultants mentioned herein are registered representatives with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S“ or “Merrill”) and may assist you with investment products and services. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and clients’ rights and Merrill’s obligations will differ depending upon the products and services actually provided. Banking activities may be performed by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Brokerage and investment advisory services are provided by wholly owned non-bank affiliates of BofA Corp., including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a dually registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and Member SIPC.
Héctor has over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry and joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2010, after working for three years in the financial services industry as an institutional investment consultant. Trained as a Certified Public Accountant, he earned his bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from the University of Puerto Rico, graduating magna cum laude. He also earned his Juris Doctor from the same university. Héctor does not provide accounting or legal advice in his role at Merrill.
With the team, he focuses on helping institutions as well as individuals, developing strategies based on their goals and objectives by drawing on his risk-management-oriented outlook. He lives in Guaynabo with his wife and three children.
Ricardo is an accomplished financial professional with over 20 years of experience. His efforts to communicate complex concepts in a simple manner, his analytical ability and his personalized approach with clients have made him an invaluable member of The Herrans Group. Ricardo joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2010 and focuses on serving endowments and institutions as a Bank of America Global Institutional Consultant and creating equity and fixed income strategies, asset allocations and other services. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation.
He earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard University and an MBA from the University of Indiana. Ricardo’s passion for learning stems from his belief that education is a tool for people to improve their own lives and those of others. In his free time, he helps high school students define their post-graduation goals and guides them during this important transition. History and the study of genealogy are also areas of interest for Ricardo.
*Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
*Global Institutional Consulting is part of the Global Wealth & Investment Management business of BofA Corp. Institutional Investments & Philanthropic Solutions (“II&PS”) is part of Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Trust and fiduciary services and other banking products are provided by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A. Global Institutional Consultants mentioned herein are registered representatives with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) and may assist you with investment products and services. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and clients’ rights and Merrill’s obligations will differ depending upon the products and services actually provided. Banking activities may be performed by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Brokerage and investment advisory services are provided by wholly owned non-bank affiliates of BofA Corp., including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and Member SIPC.
Glorimar has over eleven years of experience in the financial services industry and joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2010. She is dedicated to providing personalized attention and customized strategies to high-net-worth individuals, families, family businesses and institutions. She focuses on portfolio strategies, quantitative and performance analysis and trading. She works closely with women and Millennials to help them establish and pursue their wealth management goals.
Glorimar earned her bachelor’s degree in finance and economics at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation. She lives in Guaynabo, where she enjoys volunteering in animal rescue and reading.
Belinda joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2010, bringing to the team over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. As a Wealth Management Client Associate Belinda interacts with clients on a daily basis and supports the financial advisors in servicing the clients. Belinda enjoys spending time with families and friends.
Merrill is proud of our advisors who’ve received recognition from financial industry publications or directly from Bank of America Corporation. We believe they are setting the standard for exemplary client service.
Juan Herrans
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2023 Published on April 14, 2023. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2022.*
Barron's "Top 50 Institutional Consultants" 2019 Published on April 20, 2019. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2018.
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2022 Published on April 15, 2022. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2021.
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2021 Published on April 16, 2021. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2020.
Ricardo J Vazquez
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" 2023 Published on April 4, 2023. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2022.
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2023 Published on April 14, 2023. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2022.*
Barron's "Top 50 Institutional Consultants" 2019 Published on April 20, 2019. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2018.
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2022 Published on April 15, 2022. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2021.
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2021 Published on April 16, 2021. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2020.
Hector Gonzalez
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2023 Published on April 14, 2023. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2022.*
Barron's "Top 50 Institutional Consultants" 2019 Published on April 20, 2019. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2018.
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2022 Published on April 15, 2022. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2021.
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2021 Published on April 16, 2021. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2020.
Andres Lewowicz
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2023 Published on April 14, 2023. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2022.*
Barron's "Top 50 Institutional Consultants" 2019 Published on April 20, 2019. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2018.
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2022 Published on April 15, 2022. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2021.
Barron's "Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams" 2021 Published on April 16, 2021. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2020.
Beyond our experience, we offer access to the deep intellectual capital and broad capabilities of Bank of America Corporation and its affiliates. If we identify a need we can’t service ourselves, we can connect you with the people and resources to help you. Through our network of advisors, we strive to deliver strategies to help you manage the day-to-day and long-term responsibilities required in pursuing your institution’s goals. As we work together to address your evolving needs, we can help make the broad capabilities of Bank of America Corporation feel more accessible.
Helping institutions meet their investment needs
We put the resources and intellectual capital of Merrill to work for institutional clients like you by delivering thoughtful advice and sophisticated investment strategies through focused client-centric consulting. We help organizations like yours address today’s complex investment challenges through an integrated, goals-based investment process that enables them to redefine success, manage risk and help fulfill their missions.
Investment Solutions
We provide access to a broad suite of potential investment solutions for non-profit organizations, foundations, endowments and corporate retirement and pension plans. Our level of involvement is based on your preference — from traditional consulting, to client-directed implementation, to full discretionary outsourced CIO services. We work with your CFO, board of directors and investment committee to develop a tailored investment strategy that is consistent with your culture, goals, preferences and risk profile.
Disciplined Investment Process
We follow a disciplined process that helps to address your organization’s changing needs and provides you with a potentially higher probability of achieving your long-term investment goals.
1
Investment Policy Statement Development and Review
Act as liaison between institutional clients and Merrill's Investment Policy Statement (IPS) service, which creates and modifies an IPS, based on the client’s investment goals and objectives.
2
Strategic Allocation Modeling
Customizable asset allocation based on the Chief Investment Office capital market assumptions.
3
Investment Manager Due Diligence
Recommend investment solutions leveraging Merrill's thorough and rigorous due diligence process.
4
Investment Manager Search and Selection
Advanced portfolio construction techniques combined with client specific objectives and Merrill's capital market guidance.
5
Portfolio Strategy
Leverage Merrill's global intellectual capital including tactical tilts to potentially help increase returns.
6
Performance Measurement
Review, quantify and evaluate performance to identify opportunities to refine the portfolio’s overall strategy, based on the Investment Policy Statement.
Endowments, Foundations and Nonprofits
We understand the issues nonprofits, endowments and foundations address in funding their missions in an ever-changing financial climate. Drawing on the global resources of Bank of America Corporation and its affiliates, we offer insight, guidance and personalized service to help institutions develop and execute investment strategies focused on what matters most to them and the people they serve.
Impact investing and/or Environmental Social Governance (ESG) investing has certain risks based on the fact that ESG criteria excludes securities of certain issuers for nonfinancial reasons and therefore, investors may forgo some market opportunities and the universe of investments available will be smaller.
Defined benefit plans
Whether your defined benefit plan is an active part of your overall benefit offering, is closed to new participants, or fully frozen, Bank of America's service model allows you to outsource the many administrative tasks associated with the maintenance of a pension plan to fulfill plan obligations and manage risk.
Key services include: • Investment consulting service • Open architecture investment management platform • Liability driven investment implementation • Actuarial services and discretionary investment management
Supporting a strong retirement plan and helping to keep it on track
The retirement and financial needs of your employees, as well as the responsibility those needs create for you as an employer, are important to you. We offer the solutions your employees may need to help pursue their financial goals and maintain financial wellness. Our array of resources and experience is designed to help meet your employees’ financial needs in ways that make sense for your company — strategically, operationally and financially. You and your employees will have a team of experienced and passionate advocates for financial wellness on your side. Our team will make your priorities their own so you can focus more on your business.
For Plan Sponsors
Your role as a plan sponsor is more challenging than ever, and it’s not something to face alone. We bring the resources and thought leadership from Bank of America Corporation and its affiliates to bear in helping you provide a strong, healthy and fully compliant program that runs smoothly, engages your employees and makes your job easier. We can help you focus on the areas that may be helpful to plan success, including Fiduciary Advisory Services 1 and Education and Plan Services 2 appropriate for your plan.
Fiduciary Advisory Services1
Through Fiduciary Advisory Services, we can help you design and maintain an investment menu.
Investment Policy Statement (IPS)3
Comprehensive due diligence processes to identify appropriate investments
Proactive delivery – online and by your designated advisor – of investment performance reporting every quarter
Report providing fund analysis and market trends.
1 Fiduciary Advisory Services is an investment advisory program sponsored by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”). Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. Please refer to the Fiduciary Advisory Services Brochure for information on the program including a description of the series and related fees.
2 Education and Plan Services are non-fiduciary services required for Advisor Alliance clients and optional for MLII clients.
3 IPS service is not available for FAS Discretionary. The plan sponsor is responsible for the approval and final adoption of the IPS.
Putting clients’ interests first isn’t new, and this isn’t a one-time event. Our clients have been at the center of everything we do since Charles Merrill founded Merrill over a hundred years ago.
Every relationship begins with a conversation, helping you identify and prioritize which goals matter most to you. Whether it's transferring wealth to the next generation, customizing your financial approach to help you pursue your passions, or providing advice and guidance to help you stay informed, we start by listening to learn more about you and your family.
Capabilities
active
Capabilities
Merrill’s process is designed to help deliver a customized, comprehensive experience to assist you not only in wealth accumulation and preservation, but in areas that go beyond investments. Providing you with access to the investment insights of Merrill, trust and fiduciary services from Bank of America Private Bank, and the banking and lending solutions of Bank of America offers a way to help you manage all of the pieces of your financial life. Working one-on-one with a Merrill advisor means you have a single point of contact to help you with potential strategies for transferring wealth to the younger generation.
FocusOn
SubSection1
Approach
Your approach to investing
Drawing upon research in the field of behavioral finance, Merrill developed the Investment Personality Assessment to help us get to know you better as an investor and potentially help you refine your own investing preferences. By gaining a deeper understanding of how you think and feel about investing through this assessment, we can customize the financial approach we develop together to help you pursue what matters most to you. Our Investment Personality Assessment is one of the ways to help us get to know you - to understand your goals and priorities. These questions will help us provide you with additional insights and resources.
SubSection2
Approach
Understanding your goals and priorities
Your life and goals change. We have tools to help you keep track of these changes so they can be reflected in your financial approach.
StayingonTrack
Philosophy
Staying on Track
We understand that both your life and the financial markets can change over time. By checking in to discuss changes in your life and revisiting your financial approach, our goal is to help you stay on track to achieve what’s most important to you.
Reviews to help you stay on track
We’ll meet with you to review your goals and the progress you’ve made toward reaching them. We’ll also discuss any adjustments needed to your financial approach to help you stay on course.
Changes in your life and to your goals
Your life and goals change. As these changes occur, we can update your approach to reflect them.
MyMerrill is your online destination for access to your financial information, secure communications, and a robust offering of tools and capabilities.
Your advisor is a click away within our site or mobile apps
You can manage account security with our customizable security capabilities such as touch ID, one time passcode, and other security features
Access to your complete financial life is available with My Financial Picture, Merrill’s asset aggregation tool
FinancialStrategy
Philosophy
Your Financial Approach
We offer you access to the investing insights of Merrill, trust and fiduciary services from Bank of America Private Bank, and the banking convenience of Bank of America to help you pursue your goals. We will work to help you stay on track, regardless of what the markets are doing.
¹ Investment products are offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. ² Banking, mortgage and home equity products offered by Bank of America, N.A. ³ Insurance and annuity products offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc. 4 Trust and fiduciary services are provided by Bank of America Private Bank.
"We are committed to helping you develop a wealth management strategy that is customized to your goals."
Andres Lewowicz, CFA®, CIMA® Private Wealth Manager
Wealth management for affluent individuals and families goes beyond determining what equity or fixed-income vehicles to own. We develop a clear understanding of how you see wealth and investments in your life and future.
What are your financial goals? Paying for your children's education? Developing tax minimization strategies for transferring wealth to your children and grandchildren? How do you feel about investment risk? What are your cash flow needs for retirement? What would you do if money were not an issue?
For many clients, wealth is connected to a family business or a closely held business. We want to look at the business, too, to see how it may serve as a component of your wealth strategy.
*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.
*CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks by CFA Institute.
*Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst®. Use of CIMA® or Certified Investment Management Analyst® signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management consultants.
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