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As a Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor, I focus on connecting all aspects of clients’ financial lives to help them prioritize and pursue the goals that matter most to them.
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.
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" 2021, 2022 and 2023
Published annually Jan- April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.
John Ledford is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. John provides sustained financial leadership, direction, and advice to high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, executives and families throughout the United States. He acts as the “quarterback” of the client team in developing, implementing and reviewing each client’s customized wealth management plan. A deeply experienced Advisor, John has witnessed some of the most difficult markets and issues facing clients and investors today. With a keen interest in behavioral finance, he looks to help clients avoid the common investing biases and mistakes that are often a roadblock to successful investing.
John has earned national accolades for his work, recognition that he believes reflects the caliber of the clients he serves:
• Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Advisors,” 2021, 2022 and 2023 (Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year).
Clients come to John with diverse needs. Senior executives often engage his help in unwinding the intricacies of their wealth, including concentrated and restricted stock strategies, diversification strategies and wealth-transfer initiatives. Business owners look to John for pre- and post- liquidity event strategies, from optimizing their businesses ahead of a potential sale to creating an income stream after a sale has taken place. Retirees, in turn, seek John’s assistance in modeling an effective roadmap for the years ahead, from the timing and sources of cash flow to tax-sensitive investing. Finally, multi-generational families turn to John for guidance in saving for higher education, transferring wealth to children and grandchildren, or enhancing the long-term security of special-needs family members.
John draws on an extensive background in wealth management and training at many of the top Wall Street investment firms. He began his career as a Financial Advisor in 1998 with UBS, where he served for more than a decade. Subsequently, he moved to Morgan Stanley, where he was a Senior Vice President in Wealth Management. In 2016, John and his team moved to Merrill where he advises and serves as a one-stop destination for integrated wealth management strategies. He earned his B.A. in Psychology, Cum Laude, from the University of Oklahoma and his M.A. in Finance from the University of Texas at Dallas. He holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certification administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute), taught in conjunction with Yale University School of Management.
John serves on the Alumni Association of Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas and is an active volunteer with the Highland Park School District. He also volunteers as a youth football and basketball coach with the YMCA. Previously, John has been active with the North Texas Food Bank, American Cancer Society and Salvation Army.
John and his wife Kelley have two sons and a daughter. He loves spending time with his family, supporting his children in their activities, tending the grill on weekends, and sampling IPAs.
University of Oklahoma
University of Texas at Dallas
Merrill Personal Wealth Analysis™ can help us build and document a personalized plan, centered on your goals and focused on what you want to achieve.
Supported by the global resources of Merrill, my team is comprised of talented and experienced individuals committed to building strong client relationships based on trust and personalized service.
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
Wealth Management Lending Officer
Bank of America, N.A.
NMLS #536196
Retirement Specialist
Bank of America, N.A.
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