James Watson is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in working with high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions to help them achieve their wealth management goals. He employs advanced retirement and estate planning strategies focused on diversification and risk mitigation, while also addressing clients' complex investment needs and tax sensitivities. By integrating Bank of America's full range of banking and lending solutions, James delivers comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, James has held roles across private wealth management, private banking, and small business banking. Prior to joining Merrill, he contributed his expertise at several leading financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase, UBS, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley. James holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and holds professional designations as an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA).
Outside of his professional responsibilities, James is involved with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and enjoys traveling, fitness, and spending time with family and friends. His approach centers on understanding what matters most to his clients and their families in order to create personalized strategies that help pursue their financial goals.