James Smith III
Advisor at Merrill
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Some details may be added by the advisor after claiming their profile. Refreshed daily • Updated today.
Advisor at Merrill
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Some details may be added by the advisor after claiming their profile. Refreshed daily • Updated today.
Location
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Credentials
Series 66
Industry experience
< 1 year
James Smith is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing 35 years of experience to his role. He specializes in creating strategies designed to help clients meet their financial goals, including college education planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. As a qualified Portfolio Manager, he manages personalized and defined investment strategies, which may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies, sometimes on a discretionary basis through the Firm's Investment Advisory Program.
James holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) professional designation. His approach centers on understanding clients' life priorities to tailor personalized plans aligned with their values, family, goals, and aspirations. His mission is to help clients maintain and improve their quality of life by carefully balancing risk and reward.
In addition to his professional work, James has been actively involved in his community, serving on various boards such as the Madison County Economic Development Authority, Madison County Business League and Foundation, and the Madison County Planning and Zoning Commission. He also served as President of the Dinsmor Homeowners Association. Outside of work and community service, he has trained in Taekwondo for over 30 years, achieving the rank of 3rd degree black belt. James resides in Madison, Mississippi with his family and attends Broadmoor Baptist Church.
Based on Merrill
$0 - $2,000,000: 1.10% (for Managed Strategy with MFSA under $2 million) $2,000,000+: 1.00% (for Managed Strategy with MFSA at and above $2 million)
Account minimum: $2,000,000 minimum to qualify for Premium Access Strategy per SEC data and Merrill brochure context; no other firm-wide minimum clearly stated
1022 Highland Colony Pkwy, Adp Home Office
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Mississippi · Texas
Bank of America, N.A.
2025 - Present (1 year)
Merrill
2025 - Present (1 year)
KPMG LLP
2025 - 2025 (1 year)
Horne LLP
2023 - 2023 (1 year)
University of Mississippi
2021 - 2024 (3 years)
Cathead Distillery
2021 - 2021 (1 year)
Jackson Academy
2006 - 2021 (15 years)
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Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
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