Keith Kitagawa
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
San Diego, CA 92101
Credentials
Series 63, Series 66
Industry experience
18 years
Keith Kitagawa is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, joining the firm in 2020. He brings over 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, focusing on comprehensive financial advice tailored to clients' specific needs. Keith advises high net worth individuals, corporate executives, business owners, and entrepreneurs, working closely with tax and legal advisors to address retirement planning, estate considerations, charitable giving, and executive compensation strategies.
His expertise includes navigating complex areas of executive compensation such as Incentive Stock Options timing, Section 1202 Qualified Small Business Stock treatment, 83(b) elections, and managing concentrated stock positions with tax mitigation strategies. Keith also collaborates with internal and external professionals to help clients increase the value of their businesses through coordinated and comprehensive planning.
Keith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration degree from UCLA Anderson. He holds several professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and Certified Investment Management Analyst. Before entering the financial services industry, Keith served five years as a submarine officer in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Committed to community involvement, Keith serves on the boards of the San Diego Military Advisory Council Foundation and Life Science Cares San Diego. He also volunteers as a United States Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer and has held leadership roles with the Salvation Army Kroc Center in San Diego and the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association's San Diego Chapter. His personal interests include cooking, ice hockey, spending time with family, and traveling.
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
701 B St
San Diego, CA 92101
California · Texas
Bank Of America, N.a.
2020 - Present (6 years)
Merrill
2020 - Present (6 years)
UnEmployed
2019 - 2020 (1 year)
Securrency Inc
2018 - 2019 (1 year)
UnEmployed
2018 - 2018 (1 year)
Eaton Partners, LLC
2015 - 2018 (3 years)
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Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
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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