Rocio Mercado is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and six years of industry experience. She has worked at Bank of America N.A. and Merrill for ten years. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies to individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Raymond Conboy is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been serving clients since 1998, beginning his career at Prudential Securities before joining Banc of America Investments in 2003, where he continues to provide financial advisory services. Raymond works with wealthy families, business owners, businesses, and non-profit organizations, assisting them in recognizing, understanding, and realizing their priorities and goals. His expertise encompasses areas such as divorce transition planning, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, investment consulting for defined contribution and benefit plans, LGBT wealth planning, liquidity management, philanthropic planning, socially responsible and ESG investing, and tax minimization. Raymond aims to preserve and grow his clients' assets leveraging the broad financial capabilities of Merrill alongside the banking services of Bank of America. Raymond earned an Associate's Degree from Galway Mayo Institute of Technology and holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Originally from Ireland, he moved to the United States in his early twenties. Outside of work, Raymond engages in hiking, triathlons, open water swimming, music, refereeing soccer, and spending time with his family. He also volunteers with organizations in his community, reflecting his commitment to community involvement.

Faran Shaker serves as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he focuses on establishing long-term financial relationships through trust and transparency, engaging in open dialogue to understand clients' unique financial goals and developing tailored plans that align with their interests. His expertise includes college education planning, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, managing new wealth, and personal retirement planning. Faran also has practical experience working with defined contribution retirement plans, assisting plan sponsors with guidance and plan design, and educating participants on retirement readiness. Raised in Wisconsin, Faran earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He has obtained several professional designations, including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA™), and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®). Although he holds a law degree, he does not provide legal advice in his current role. Faran has contributed as the Bank of America Community Volunteer Champion for Central Los Angeles in 2021 and 2022. He is fluent in Persian and English. His personal interests include running, tennis, and writing. He approaches his advisory role with the philosophy of connecting all aspects of a client's financial life to help prioritize and pursue their most important goals.

Douglas Cowles is a financial advisor with Merrill in Los Angeles, CA, holding Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and 36 years of industry experience. He has worked at Merrill since 2009 and at Bank of America, N.A. since 2011. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Lope Choa is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this role, he works directly with clients to develop personalized financial strategies that align with their long-term goals. His approach involves a comprehensive understanding of each client’s full financial picture, and he utilizes resources from Merrill and Bank of America to provide investment insights as well as banking and lending solutions. Choa’s areas of expertise include portfolio management services, individual and corporate investment strategies, and retirement income planning. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida and maintains professional designations as a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Committed to community involvement, Choa participates in local volunteer organizations and integrates this service-oriented philosophy into his client relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys baseball, biking, and golfing.

Taylor Marrone is a financial advisor at Merrill with five years of industry experience and a Series 66 designation. He has worked at Merrill since 2019 and has held roles outside finance, including clerical work at his family’s plumbing business and tutoring. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, retirement plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Diane Doyle is a financial advisor at Merrill with 15 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Merrill since 2017, previously spending three years at DWS Investments Distributors, Inc. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Genesis Sanchez is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where she works to develop personalized investment strategies tailored to her clients' unique goals. She provides investing advice across a broad range of areas including general investing, retirement planning, and saving for unforeseen circumstances. In her role as a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor, she also facilitates access to Bank of America services for banking and lending needs. Sanchez holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) professional designations. She earned her Bachelor's degree from California State University of Dominguez Hills. By taking the time to understand what matters most to her clients, she aims to help them pursue their financial objectives through ongoing advice and guidance.

Evan Pantucci is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He is a member of the Pantucci Bonvechio team, which was named to the Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list in 2023 and 2024. This recognition is based on criteria including best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management, and firm-generated revenue. Evan and his team focus on developing long-term relationships with clients by understanding their priorities and financial goals. They provide experienced investment advice and guidance for high-net-worth families and institutional investors. Their services include access to Bank of America banking and coordination with Merrill Lynch's network of specialists and strategists. Evan's client focus areas include Corporate Executive Services, Divorce Transition Planning, Executive and Equity Compensation Services, Institutional and Corporate Benefit Services, and Legacy Planning, among others. The team continues to enhance their expertise through advanced industry designations and continuing education. Evan holds a Bachelor's Degree from Loyola Marymount University and professional designations including Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He is proficient in both English and Spanish. Outside of his professional work, Evan enjoys adventure sports, fishing, football, music, racquetball, running, scuba diving, spending time with his family, surfing, and traveling.

Leo Rein is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 credential and three years of industry experience. He has held multiple roles at Merrill since 2019 and has prior experience working with nonprofit organizations such as Children's Institute, Inc. and Operation HOPE. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations using model-based and discretionary strategies developed by internal and third-party managers.

Christina Li is a financial advisor at Merrill with 17 years at the firm and 4 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and is based in Los Angeles, CA. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Lucy Hoang is a financial advisor at Merrill with eight years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and previously worked at City National Bank from 2012 to 2018. She is based in Los Angeles, CA. Merrill provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm utilizes model-based and discretionary investment strategies developed by internal CIO teams and third-party managers.

Allan Adriatico is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in helping families and businesses develop financial strategies that align with their needs, goals, and risk tolerance. Allan provides investment planning through a collaborative approach to help build, manage, preserve, and transition wealth. His work focuses on understanding each client's goals and concerns to create tailored wealth plans aimed at accomplishing their objectives. His areas of expertise include college education planning, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, and small business strategies. Allan offers clients a range of financial solutions and tools based on their unique circumstances, addressing priorities such as health, home, family, leisure, giving, work, and overall finance. Allan holds a High School Diploma from Martin Luther King High School and an Associate's Degree from Riverside City College. He has earned professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of work, Allan spends time with his wife and three children. They enjoy traveling and exploring new food venues, particularly coffee shops. Allan is also involved in coaching basketball at local schools and youth sports teams.

Aidan Curtin is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and one year of industry experience. He previously worked at LPL Enterprise and Prudential before joining Merrill. Outside of finance, Curtin has ongoing involvement with Legends Hospitality. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers model-based and discretionary strategies for a range of clients, including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Albert Smith III is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in advising corporate executives, financial professionals, founders, and professional athletes. He is part of the Private Executive Services team, where his practice focuses on managing complex financial lives through a coordinated, team-based approach. Albert collaborates closely with clients and their wider advisory teams—including CPAs, attorneys, and agents—to deliver comprehensive and customized financial planning and wealth management services. Albert earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Trinity College and his Juris Doctorate from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. He holds FINRA series 7, 63, and 65 registrations, as well as insurance and annuities licenses. Albert also maintains the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He has been recognized as a member of the Private Executive Services team in Forbes' Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams and Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams. Beyond his professional role, Albert is involved with several community organizations, serving on the executive committees for The Hope Gala and The Rita Hayworth Gala for the Alzheimer's Association Young Leadership Committee. He resides in the South Bay area of Los Angeles with his family and enjoys activities including yoga, basketball, golf, music, reading, running, swimming, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Kyong Hwa Koch is a financial advisor at Merrill with five years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Merrill Lynch since 2022. Her prior experience includes roles at RBC Capital Markets and Wells Fargo Clearing. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Peter Smaldino is a Wealth Management Advisor within the Merrill Lynch Wealth Management division of Bank of America. With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Peter works with busy professionals and business owners to provide objective advice and client-focused service. His areas of expertise include college education planning, divorce transition planning, employee benefits planning, family wealth management strategies, defined benefit and contribution plan consulting, liquidity management, personal retirement planning, portfolio management, and retirement income planning. Peter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California in 1993. He holds multiple professional designations, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA), and Sports & Entertainment (SE). Outside of his professional role, Peter enjoys baseball, football, golfing, hiking, spending time with his family, and traveling.

Mary Hong serves as a Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She has been with Bank of America/Merrill since 1992, supporting affluent families, individual clients, closely-held businesses, and non-profit organizations. In her role, Mary works closely with clients and her team to establish quantifiable goals, prioritize client needs, and implement customized financial strategies leveraging a broad array of financial instruments. As a Senior Portfolio Manager, she manages her own personalized and defined discretionary strategies, which may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill Lynch model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. These strategies can also be made available to clients working with other Merrill Advisors. Mary's services encompass portfolio development, education plans, liability management, trust and estate planning, insurance and retirement planning with emphasis on lifetime income, as well as sophisticated strategies for defined benefit and 401(k) plans, and philanthropic planning. She holds several professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM®), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR® (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor, and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education in Music and a Bachelor of Music in Performance, graduating cum laude with department honors from Dominican University of California. Mary also completed the Certified Portfolio Manager program at The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University and attended the Global CEO EMBA program offered jointly by Yeonsei University and the University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, Korea. Mary is involved with community organizations such as Woman To Woman of LA and resides in South Pasadena, California. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, music, reading, singing, traveling, and writing.

Veronika Alekyan is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in offering personalized wealth management and investment guidance to professionals, entrepreneurs, and families. She aims to help clients simplify complex financial decisions and develop strategies that balance everyday demands with long-term financial and personal goals. Veronika joined Merrill in 2025 after working as a Private Client Banker at J.P. Morgan Chase and prior experience with a MassMutual affiliate. Before transitioning to her advisory career, she held roles in commercial real estate investment underwriting with real estate development and private equity firms, as well as a global real estate advisory firm. Her responsibilities included managing analytical support for sales and acquisition transactions with total annual valuations exceeding $1 billion. She holds a Master's degree in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University and a Bachelor's degree from Yerevan State Institute of Economics. Veronika is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and an active member of the CFA Society of Los Angeles. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, playing chess, and spending time with family and friends.

Cesar Garcia is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in creating personalized wealth management strategies tailored to clients' financial goals and circumstances. He focuses on a range of client needs including executive compensation, equity compensation services, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. Garcia holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Southern California and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He is also involved in the professional community through participation in organizations such as USC Boxing. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he emphasizes understanding clients through one-on-one conversations to provide holistic solutions based on risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, investment goals, and associated costs. Outside of his professional role, Garcia values family and personal interests including working on building a '68 Camaro with his father and training for amateur boxing fights. He is accessible for consultations via phone or email to discuss how he can assist with wealth management.