Matthew Lapera serves as an Associate Resident Director at Merrill, where he provides personalized wealth management strategies tailored to individual client needs. He specializes in areas including equity compensation services, family wealth management, investment consulting for defined contribution plans, liquidity management, retirement income planning, and values-based investing. His approach centers on developing strategies that reflect clients' long-term financial goals and adapting to changing market conditions. A native of New Jersey, Matthew began his financial career as a Merger Arbitrage Analyst on the New York Stock Exchange before transitioning into wealth management. He spent four years as a financial planner at Morgan Stanley before joining Merrill to leverage its resources for improved client service. Matthew holds a Bachelor's Degree from Monmouth University and maintains professional designations as a Certified Private Wealth Advisor, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, and Personal Investment Advisor. He is a member of the IMCA & Investments and Wealth Institute®. Outside of his professional role, Matthew participates in community volunteering activities consistent with Merrill's tradition of community involvement. He also enjoys billiards, boating, chess, fishing, football, golfing, running, swimming, traveling, and spending time with his family.