Aiken, SC Office
TeamData sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Refreshed weekly • Updated today.
Merrill
Institution
Firm-wide stats for Merrill
About
Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC (MAA), provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions (SPS) Program. The firm offers model‑based and discretionary strategies constructed by internal Chief Investment Office (CIO) teams and third‑party style managers and implements trading, account administration and custody support for individuals, high‑net‑worth clients, pension and profit‑sharing plans, corporations and charitable organizations.
Portfolio implementation varies by Strategy: some are model‑based where MAA implements CIO or style manager models, while others authorize third‑party Discretionary Managers to execute trades directly; the CIO also uses strategic and tactical asset allocation and offers “tax aware” versions of related strategies for higher tax‑sensitivity investors. Cash allocations are typically swept through the Bank’s Cash Sweep Program or invested in money market alternatives, and clients can request reasonable investment restrictions (which MAA may accept or decline and may have limited effect where Funds are used).
Several features in the brochure distinguish Merrill from many peers: as part of the Bank of America group it has affiliates that operate in swaps and derivatives markets and it has disclosed planned arrangements to receive “Support Fees” and to offer optional Data Analytics to third‑party firms beginning January 1, 2027 (the brochure notes Merrill will not receive Support Fees for accounts enrolled in the SPS Program). The firm also discloses multiple SEC administrative orders and related enforcement matters (including a 2025 order with a $25 million civil penalty related to cash sweep disclosures), and the Program materials do not present the SPS service as a source of standalone financial planning.
Based on Merrill
Location
Aiken SC
Advisors at this office
2
Advisors at this office
James A
Series 63, Series 65
Aiken, SC
Merrill
James Adams is the Senior Resident Director at the Augusta Branch of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a financial advisor with Adams, Wilson & Associates. He has been a Merrill financial advisor for over 27 years, focusing on helping clients achieve their individualized financial goals. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Carolina System and a Master's Degree from the University of South Carolina System. His professional designations include CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). His expertise includes college education planning, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, sports and entertainment, tax minimization, and retirement income. James and his wife, Claudia, have lived in the area for the past 30 years, making their home in Aiken, South Carolina. He is involved in the community as a member of the United Way of the CSRA Board. His personal interests include biking, boating, and golfing.
Brent H
Series 63, Series 65
Aiken, SC
Merrill
Brent Hardy is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over 27 years of experience in the financial services industry. He serves as the managing partner of VCH & Associates and holds the designations of Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Brent specializes in helping individuals and business owners align their investment strategies with long-term planning and life goals. His areas of expertise include college education planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible and values-based investing, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Greensboro and the U.S. Army Intelligence School. Brent's personal interests include golfing, hunting, and traveling.
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and referrals are provided by FinanceHQ LLC ("FHQ"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment adviser. We may be compensated by participating advisors. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to the Warmer Terms of Service and FHQ Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge Warmer's Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ's ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. ("Warmer")