Bald Head Island, NC Office

Team
Updated today
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Merrill

Institution

Firm-wide stats for Merrill

Total advisors

25,562

Across 3,167 offices

Clients per advisor

70 Very Low

Avg AUM per client

$860,085 Very High

HNW client ratio

29% High

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

Expertise

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Based on Merrill

Location

Bald Head Island NC

Advisors at this office

2

Advisors at this office

Kenneth B

Series 63, Series 65

Bald Head Island, NC

Merrill

Kenneth Beesmer is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With over 30 years of experience, he has worked alongside families, corporations, and non-profits to develop personalized wealth management strategies that align with clients' unique goals and aspirations. His expertise covers a range of areas including corporate executive services, divorce transition planning, equity compensation services, legacy planning, philanthropic planning, and portfolio management services. Kenneth holds a Bachelor's Degree from Lehigh University and professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He draws upon a deep knowledge of capital markets to tailor portfolios responsive to changing market conditions and client needs. His approach emphasizes collaboration and a deep understanding of clients' life priorities beyond just financial metrics. Beyond his professional commitments, Kenneth participates in community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston, Mentor Me of Ulster County, Mid Hudson Tigers Baseball, and the YMCA in Kingston/Ulster. His personal interests include baseball, biking, football, golfing, hiking, music, skiing, and traveling.

Wealth management Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Equity Recipients (RS/RSU, SOP, ESPP) Business exit / sale strategy Multi-generational wealth transfer Executive

Katherine L

Series 63, Series 65

Bald Head Island, NC

Merrill

Katherine Larsen is a Wealth Management Advisor leading a team of seven professionals at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Since founding The Larsen Group in 1994, she has focused on delivering disciplined, planning-based wealth management strategies with personalized attention, primarily serving high net worth families. Her expertise includes portfolio management, retirement income planning, wealth transfer, philanthropy, and education financing. Katie earned dual Bachelor's degrees in Finance and Fine Arts from the College of William & Mary. She holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. As a qualified Portfolio Manager within Merrill, she manages investment portfolios utilizing carefully selected third-party managers. In the community, Katie serves on the board of the Edgeworth Borough Council in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, where she has lived for over 30 years. She also contributes to Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh. Katie and her husband, Douglas, have three children and she enjoys hiking, swimming, gardening, biking, cooking, golfing, photography, surfing, and yoga in her personal time.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Charitable giving & philanthropy College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Women Professionals Mid-Career Professionals Parents
View complete list of advisors at this office
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