Buffalo, NY Fountain Plz Office

Team
Updated today
Merrill logo

Merrill

Institution

Firm-wide stats for Merrill

Total advisors

25,588

Across 3,189 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

10 Fountain Plz

Buffalo NY 14202

Advisors at this office

36

Advisors at this office

user avatar

Thomas W

Series 65, Series 66

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Thomas Waters is a financial advisor with Merrill and holds Series 65 and Series 66 credentials. He has 20 years of industry experience, with prior roles at Karpus Investment Management, Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors, and M&T Securities. Waters also serves as the Foundation Board Chair for Community Services for Every1, a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo, NY. 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, and institutional accounts.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Martin Z

Series 63, Series 65

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Martin Zaklikowski is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over 35 years of experience in financial and wealth management. Since joining Merrill Lynch in 1995, he has specialized in advanced investment strategies, retirement planning, and estate planning. His approach emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of client needs to develop tailored wealth management strategies. He holds a bachelor's degree in Finance and Political Science from Canisius College and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certificant, a designation granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Martin is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He has also served on the boards of Hopevale, Inc., St. Francis High School, and the Frontier Community Education Advisory Committee. Outside of his professional work, Martin enjoys gardening, music, and spending time with his wife Rebecca and their two children, Adam and Lauren.

Wealth management General retirement planning Retirement income strategy General estate planning guidance College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Married/Couples/Partners Parents Women Professionals

Daryl P

Series 63, Series 65

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Daryl Planter is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his financial services career in 1992 and assists clients in managing their individual wealth through various market cycles. Daryl specializes in retirement planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, portfolio management services, small business strategies, individual and corporate investment strategy, tax minimization, and retirement income. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and has earned professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Daryl emphasizes a comprehensive approach to wealth management based on understanding clients' individual needs. Daryl actively participates in community service by volunteering with local organizations, reflecting a commitment to the communities he serves.

Retirement income strategy Wealth management Tax-loss harvesting Business ownership considerations Divorce financial planning
user avatar

Francesca V

Series 63, Series 65, Series 66

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Francesca Vitale is a financial advisor at Merrill with six years of industry experience. She holds the Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 designations. Prior to her current role beginning in 2024, she worked at Wilmington Trust N.A., M&T Bank, LPL Financial, and Bank of America. Vitale serves on the junior advisory board of Niagara University, where she participates in discussions on enrollment trends and fundraising initiatives. 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 and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
user avatar

Carolyn S

CFP®, Series 63, Series 65

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Carolyn Sullivan is a CFP® with 32 years of industry experience, currently affiliated with Merrill and Bank of America. She has worked at Merrill since 2000 and at Bank of America, N.A. since 2009. 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 a variety of client types including individuals and institutions.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Chris S

Series 63, Series 65

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Chris Sebastian is a Wealth Management Advisor and Managing Director at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career at Merrill Lynch in 1991 and currently leads a 14-person team providing a family office-like experience to clients. Chris serves a select group of highly successful clients, including executives, doctors, attorneys, and entrepreneurs, designing tailored strategies that reflect their unique circumstances. With over 30 years of experience, Chris oversees the team's strategic initiatives and execution of business plans. His areas of expertise include executive compensation, equity compensation services, family wealth management strategies, institutional consulting, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Clarkson University and has earned the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Outside of his professional role, Chris has personal interests in gardening, softball, and tennis.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Retirement withdrawal strategies Tax-loss harvesting Equity Recipients (RS/RSU, SOP, ESPP) Executive Doctor or Medical Professional Attorney Founder/Business Owner
user avatar

Faraaz M

Series 66

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Faraaz Mohammed Ali is a financial advisor at Merrill with six years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Bank of America and Merrill since 2020. He is also the author of a children's book titled *With Allah In My Heart*, which he wrote for his son. Merrill provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies supported by internal and third-party managers for a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth investors, and institutions.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
user avatar

Samuel C

Series 63, Series 65

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Samuel Cappiello is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in employee benefits planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. Samuel works to help clients pursue their financial goals through personalized wealth management strategies that adapt to changing market conditions. He holds the designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and has earned an Associate's Degree/College Diploma from ECC. Samuel leads The Cappiello Group, which has been serving the Western New York area for over 30 years. The group operates with a team structure where each member focuses on a specific portion of the portfolio and planning process, creating tailored and customized portfolios for individual clients. Samuel is committed to community involvement, following the Merrill tradition of participating in the communities served. He volunteers with organizations in the Western New York community.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Charitable giving & philanthropy Tax-loss harvesting

Michael F

Series 66

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Michael Ferranti is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management based in Buffalo. He works with individuals and small businesses to provide custom investment advice and guidance, utilizing Merrill's extensive resources and tools. Michael prioritizes client satisfaction and consistency through open communication and availability. As a specially qualified Portfolio Manager in Merrill's asset management platform, he manages personalized or defined strategies on a discretionary basis which may include individual stocks, bonds, Merrill Lynch model portfolios, and third-party strategies. He is also a Certified Fiduciary Plan Advisor (CPFA®), a designation from the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA). Prior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Michael worked as a consumer lender at Wells Fargo. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Canisius University. Michael is a native of Buffalo and resides in the Elmwood Village area with his wife Lauren and their children Grace, Charlie, and Sam. Michael participates in community activities including volunteering with the Buffalo Equestrian Center and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. His personal interests include football, golfing, ice hockey, music, reading, spending time with his family, traveling, and watching movies.

Wealth management ESG / Sustainable investing Retirement income strategy Social Security optimization Charitable giving & philanthropy Parents
user avatar

James C

Series 63, Series 65

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

James Cappiello is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been with Merrill since 1988, beginning his career immediately after earning his bachelor's degree from Canisius College. Over his 35 years in the investment field, James has gained extensive experience navigating market cycles and providing investment guidance. His areas of expertise include family wealth management strategies, liquidity management, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, individual and corporate investment strategy, and retirement income. As a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), James focuses on connecting all aspects of a client's financial life to help prioritize and pursue their most important goals. Outside of his professional role, James enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with his family.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Parents Mid-Career Professionals

Joseph B

Series 63, Series 66

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Joseph Bianchi is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he works directly with clients to define their financial goals and develop portfolio strategies aimed at helping them achieve those objectives. He provides ongoing advice and adapts financial plans as clients' situations evolve. Joseph has expertise in areas including general investing, retirement planning, and preparing for unexpected financial needs. He emphasizes understanding what matters to each client and their family to create tailored strategies. His professional designations include Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Florida State University. Outside of his professional work, Joseph's personal interests include camping, fishing, football, golfing, hiking, hunting, ice hockey, music, and skiing.

General retirement planning Wealth management Income planning

Joseph B

Series 63, Series 65

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Joseph Beecher is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in retirement benefits consulting and investment planning. Joseph advises corporate retirement plans and develops investment strategies for high net worth individuals, retirees, and small business owners. His approach incorporates insurance and estate planning services to assist clients in meeting their financial goals. Joseph holds a Bachelor's Degree from SUNY College at Buffalo and holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). He serves on the Board of Directors for the Girls Education Collaborative, participates on the United Way Endowment Committee, and acts as Class Representative for Canisius High School. Joseph lives in Buffalo, NY with his wife Amanda and their three children. Outside of his professional role, Joseph enjoys adventure sports, basketball, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, spending time with family, and watching movies. He is involved in the community through his work with Canisius High School and the Girls Education Collaborative.

Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k) Business ownership considerations Wealth management General estate planning guidance Long-term care insurance
user avatar

Michael B

Series 63, Series 65

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Michael Burns is a financial advisor with Merrill, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 37 years of industry experience. He has been with Merrill since 1985 and has also worked at Bank of America, N.A. since 2009. 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 plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Sally A

Series 63, Series 65

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Sally Abell is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management based in Buffalo, New York. She has been in the financial services industry since 1984 and joined Merrill Lynch in 2006. Sally specializes in managing portfolios for high net worth individuals and their families, helping them generate cash flow and increase wealth through customized investment strategies. Her expertise includes personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, retirement income, and addressing the unique needs of women and wealth. Sally holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo, earned in 1981. She obtained the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation in 1996 and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). She is also a co-founder and former president of the CFA Society of Buffalo. Sally is a qualified Portfolio Manager and utilizes a range of investment approaches, including individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party strategies. When servicing clients through the Investment Advisory Program, she may manage portfolios on a discretionary basis. Outside of her professional role, Sally is involved with St. Paul's Lutheran Church and enjoys biking, reading, singing, tennis, traveling, and spending time with her family. She lives in Buffalo with her husband and their two children.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Income planning Options & derivatives strategies Women Professionals
user avatar

Anthony O

Series 66

Buffalo, NY

Merrill

Anthony Orange is a financial advisor with Merrill in Buffalo, NY, holding a Series 66 designation and 10 years of industry experience. He has worked at Bank of America, N.A. and Merrill since 2016. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, offers managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations using model-based and discretionary investment strategies.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
View complete list of advisors at this office
Warmer team member

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.

Find your advisor

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 introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.

By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev

© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)