Columbia, SC Harbison Blvd 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

301 Harbison Blvd

Columbia SC 29212

Advisors at this office

2

Advisors at this office

Kaarina P

Series 63, Series 66

Columbia, SC

Merrill

Kaarina Plotkin is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She brings extensive experience in the financial services industry, with a focus on personalized attention and developing customized financial strategies tailored to the priorities of high net-worth individuals and families. Her areas of expertise include college education planning, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, institutional investment consulting, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. Kaarina holds a Bachelor's degree from East Carolina University and has earned the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. She is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the Rolls Royce/Bentley Automobile Club, Valley Forge Signal Seekers Club, Purple Hearts Reunited, the Flight Simulator Association (FSA), and the Airplane Remote Control Organization (VFSS). Outside of her professional role, Kaarina is involved in community and philanthropic activities such as Smart Recovery Organization and has served as a board member for the American Technion Society and Temple Sholom in Broomall, Pennsylvania. She also engages in personal interests including antiquing, football, gardening, genealogy, ice hockey, photography, racquetball, and spending time with her family.

Retirement income strategy Income planning Tax-loss harvesting Private / alternative investments Wealth management Financial Professional
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John M

Series 66

Columbia, SC

Merrill

John Mendenhall is a financial advisor with Merrill in Columbia, SC, holding a Series 66 credential and nine years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, and First Command Financial Planning. He serves as a committee member on the finance committee of Union United Methodist Church, where he reviews budget and monitors spending. 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.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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