Laguna Niguel, CA Cabot Rd Office

Team
Updated today
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Merrill

Institution

Firm-wide stats for Merrill

Total advisors

25,545

Across 3,141 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

28202 Cabot Rd

Laguna Niguel CA 92677

Advisors at this office

14

Advisors at this office

Steven M

Series 66

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Steven Miranda is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career at Merrill in 2005 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Investment from California State University, Long Beach. Throughout his tenure, Steven has held various roles within the Global Wealth and Investment Management division and the Preferred Banking and Investments division, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the resources and capabilities across both Merrill and Bank of America. Steven's expertise covers customized portfolio management, risk mitigation, liability management, tax minimization, cash flow analysis, estate planning, and business acquisition and succession planning. He aims to deliver thorough and accurate financial advice that optimizes wealth management strategies to meet the challenges of a dynamic economic environment. Steven holds multiple professional designations, including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He also completed an Accredited Certificate Program at the University of California. In his personal time, Steven and his wife Karla live with their dog Charlie in south Orange County, California. They engage in health and fitness activities, traveling, cooking, reading, and participating in their community.

Wealth management Active portfolio management Tax-loss harvesting Business exit / sale strategy Business succession planning
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Catherine C

Series 66

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Catherine Conrad is a financial advisor at Merrill with nine years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Merrill since 2017. Prior to joining Merrill, she held roles at Formosa Flexible Packaging America and the University of California Irvine. 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
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Carolyn H

Series 63, Series 65

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Carolyn Hurley is a financial advisor at Merrill with 27 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. Prior to joining Merrill in 2020, she worked for RBC Capital Markets from 2013 to 2020. 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 supported by internal and third-party managers, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Ernest M

Series 63, Series 65

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Ernest Martinez is a Senior Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been a financial advisor since 1991 and holds the designation of Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). In his role, Ernest serves clients by integrating retirement planning, wealth transfer, insurance, and lending services to build a customized approach to overall wealth management. He is also a qualified Portfolio Manager, managing discretionary personalized or defined strategies that may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. Ernest graduated from the University of Southern California in 1991. He focuses on areas including managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, individual and corporate investment strategy, and retirement income. As an advisor, he aims to connect all aspects of a client’s financial life to help prioritize and pursue their important goals. Outside of his professional work, Ernest resides in San Clemente with his wife and two daughters. His personal interests include golfing, skiing, surfing, and yoga. He is also involved with the Surfrider Foundation. Lending services are provided through Bank of America, N.A.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Multi-generational wealth transfer Life insurance needs analysis
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Juliett G

Series 66

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Juliett Givogri is a financial advisor with Merrill in Laguna Niguel, CA, holding a Series 66 designation and 25 years of industry experience. She has worked at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. since 2010, following an earlier tenure at Merrill. 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 serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations with model-based and discretionary investment strategies developed by internal and third-party managers.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Andre J

Series 63, Series 65

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Andre Julian is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career in the investment industry in 1996 and joined the Merrill Financial Advisory team in 2013. As a former business owner and CFO of an independent investment advisory firm, Andre offers financial strategies tailored to business owners, high-net worth individuals, and families, taking into account their risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, and overall investment goals. Andre's experience includes years as a television analyst for CNBC, Bloomberg, and the Fox News Network, which enhanced his understanding of market influences and his ability to communicate complex investment concepts. He emphasizes that sound financial advice is grounded in proper portfolio allocation strategies customized to individual client needs rather than individual market picks. Andre follows a disciplined wealth management process based on established investment principles while allowing flexibility to adapt to changing economic conditions. Client information serves as the foundation for customized strategies, supported by the resources available through Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Andre holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Social Ecology, both from the University of California at Irvine. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA) designation from the Investments and Wealth Institute™ and the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC) designation from the College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. Andre speaks English and Ukrainian. He is involved with several community organizations, including the Dita Power of Sight Foundation, the LEAP Leadership Foundation, and the UCI Business School MBA Mentor Program. Andre and his wife, Christine, reside in South Orange County, California, where they enjoy an active lifestyle.

Wealth management General retirement planning Charitable giving & philanthropy General estate planning guidance College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Founder/Business Owner

Sean B

Series 63, Series 66

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Sean Balkhi is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. He serves a diverse clientele including active and retired business owners, physicians, and attorneys across California and more than 15 other states. Sean specializes in creating customized financial strategies that align with clients' personal and professional goals, with a focus on retirement income, tax minimization, legacy planning, and portfolio management. Before his career in finance, Sean worked as a mechanical engineer with the Department of Defense, applying analytical skills to examine market dynamics, corporate balance sheets, and specific investments. He holds multiple professional designations including Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Sean earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the California State University System. Residing in Coto de Caza with his wife and three children, Sean enjoys mountain biking, playing golf, and fishing. He prioritizes clear communication with clients, aiming to help them achieve meaningful financial goals with minimal stress while fostering strong relationships across generations of families.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Social Security optimization Long-term care insurance Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Attorney Doctor or Medical Professional Established Professionals Approaching retirement Women Professionals

Terry B

Series 63, Series 65

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Terry Beauchamp is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He has been providing financial services since 1998, working primarily with affluent individuals and business owners to develop customized financial strategies known as the "Family Blue Print". His approach involves actively listening to clients to understand their life goals, risk tolerance, investment time frames, and market knowledge before structuring tailored recommendations. Terry holds professional designations including Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC). He earned a Bachelor's Degree from California Polytechnic University of Pomona and a Master's Degree from the University of Redlands. His work includes portfolio management services, retirement planning, business succession planning, and collaboration with clients' CPA's and estate planning attorneys. Outside of his professional focus, Terry enjoys fishing, football, golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family. He emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' life priorities to create personalized financial plans aligned with their goals and aspirations.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Business succession planning General estate planning guidance Founder/Business Owner

Nicole Q

Series 63, Series 65

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Nicole Quinlan is the Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill’s Laguna Niguel office. She began her financial services career in 2012 and joined Merrill in October 2020. Nicole specializes in multigenerational wealth planning, helping clients create detailed, easy-to-follow strategies that align with their financial goals. Her advisory practice emphasizes legacy and wealth transfer planning, tax-efficient strategies, and personalized guidance for families and business owners. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business from California State University, Long Beach. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional, Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). Her expertise includes retirement planning, tax minimization, socially responsible and values-based investing, and supporting women and families in building confident financial futures. Nicole is involved in the Orange County community through her participation with Young Catholic Professionals. Raised in Southern California, Nicole lives in Orange with her husband and their rescue dog. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, traveling, and volunteering.

Multi-generational wealth transfer General estate planning guidance Wealth management Tax-loss harvesting Business exit / sale strategy Founder/Business Owner Women Professionals Women's Finance Values-based investing SRI/ESG (Socially Responsible Investing/Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance)

Michael S

Series 66

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Michael Scudder is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He joined Merrill in 2020 after gaining experience in climate research at the Keck Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory while completing his degree in Earth & Planetary Science at the University of California system. Prior to this, Michael worked as a Teller at Bank of America during high school and college. Michael's expertise lies in advising clients on incorporating sustainability into long-term investment portfolios, focusing on areas such as personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management, and socially responsible, values-based, and ESG investing. He holds professional designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Outside of his professional career, Michael is involved with community groups including Club Dust and Farm and Food Lab. His personal interests include photography, running, and surfing.

ESG / Sustainable investing Charitable giving & philanthropy Wealth management

Trishia O

Series 66

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Trishia Olivas is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. She collaborates closely with individuals, families, and business owners to provide financial clarity and confidence by fostering open communication and understanding of clients' unique needs. Her expertise focuses on empowering women navigating life transitions such as divorce, widowhood, or major career changes; assisting business owners balancing company growth with personal financial planning; and guiding families in managing education savings and retirement planning. Trishia takes a collaborative and supportive approach, helping clients simplify complex financial decisions and build strategies tailored to their goals. Trishia holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of California System and holds professional designations including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA). Outside of her professional work, she enjoys hiking, music, reading, running, spending time with her family, traveling, and practicing yoga.

Inheritance planning College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Divorce financial planning Debt management Business ownership considerations Doctor or Medical Professional Women Professionals Divorced Women Parents
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Jason S

Series 63, Series 66

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Jason Stephens is a financial advisor with Merrill in Laguna Niguel, CA, holding Series 63 and Series 66 designations and 18 years of industry experience. He has been with Merrill 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 a range of 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
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Shawn M

Series 66

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Shawn Mulrenan is a financial advisor at Merrill with eight years of industry experience. He holds the Series 66 designation and has worked at Merrill since 2017, following a three-year tenure at Bank of America. Merrill provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies constructed by internal and third-party managers. The firm serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations with a range of strategic and tactical asset allocation approaches.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Michael S

Series 63, Series 65

Laguna Niguel, CA

Merrill

Michael Sussman serves as a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, he specializes in helping business owners, physicians, executives, retirees, wealthy individuals, and their families achieve their financial goals. His approach focuses on bringing simplicity and structure to complex family wealth situations, guiding clients through business succession and transition strategies, and addressing goals beyond lifestyle needs such as philanthropy and wealth transfer. Michael holds multiple professional designations, including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He earned his bachelor's degree from the California State University System. His client focus areas encompass college education planning, family wealth management, retirement income, tax minimization, portfolio management, and small business strategies. Outside of his professional work, Michael has personal interests that include mountain biking, traveling, magic, reading, astronomy, and astrophotography. He is a member of the California Hawking Club and the Orange County Astronomers, reflecting his passion for falconry and astronomy.

General retirement planning Business exit / sale strategy Business succession planning General estate planning guidance Charitable giving & philanthropy Executive Founder/Business Owner Doctor or Medical Professional Retired Retired Women Professionals
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