San Diego, CA 10531 Scripps Poway Pkwy Office

Team
Updated today
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Merrill

Institution

Firm-wide stats for Merrill

Total advisors

25,558

Across 3,149 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

10531 Scripps Poway Pkwy

San Diego CA 92131

Advisors at this office

92

Advisors at this office

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Hayden M

Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Hayden Miller is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and less than one year of industry experience. Prior to joining Merrill, Miller held various roles including positions at Sopris Wealth Advisors and Brinkman Real Estate. 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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Rachel K

Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Rachel Keisling is a financial advisor at Merrill with 19 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill since 2011. 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 developed by internal Chief Investment Office teams and third-party style managers, serving individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Javier M

Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Javier Malfavon is an International Wealth Advisor currently serving as a Vice President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He began his career in 2006 at UBS and joined Merrill Lynch in 2010. Javier has over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, holding FINRA Registrations 7 and 66, a California Insurance License, and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Javier earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from ITESM, Guadalajara. He further obtained a Master's degree in Globalization and Development from The University of Warwick in the United Kingdom in 2005. Javier is trilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, and French. His expertise includes family wealth management strategies, international wealth management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, and serving clients in sports and entertainment sectors. Outside of his professional duties, Javier has interests in hiking, racquetball, soccer, tennis, traveling, and yoga.

Wealth management Financial Professional

Kevin M

Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Kevin Mayer is a Wealth Management Advisor affiliated with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works with a diverse client base, including active and retired physicians and business owners, many of whom are members of the LGBTQ community, across San Diego, California, and over ten other states. His advisory services focus on areas such as corporate benefits, family wealth management strategies, services for defined benefit plans, LGBT wealth planning, personal retirement planning, socially responsible investing, and tax minimization. Kevin holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP) designation, awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and is a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix. Leveraging his banking background and comprehensive expertise, Kevin develops multi-pronged strategies that include risk-managed investing, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, Social Security and Medicare planning, as well as long-term care considerations. He emphasizes educating clients and works collaboratively to align financial plans with their goals and values. In addition to his professional activities, Kevin is involved with the Financial Planning Association and volunteers for San Diego Pride. He enjoys adventure sports, skiing, spending time with his family, and traveling.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Social Security optimization Medicare planning Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Financial Professional LGBTQIA Retired Approaching retirement

Dean R

Series 63, Series 65

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Dean Ridgway is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He formed The McPherson Ridgway Group in 2007 and has been serving clients in wealth management since 2005. Dean's practice focuses on areas including education planning, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, LGBT wealth planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and retirement income. His team is committed to helping clients lead worry-free retirements. Dean earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1994. Following his education, he served as an officer and helicopter pilot in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years before retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2016. He holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) certification, the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), and the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Dean resides in Scripps Ranch with his wife, Catherine, and their three children. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys camping, surfing, mountain biking, biking, skiing, softball, and spending time with his family. He is also affiliated with professional organizations including Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Alpha Phi Chapter, Scripps Ranch Old Pros, and the United States Marine Corps (Retired).

General retirement planning Retirement income strategy Wealth management Military & Veterans Parents

Joshua C

Series 63, Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Joshua Camargo is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works with individuals and families to develop personalized wealth management, retirement planning, investment guidance, and legacy planning strategies tailored to their unique needs. Joshua holds a Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University and has earned the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. His approach centers on understanding clients' goals and priorities, simplifying complex financial concepts, and providing ongoing advice to adapt portfolios as clients' situations change. In addition to his professional work, Joshua is involved with the San Diego Food Bank.

Wealth management General retirement planning College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Family Business Business Financial Management
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Margaret Molli A

Series 63, Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Margaret Molli Alvey is a financial advisor at Merrill with 31 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. since 2004. Outside of her advisory work, she serves as the treasurer for Girl Scouts San Diego Troop 4968. Merrill 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

Tayvin D

Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Tayvin Donaldson is a Financial Advisor and Senior Portfolio Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he partners with clients to understand their financial goals, create personalized strategies, and provide ongoing guidance as their needs evolve. He focuses on simplifying complex financial decisions and serving as a trusted resource to help clients stay focused on what matters most to them. Donaldson's expertise extends beyond investments to helping clients make informed decisions and feel confident about their future. His approach includes assisting clients in planning for retirement, funding education, navigating liquidity events, and balancing financial demands related to family and life. He holds the designations of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He completed his high school education at Coronado High School. In addition to his professional work, Donaldson is involved with the San Diego Food Bank.

General retirement planning College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Retirement income strategy Elder care planning Wealth management
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William S

Series 63, Series 65

San Diego, CA

Merrill

William Sparks is an International Wealth Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in family wealth management strategies, international wealth management, and portfolio management services. William holds a master's degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a bachelor's degree from the California State University System. He holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He is affiliated with the professional organization Los Angelitos de Encinitas and actively participates as a community volunteer. Outside of his professional work, William enjoys baseball, biking, camping, reading, swimming, traveling, and spending time with his family. His approach to advising centers on working one-on-one with clients to develop personalized financial strategies aligned with their long-term goals.

Wealth management Private / alternative investments
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Steven T

Series 63, Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Steven Thu is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds professional designations including CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Steven's expertise spans various aspects of financial planning and retirement benefits consulting. He earned his High School Diploma/GED from Monte Vista High School. Steven's role involves advising clients on wealth management strategies aligned with their retirement and investment goals.

General retirement planning Retirement income strategy Income planning
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Olivia Z

Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Olivia Zuniga is a financial advisor with Merrill in San Diego, CA, holding a Series 66 designation and four years of industry experience. She previously worked at Jackson Hewitt and has been with Merrill since 2020. Olivia serves as secretary on the board of the Monte Vista High School PTSA. 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 a range of model-based and discretionary strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Victor G

Series 63, Series 65

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Victor Galvez is an International Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in serving ultra high net worth clients, providing personalized wealth management and investment planning services with a focus on international wealth management, family wealth strategies, and retirement planning. Victor holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of San Diego and holds professional designations including Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). His expertise encompasses areas such as philanthropic planning, socially responsible and values-based investing, and tax minimization. He is active in the industry through roles such as Chair of the International Wealth Advisor Advisory Council To Management in 2022, and participation in the Hispanic Latino Advisory Council and Hispanic Latino Business Council in San Diego. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Victor enjoys antiquing, biking, boating, golfing, hiking, running, scuba diving, skiing, yoga, and spending time with his family.

Wealth management College savings (529s, UTMA, etc.) Charitable giving & philanthropy ESG / Sustainable investing

Eric H

Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Eric Hutz is a Senior Financial Advisor and Vice President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. He began his career in 1999 in retail banking, progressing through various frontline and leadership roles including Teller and Branch Manager. His extensive background encompasses loan origination, small business banking, and private client advisory, which provides him with a comprehensive perspective on both personal and business finances. Since becoming a Financial Advisor in 2014, Eric has served clients primarily in the South San Diego market before expanding his practice to support clients across California and nationally. He focuses on detailed financial planning and communication, taking time to understand each client's goals and building personalized financial strategies. His approach emphasizes collaboration and long-term planning. Eric holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego, and has earned several professional credentials including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA®), Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), and Senior Portfolio Advisor in Merrill Lynch's Investment Advisory Program. He is involved with Make-A-Wish San Diego and resides in Chula Vista with his wife and two children. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Eric enjoys practicing yoga, exploring new dining options, traveling internationally, and spending time with his family.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Tax strategies for small businesses Business exit / sale strategy Founder/Business Owner Parents Women Professionals

Jorge L

Series 63, Series 65

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Jorge Llamas is an International Wealth Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing 35 years of experience in helping clients preserve wealth through various market cycles. He specializes in family wealth management strategies, international wealth management, managing new wealth, philanthropic planning, and portfolio management services. Jorge leverages his extensive knowledge in domestic and international fixed income and equity markets to diversify and allocate assets with the goal of maximizing returns while reducing risk. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Universidad del Valle de Mexico and the Professional Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Jorge is committed to building strong relationships with his clients, emphasizing a personalized approach to wealth management that adapts to changing market conditions. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he also engages with his community through volunteering, embodying the Merrill tradition of service. Outside of his professional pursuits, Jorge enjoys adventure sports, biking, boxing, camping, fishing, football, hiking, music, reading, and soccer. His approach combines accessibility, knowledge, and experience to assist clients in making important financial decisions.

Wealth management Private / alternative investments ESG / Sustainable investing

Armando V

Series 66

San Diego, CA

Merrill

Armando Villalobos Jr. is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he works closely with clients to understand their financial priorities and develops strategies aimed at pursuing their short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. He offers guidance on a range of financial matters including investing, retirement planning, and preparedness for unexpected expenses. Additionally, he connects clients with Bank of America specialists for services related to banking, credit, home financing, and small business solutions. Armando holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) professional designations. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University. He is also a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity.

General retirement planning Wealth management
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