Sayville, NY Office

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Merrill

Institution

Firm-wide stats for Merrill

Total advisors

25,610

Across 3,238 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

Sayville NY

Advisors at this office

1

Advisors at this office

Michael R

Series 66

Sayville, NY

Merrill

Michael Richards is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in developing and implementing wealth management plans tailored to individual and corporate clients. Michael focuses on a Goals Based Wealth Management approach, working closely with clients to assess their financial situations, gather necessary data, and formulate strategies designed to help achieve their financial objectives. Michael also provides retirement plan consulting for corporate clients, leveraging his Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) designation to oversee investment lineups and ensure fiduciary responsibility compliance. Additionally, he collaborates with commercial bankers to address clients' lending and banking requirements, aiming to deliver comprehensive wealth management services. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from St. John's University and has been with Merrill Lynch since 2013. Michael’s professional credentials include Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). Outside of work, he lives in Sayville, New York, and enjoys following sports teams such as the Yankees, Giants, Knicks, and St. John's University, as well as running and spending time with his wife Jennifer and their friends and family.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Retirement plans for business owners (SEP, solo 401k)
View complete list of advisors at this office
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