Summit, NJ Deforest Ave Office

Team
Updated today
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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

1 Deforest Ave

Summit NJ 07901

Advisors at this office

43

Advisors at this office

Robert S

Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Robert Schiano is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He serves individuals, families, and corporate executives by providing wealth management services that integrate investment resources from Merrill and banking capabilities at Bank of America. Robert works collaboratively with clients’ attorneys and CPAs to address all aspects of their financial lives. Since joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2000, Robert has focused on developing personalized financial strategies tailored to his clients’ goals, risk tolerances, and time horizons. He begins each client relationship with a thorough information gathering and risk assessment process and provides ongoing reviews to ensure alignment with evolving objectives. His services include assisting retirees with 401(k) distributions, income planning, and legacy planning. Robert holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned his High School Diploma from Jonathan Dayton. He participates in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life and volunteers locally. A New Jersey native, Robert lives in Mountainside, NJ with his wife and two children. In his leisure time, he enjoys skiing and fishing.

Wealth management Income planning Retirement income strategy Retirement withdrawal strategies General estate planning guidance Executive Approaching retirement Parents Married/Couples/Partners
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Robert B

Series 63, Series 65

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Robert Bernoskie is a financial advisor with Merrill in Summit, NJ, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials and bringing 27 years of industry experience. He has been with Bank of America and Merrill since 2009. Outside of his financial advisory role, he serves as a high school football official with the New Jersey Football Officials Association, a position he has held since 1993. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm serves individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies supported by internal Chief Investment Office teams and third-party managers.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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Amy S

Series 63, Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Amy Sorge is a financial advisor at Merrill with 18 years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 credentials and has worked at Merrill since 2014. Prior to that, she was with PFS Investments Inc and Primerica Financial Services. 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
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Nathan S

Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Nathan Smith is a financial advisor with Merrill, holding a Series 66 designation and five years of industry experience. He has worked at Merrill since 2017, with additional experience at Morgan Stanley, Briad Restaurant Group, Certified Financial Services, Columbia Bank, and Fairleigh Dickinson University. 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 plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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Nicolas Z

Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Nicolas Zolofra is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He holds professional designations as a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Nicolas earned his Bachelor's Degree from The College of New Jersey. Further details regarding his experience, areas of expertise, and personal interests have not been provided.

General retirement planning Retirement income strategy Income planning

David B

Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

David Biunno Jr. is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He is a member of the RM & Associates team, which allows him to address a wide range of financial needs and situations. David has worked in financial services since 2007, providing tailored advice and guidance to executives, small business owners, and families through a holistic approach that accommodates multiple priorities. His experience includes crafting robust strategies grounded in clients' specific goals and needs while considering their risk profiles and time horizons. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, David spent six years as a Financial Advisor with Professional Economic Growth Group in Edison, New Jersey. He also served as an advisor with AXA Insurance. David holds a bachelor's degree from Providence College and is a founding member of its New Jersey Alumni Association. He has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation as well as the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) certification. In addition to his professional activities, he is involved in the Providence College Alumni Club of New Jersey, serves as a hockey coach for the Beacon Hill Club, and participates with the New Jersey Brain Injury Association.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy Business ownership considerations Business Financial Management Executive Founder/Business Owner
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Lauren S

Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Lauren Schneider is a financial advisor at Merrill with eight years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Bank of America and Merrill since 2018. Prior to her financial services career, she was employed at Fox News Channel / Newscorp from 2008 to 2017 and had a brief role at Ninety Acres at Natirar in 2017. 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 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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Erin G

Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Erin Guarneri is a financial advisor at Merrill with six years of industry experience. She holds a Series 66 designation and has worked at Merrill since 2019, with prior experience at Bank of America and Citibank. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program to a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations. The firm offers model-based and discretionary strategies developed by internal and third-party teams, with a focus on strategic asset allocation and tax-sensitive investment options.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management

Rajeev C

Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Rajeev Chellapilla is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he focuses on delivering a comprehensive approach to wealth management by listening to clients' needs and ensuring that each strategy is aligned with their financial goals. He provides clients access to the investment insights of Merrill Lynch as well as the banking services of Bank of America to address various aspects of their financial lives. Rajeev holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers. He is committed to delivering service that supports clients in pursuing their financial objectives.

Wealth management Passive / index investing

David T

Series 63, Series 65

Summit, NJ

Merrill

David Trinkoff is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He joined Merrill Lynch in 2008 after beginning his career in the financial services industry in 1998, following a tenure as a senior accountant at an international CPA firm. David holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Ithaca College and a master's degree in accounting from Long Island University. He is a Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) and a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). As a qualified portfolio manager, David provides clients with personalized wealth management strategies that may include a combination of individual securities, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. He serves a diverse clientele including families, executives, attorneys, and physicians, and may manage investment strategies on a discretionary basis through the firm's Investment Advisory Program. In addition to his professional work, David has been involved with nonprofit organizations, including service on the board of the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the March of Dimes. He resides in Mendham, New Jersey with his wife and three children. In his free time, David enjoys playing tennis and golf.

Wealth management Active portfolio management Attorney Doctor or Medical Professional Parents

Michael W

Series 63, Series 65

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Michael Wattick is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he collaborates with clients to develop personalized financial strategies aimed at pursuing their long-term goals. Michael works alongside David Trinkoff at The Trinkoff Wattick Group, serving clients including business owners, entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and attorneys primarily in the Summit community, throughout New Jersey, and across the nation. With over 20 years of experience, Michael focuses on helping clients make informed investment decisions tailored to their individual needs. His approach emphasizes building one-on-one relationships to foster trust and respect, and he prioritizes working with clients to construct portfolios that are free of proprietary product pressures. Michael's fee structure is transparent and based on the assets managed. Michael holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Duquesne University. He is involved in community service through the American Red Cross. Michael values the multi-generational relationships he has developed with clients and enjoys spending time with his wife, Pamela, and their four children.

Wealth management
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Tessa S

Series 63, Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Tessa Stewart is a financial advisor at Merrill with five years of industry experience. She holds Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and previously worked at Wells Fargo Clearing and Wells Fargo Bank. Outside of finance, she operates two small businesses: a wedding photography and videography service and a beauty service offering makeup and marketing of beauty-related products. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, offers managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients via the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, providing model-based and discretionary investment strategies for a range of clients including individuals and institutions.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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Gina L

Series 63, Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Gina Lessner is a financial advisor with Merrill, holding Series 63 and Series 66 licenses and bringing 17 years of industry experience. She has worked at Merrill since 2010. 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, offering model-based and discretionary strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, and institutions.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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George C

Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

George Castellano is a financial advisor at Merrill with 25 years of industry experience. He holds a Series 66 designation and has been with Merrill since 2000. 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 and profit-sharing plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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Lori G

Series 66

Summit, NJ

Merrill

Lori Gagliano is a financial advisor with Merrill in Summit, New Jersey, holding a Series 66 designation and over 43 years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 1983. Outside of her advisory role, she serves as a co-trustee of The McCue Family Trust. 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 range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth investors, and organizations.

Tax-loss harvesting Active portfolio management Wealth management
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