Valrico, FL Office

Updated today
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Merrill

Institution

Firm-wide stats for Merrill

Total advisors

25,560

Across 3,165 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

Valrico FL

Advisors at this office

1

Advisors at this office

Joseph F

Series 63, Series 65

Valrico, FL

Merrill

Joseph Fessler is a Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Vice President with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He joined the firm in 1984 at the regional operations center in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Over the course of his career, Joseph transitioned from operations management — including serving as operations manager for the Vero Beach, Florida complex — to financial advisory in 1994. He draws upon decades of experience within the firm to provide clients with comprehensive access to the firm’s resources, products, and services. Joseph holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and is a member of the Financial Planning Association. He also carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. His client focus areas include family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management, special needs planning strategies, tax minimization, and retirement income. A longtime member of the Vero Beach community, Joseph is a former president of the Exchange Club of Indian River County. He resides in Vero Beach with his wife, Tammy, and has two daughters, Lauren and Kristen. His personal interests include golfing, hiking, music, reading, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Wealth management Retirement income strategy General retirement planning Charitable giving & philanthropy Planning for children with special needs Parents
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