Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate

About the Role

Merrill Wealth Management is seeking individuals for the Advisor Development Program designed for those excited to transition into a career as a Financial Advisor. This entry role, Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA - ADP), serves as the first step towards becoming a full-scale Financial Advisor. The program is committed to an in-office culture that supports collaboration, engagement, and career development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide client service support to Financial Advisors (FAs).
• Obtain Securities Industry licenses, including SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 Exams (or accepted alternatives) within 120 days.
• Learn foundational skills for the WMCA - ADP role after obtaining licenses.
• Support enterprise strategic objectives, operational excellence goals, and client advocacy.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client service needs.
• Act as a resource for FAs on the team.
• Progress through program milestones, including role proficiency and completion of experiential activities.
• Begin building a book of business as a Financial Advisor trainee, acquiring, building, and managing client relationships.
• Provide comprehensive advice, deliver client reviews/presentations, and recommend strategies to help clients achieve financial goals.
• Collaborate with core banking and investment partners, connecting clients to solutions from Bank of America and Merrill.
• Partner with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client servicing, risk, investments, and banking products.
• Educate clients on the bank's service and banking offerings.
• Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and completeness in client materials and follow up on requests.
• Assist in aligning practices with bank policies and procedures to support operational excellence, protect clients, and manage risk.
• Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by emphasizing bank offerings and promoting the incorporation of banking into daily practices.
• Perform general business growth support functions, providing business development, investment solutions, and/or business management support to FAs.
• Develop a book of business to meet and exceed performance hurdles.
• Prioritize and source prospective clients, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, and refer clients to appropriate internal specialists.
• Recommend investment products and services suitable for prospects based on their objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referral activities, customer follow-up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal growth.
• Organize and manage resources to run a productive practice.
• Seek specialist expertise to identify planning and investment strategies for clients.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Microsoft Suite proficiency.
• Computer/technical literacy.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technology or applications.
• Ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously.

Qualifications

• Displays confidence working as a self-starter in a sales role.
• Builds strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
• Displays a proactive mindset and effective time management.
• Demonstrates a results-driven growth mindset and prioritizes client interests.
• Identifies appropriate client solutions through application of learnings and new information.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal).
• Proven ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
• Proven ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively on a team with key partners and independently.
• Proven ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proven ability to source clients through extensive prospecting and networking.
• Strong follow-through skills.
• High School Diploma / GED / Secondary School or equivalent.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of one year of work experience.

Skills

• Account Management
• Client Management
• Customer and Client Focus
• Issue Management
• Oral Communications
• Business Development
• Client Solutions Advisory
• Pipeline Management
• Prioritization
• Trade Operations Management
• Administrative Services
• Client Investments Management
• Emotional Intelligence
• Referral Identification
• Written Communications

Note: This position may require SAFE Act registration. Hiring is subject to SAFE Act requirements and may be restricted based on criminal history per FDIC, Safe Act, Loan Originators, and FINRA regulations.