Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program: Palo Alto Market

Bank of America•Palo Alto, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA-ADP) is an entry role in Merrill’s Advisor Development Program for people transitioning into a career as a Financial Advisor. The role initially provides client-service support to multiple Financial Advisors (FAs), supporting strategic and operational goals and advocating for clients while tailoring solutions to the needs of the FA’s business. The associate serves as a frequent Merrill contact for clients’ service needs and as a resource to the FA team. The development path begins with dedicated study time to obtain the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66. After licensing, the associate learns the foundational skills for the role. Following proficiency milestones and experiential activities demonstrating readiness to become an advisor, the associate progresses to Financial Advisor trainee, completes dedicated training, and begins acquiring, building, and managing client relationships from a Merrill office. Successful completion of trainee performance requirements leads to the destination role of Merrill Financial Advisor. Dedicated programs, tools, resources, training, and coaching support this progression. Across the program’s progressive roles, participants develop a book of business, source and assess prospective clients, use referrals, identify client needs, recommend suitable investment products and services, and coordinate with internal specialists. They balance investment growth, client follow-up, prospecting, compliance, and professional development; organize practice resources; complete required training and continuing education; and provide comprehensive advice and client reviews. The role works with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, Market Supervision Managers, and banking and investment partners. Merrill describes its culture as in-office, supporting collaboration, engagement, and career development, with role-specific flexibility based on responsibilities and business needs.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, secondary school qualification, or equivalent.
Obtain SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and Series 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66.
Confidence working as a self-starter in a sales role.
Ability to build strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
Proactive mindset and effective time management.
Results-driven growth mindset and ability to prioritize client interests.
Ability to identify appropriate client solutions by applying learnings and new information.
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to build trust and credibility quickly, assess needs, and recommend appropriate solutions.
Ability to work collaboratively with a team and key partners, as well as independently.
Ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding.
Entrepreneurial mindset and proven ability to source clients through extensive prospecting and networking.
Strong follow-through skills.
Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency with applications such as Microsoft Suite.
If engaged in residential mortgage loan origination, register with the federal registry system, complete the required SAFE Act background check, and maintain good standing; failure to obtain or maintain registration may result in disciplinary action.
Must meet applicable hiring restrictions related to specified criminal history under FDIC, SAFE Act, Loan Originators, and FINRA laws or regulations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of one year of work experience.
Ability to learn and adapt to new technology or applications.
Ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Provide client-service support to multiple Financial Advisors and act as a frequent point of contact for clients’ service needs.
Partner with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client servicing, risk, investments, and banking products; seek guidance and escalate issues as needed.
Educate clients on the bank’s service and banking offerings and provide excellent client service.
Ensure client materials are timely, accurate, and complete, and follow up on client and Financial Advisor requests.
Support alignment with bank policies and procedures to promote operational excellence, protect clients, and manage risk.
Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by emphasizing bank offerings and incorporating banking into day-to-day practices; communicate outcomes to the Financial Advisor.
Provide business-development, investment-solutions, and/or business-management support to multiple Financial Advisors.
Develop a book of business and meet or exceed established performance hurdles by prioritizing and sourcing prospective clients, capitalizing on referrals, assessing needs, and executing customized solutions.
Recommend suitable investment products and services based on prospects’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
Balance investment growth, referrals, client follow-up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal development.
Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice, and seek specialist expertise to identify client planning and investment strategies.
Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
Progress through licensing, client associate proficiency, advisor training, and Financial Advisor trainee performance requirements toward becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor.
Collaborate with core banking and investment partners to connect clients with Bank of America and Merrill solutions.