Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program: Oklahoma Market

Bank of America•Tulsa, OK

About The Position

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA - ADP) is an entry role in Merrill’s Advisor Development Program. The role provides client service support to multiple Financial Advisors (FAs) and is a progression toward becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor. The program begins with dedicated study time to obtain the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 7, and Series 66 licenses. These licenses must be obtained within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66. After licensing, participants learn the foundational skills needed for the role. The Client Associate is a frequent point of contact for Merrill clients, addressing service needs and serving as a resource for FAs. The role supports enterprise strategic objectives, operational excellence, and client advocacy, tailoring solutions to the needs of the FA’s business. Participants partner with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client service, risk, investments, and banking products, receiving guidance and escalating issues when needed. After demonstrating proficiency and completing experiential activities that showcase advisor potential, participants progress to the next stage of the Advisor Development Program as Financial Advisor trainees. Dedicated training prepares them to build, acquire, and manage client relationships in a Merrill office. Trainees consider clients’ complex financial circumstances and provide advice and solutions. Upon completing performance requirements as a trainee, participants can progress to become Merrill Financial Advisors. Dedicated programs, tools, and resources support participants throughout the career journey. The program’s progressive roles involve building a book of business, sourcing prospective clients and referrals, assessing needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and connecting clients with internal specialists. Participants balance investment growth, referrals, follow-up, prospecting, compliance, and professional development; manage the resources needed to run a productive practice; and complete required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. The program offers training and onboarding, one-on-one coaching through the Bank of America Academy and local leadership, a consultative approach to identifying client needs, and opportunities to collaborate with banking and investment partners.

Requirements

Obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 securities licenses within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and Series 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66.
Display confidence working as a self-starter in a sales role.
Build strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
Demonstrate a proactive mindset and effective time management.
Demonstrate a results-driven growth mindset and prioritize client interests.
Identify appropriate client solutions by applying learnings and new information.
Have exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Have effective written and verbal communication skills.
Show the ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
Assess client needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
Work collaboratively with a team and key partners, as well as independently.
Listen effectively and probe for clarity and understanding.
Demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to source clients through extensive prospecting and networking.
Have strong follow-through skills.
Be computer/technically literate and proficient with applications such as Microsoft Suite.
Complete required SAFE Act registration and maintain good standing, including the required background check and registration process.

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 serve as a frequent point of contact for Merrill 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.
Ensure client materials are timely, accurate, and complete, and follow up on client and Financial Advisor requests.
Help ensure practices align with bank policies and procedures to support operational excellence, protect clients, and manage risk.
Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by communicating the bank’s offerings, promoting banking in day-to-day practices, and communicating relevant outputs 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 as the program progresses.
Prioritize and source prospective clients, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, refer customers to appropriate internal specialists, and execute customized solutions.
Recommend investment products and services suitable for prospects’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
Balance investment growth, referral activities, customer follow-up, prospect development, administrative compliance, and personal development.
Organize and manage the time, people, and budget resources needed to run a productive practice.
Seek specialist expertise when appropriate to identify client planning and investment strategies.
Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.