A Conversation with Merrill Lynch Breakaway Lisa van Walleghem, CEO and Founder of MAXIMAI Investment Partners

The growth of independence has been fueled in part by the many advisors who’ve reached a point at their wirehouses where they can no longer serve their clients’ interests to the best of their abilities. And for advisors whose businesses are more specialized, the limitations imposed by their firms can put them at an even greater disadvantage, as this episode’s guest found.

Lisa van Walleghem was a Merrill Lynch advisor for over two decades. She joined the wirehouse back in 1992, bringing with her a globally-diversified book of business composed of high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients from around the world. At the time, she felt that the firm was the right home to continue to grow her well-established international business.

Then things started to change with the Bank of America takeover of Merrill. The firm shutdown international branches and asked advisors with offshore clients like Lisa to close accounts in certain jurisdictions.

Lisa grew uncomfortable with the increasing limitations placed on her and her team and knew it was time to make some tough decisions. In 2016, she and her longtime partner at Merrill, plus a few key support people, left the firm to form MAXIMAI Investment Partners based in Coral Gables, Florida.

In this episode, Lisa discusses:

• The motivations behind her move from Merrill—and what led up to deciding it was finally time to make a change.
• Why independence was ultimately the right choice—and if she even considered other firms or models.
• The unique needs of serving an offshore client base—and how other advisors with similar business requirements might benefit by due diligence.
• How her partner, who was nearing retirement, came to terms with forgoing Merrill’s CTP—and how that was resolved as an independent firm.
• Why an international business may be best served in the independent space—and what other “heavy lifting” an advisor considering a move should be aware of.
• The impact on her offshore client base—and how the clients reacted to the news of her team leaving Merrill.

Lisa felt that Merrill was once a firm that welcomed international business like hers and served as a “great school of experience.” But with the takeover, she started to lose her voice as a financial advisor—and that was when she knew it was time to make a change. She shares that going independent has helped her regain her voice and once again, control her destiny.

Whether you serve an offshore client base like Lisa or are simply curious about how an advisor can create positive change in her business and her life, this is an episode to listen to.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:22 — 37.6MB)

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Lisa van Walleghem:

Lisa is CEO and Founder of MAXIMAI Investment Partners. She leads a team of professionals committed to providing tailored solutions for global clients, as well as to business development. Lisa advises clients on generational planning and global portfolio allocation with specific emphasis on core alternative investment strategies.

She also directs the firm’s efforts to promote the involvement of next generation clients in educational seminars and internships and she fosters their integration in family wealth discussions and planning.

Lisa has been providing wealth management advice to ultra-high-net worth clients for the last 30 years. In 1992, she joined Merrill Lynch, where she spearheaded the founding of the MaximAI Wealth Management Group.

Highly qualified, Lisa has consistently achieved distinguished recognition such as her inclusion in Merrill’s prestigious Charles E. Merrill Circle of Excellence. She also earned the special designation of Private Wealth Specialist for Latin America.

Lisa is committed to her family and lives in Coral Gables, Florida, with her husband, Derek. Her hobbies include boating, travel and learning about different cultures. She is an avid reader and dedicated to mentoring teens. For the last 15 years Lisa has worked closely with The Centro Mater Foundation, which supports five centers in South Florida that offer childcare and after school programs for children from economically disadvantaged families.  As a Centro Mater Alum, she is passionate about giving back.  She has been a Board member, event sponsor, volunteer and remains highly committed.

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