Merrill Advisors Ask: Questions Merrill Lynch Advisors have about CTP, comp, more

Many Merrill advisors, like you, may be exploring your options with another firm or possibly even another model. And much like your colleagues, you may find yourself getting stuck in the weeds, searching for answers to questions…questions that are likely asked and answered far more often than you realize.

For instance, you may find yourself wondering how you will replicate the features you like best in Merrill’s platform or technology. Maybe it’s concerns about losing your hard-earned deferred comp or the potential that lies in Merrill’s CTP program. Or you may be worrying what your clients will think about leaving behind the cachet that the Merrill brand carries.

In an effort to fill those knowledge gaps – and help you make a proactive and informed decision around whether to stay with Merrill or consider other opportunities – we’ve gathered the top questions and answered them using the combined knowledge of our team and other industry experts, as well as information derived from both former and current Merrill advisors.

Included here is a selection of some of the most frequently asked questions. For the complete list, as well as the answers, just fill out the form below. Please note that you are providing your email address without any other intent or obligation, and with complete confidentiality.

Merrill’s Platform and Lending Options

Merrill One seems to be the strongest platform out there in terms of the sheer number of managers and the competitiveness of manager pricing. Is manager pricing higher elsewhere? Will I have to swap out managers?
What if I rely upon U.S. Trust (recently renamed to Bank of America Private Bank) for trusteed IRAs and other trust services?
Merrill has the best technology: Won’t I take a step back if I transition?
Merrill’s investment models and research are essential to the way in which I manage portfolios. What would I do if I left? Do other firms have similar tools?
My business is primarily composed of an offshore client base and Merrill is becoming much more restrictive with international business. What are my options?
How do I access a sophisticated alternatives platform like I have at Merrill?
Merrill’s goals-based retirement planning system is good. What would I do at other firms?
How do I replicate the Bank of America consumer and commercial credit and lending capabilities?
LMA is an important service for my clients. Is it available elsewhere? How do I make sure my clients aren’t impacted?
Are clients referred by BofA, or who have a strong banking relationship with BofA, portable in a move?

Merrill’s CTP, Succession Planning and Other Common Concerns

My partner signed on to Merrill’s CTP. Is there a way out?
Do other firms have programs comparable to Merrill’s CTP?
I’m 3 to 5 years from retirement; why shouldn’t I just sign on to CTP?
One of my team members wants to retire at Merrill and will be signing CTP soon. I would prefer to move and not be locked-in for 5+ years, but what else can I do? I am not willing to walk away from my partner’s book.
I want to bring my daughter into the business and Merrill’s PMD is a solid training program. Do other firms offer similar options?
Regional firms, independent broker dealers and RIAs don’t have the same name cachet as Merrill. I’m concerned that my clients will not follow me if I leave the Merrill brand behind.
What if Merrill leaves the Broker Protocol? Am I stuck? Will my transition still be successful?
If I decide to leave Merrill, what happens to my deferred comp?
For the most part, I have discretion over how I charge clients, but I am not paid on relationships below a certain asset level. Would this be different elsewhere?
My CA is essential to the overall operation of my practice and Merrill pays their full salary. Can I bring my CA with me, and will a new firm cover the cost?
Merrill’s comp plan changes are frustrating me, however I still make a great living and need to protect my take-home pay. What is the grid like at other firms?
I’ve always wanted to write my own market commentary, customize my website and do creative things to attract new business. Will I be able to do this at other firms?
The medical insurance is terrific at Merrill. What can I expect elsewhere?

Still have questions?

If you have a question not covered here or are looking for information specific to another firm, feel free to click here to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Merrill Advisors Ask...

Answers to the most frequently asked questions when considering a transition from Merrill Lynch

Included here is a selection of some of the most frequently asked questions. For the complete list, as well as the answers, just fill out the form below. Please note that you are providing your email address without any other intent or obligation, and with complete confidentiality.

Merrill’s Platform and Lending Options

Merrill’s CTP, Succession Planning and Other Common Concerns

Get the answers…

Simply complete the form below.

Still have questions?

If you have a question not covered here or are looking for information specific to another firm, feel free to click here to contact us or call 908-879-1002.