Broker-dealers reach out to veterans

NOV 10, 2013

By Trevor Hunnicutt

Several broker-dealers have programs dedicated to bringing former service members into the financial advice business, or make it a priority to hire veterans and their family members. Here are three that made their veteran numbers available.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

The wirehouse targets veterans as a segment of its regular new-financial-adviser training program. Number of veterans: 37 year-to-date as of Oct. 18, according to Bank of America Corp. spokeswoman Ana Sollitto.

Edward Jones

The Forces program trains veterans with no financial services experience to become advisers. Participants get paid a salary and performance-driven bonuses while they study for examinations and cultivate clients. Number of veterans: 336 military veterans have been hired so far in 2013, which adds to their approximately 1,500 veteran advisers, according to an Edward Jones statement.

First Command Financial Services Inc.

The firm provides financial planning services to military families, and more than half its corps of advisers are veterans. Number of veterans: About 240 advisers are either veterans or the spouse of a military official, according to First Command spokesman Mark Leach. — Trevor Hunnicutt

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