Edward Jones has extended its Southeast US presence futher as it welcomes a breakaway advisor from Merrill.
The national financial services firm announced the addition of financial advisor Brandon Whaley to its team in Jacksonville, Florida. Whaley, previously with Merrill Lynch, managed $210 million in client assets and brings over 11 years of experience in wealth management.
He's traced a meandering boomerang journey through the industry. According to his BrokerCheck profile, Whaley started his career with Edward Jones in 2012 as a Missouri-based broker and investment advisor, then moved on to First Brokerage America before affiliating with Merrill.
He moved to Florida and decamped for JPMorgan in 2019, before going back to Merrill in 2023 and ultimately returning to Edward Jones.
He expressed enthusiasm about rejoining his original firm, citing its "unrelenting focus on its clients [that] perfectly aligns with the commitment I provide to the individuals and families I serve in the greater Jacksonville area.
“I am excited to join the firm and look forward to leveraging its support to continue providing comprehensive advice and guidance and an even greater client experience,” he said.
The brokerage firm's strategy includes supporting advisors getting certifications with the Investments and Wealth Institute and adding 1,000 new CFP certificants within a single one-year period.
Whaley also highlighted the opportunity for "greater autonomy, flexibility, and choice in how I serve clients."
His move to Edward Jones comes shortly after the firm added a $107 million Minnesota advisor from Sweet Financial Partners.
The firm's expansive North American profile includes some 19,500 financial advisors, with a total of $2.1 trillion in client assets under care as of June 2024.
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