LPL has just welcomed another Merrill Lynch alum into its advisor network.
LPL Financial announced today that financial advisor Chris Kitaeff has joined the firm's broker-dealer, registered investment advisor, and custodial platforms,
He’s coming into the fold through LPL affiliate firm Maher Wealth Management, an Arizona-based practice supported LPL Strategic Wealth Services, as managing director.
Kitaeff reported serving approximately $385 million in advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets and joins LPL Financial from Merrill Lynch.
A second-generation advisor, Kitaeff discovered a passion for wealth management early and followed in his father's footsteps into the industry. Starting his career on Wall Street as a hedge fund analyst, he eventually joined his father's practice in 2009.
“It’s been amazing getting to spend the last 15 years sharing a wall with my father who is now retiring after a storied career in wealth management,” Kitaeff said in a statement. “As someone who loves to love, I really enjoy making personal connections and developing friendships with my clients.”
An award-winning advisor, Kitaeff sought greater independence and the opportunity to provide his clients with a more open architecture approach to investment solutions. He partnered with Thom Maher, who had already established Maher Wealth Management with LPL Financial in 2023.
“I appreciate Thom’s high moral standards and mission to deliver premium client experiences by attentively listening and understanding what matters most to each client,” Kitaeff said. “Being independent … allows me as a fiduciary to provide clients with the absolute best customized strategies to meet their needs.”
Maher, who has known Kitaeff for over a decade, is excited about their new collaboration.
“I’m delighted to join forces with Chris as we embark on this exciting new chapter at Maher Wealth Management,” he said.
“Our commitment to delivering premium client experiences remains unwavering, and we are confident this new partnership will allow us to take our service to new heights,” he added. LPL’s been on a recruitment tear this week, with its independent advisor arm recently snapping up an $830 million team from Janney Montgomery Scott and a veteran advisor from UBS.
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