Advisor moves: Merrill draws $1.2 billion UBS team in New Mexico

John Vazquez and Manuel Monasterio have joined Merrill Wealth Management as financial advisors in Santa Fe, New Mexico, arriving from UBS with $1.2 billion in client assets.

Vazquez, a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, began his career at Dean Witter in 1983 before joining UBS in 1999.

Monasterio holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Accredited Asset Management Specialist designations and has more than 20 years in the industry, having started at A.G. Edwards in 2003 before moving to Wachovia following that firm's acquisition of A.G. Edwards, then on to UBS.

The team is supported by Christine McCabe, Lisa Villareal, David Marquez and John Snyder, and will report into Merrill's Desert Mountain market under market executive Elaine Darnell.

Raymond James recruits $550 million advisor for ultra-high-net-worth work

Raymond James has welcomed Michael Rogala, managing director, to Raymond James & Associates, its employee advisor channel in Houston, Texas.

Rogala departs Merrill Lynch, where he managed approximately $550 million in client assets, and will operate under the Alex. Brown-Raymond James private wealth banner, serving families and entrepreneurs preparing for or considering a business sale.

He has 20 years of financial services experience, including 15 years at Merrill Lynch, and holds an MBA from Texas A&M University.

"After evaluating the private wealth platforms available to serve ultra-high-net-worth clients, I chose Alex. Brown because its capabilities align with the complex needs of the families and entrepreneurs I advise," Rogala said.

Edward Sudzina, Southwest regional director for Raymond James & Associates, said Rogala's experience serving families and entrepreneurs "makes him an excellent addition to Alex. Brown and RJA."

Wedbush adds $500 million Redstone team from UBS in North Carolina

Wedbush has added the Redstone Wealth Management Group to its wealth management division in Greensboro, North Carolina, extending the firm's footprint in the Southeast.

The team is led by James Carlson and Kevin E. Herron Jr., both Certified Financial Planners and managing directors of investments and portfolio management, alongside senior strategic wealth advisor Patty Blair and client service associate Sherry Malone.

The group reports more than $500 million in assets under management and previously built its practice at UBS Financial Services.

"As our practice has grown, finding the right long-term partner became increasingly important," Carlson said, adding that Wedbush "offers the scale, resources, and entrepreneurial mindset that allow us to continue delivering customized advice."

Chris Mone, executive vice president and head of wealth management at Wedbush, welcomed the Redstone Wealth Management Group as "one of the most respected advisory teams in the region."

LPL welcomes $270 million California practice from Raymond James

LPL Financial has added Jeneen Slack, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, along with her Northstar Financial Advisors practice, to its broker-dealer and registered investment adviser platform.

Slack, who reports serving more than $270 million in client assets, joins from Raymond James and is based in Danville, California, where she works with professionals, families, retirees and clients navigating divorce and major life transitions.

She is joined by business partner Eric Slack, who's also a financial advisor, and team members Kari Jeha, Jon Lee and V. John Threlkeld.

"I'm at a point in my career where I wanted a partner that is continually investing in the future of advice," Slack said. LPL's chief growth officer, Marc Cohen, said the firm was "honored that Jeneen chose LPL for Northstar's next chapter."