Citizens grows its private wealth ambitions in Boston

Citizens Financial Group is moving forward on its strategy to strengthen its presence in key US markets with the addition of a Boston-based advisory team from JPMorgan.

On Friday, the firm announced Citizens Bank has welcomed a team led by Brian P. Nagle, a veteran advisor with over three decades of experience in wealth management.

Nagle, a JPMorgan alum who previously managed nearly $1 billion in client assets, stepping in as managing director at Citizens Private Wealth in Boston. He's joined by Zachary Noke, officer and client associate; Grayham Lohrey, AVP and investment specialist; and Emily Fluke, VP and relationship manager.

With an expertise in designing and managing equity and balanced portfolios for ultra-high-net-worth clients, trusts, endowments, and foundations, he has earned consistent recognition from Forbes as one of his state’s top wealth advisors since 2020.

"We are excited to add another nationally recognized wealth team to our growing Citizens Private Wealth portfolio, serving Boston’s ultra-high-net-worth clients," said Tom Metzger, senior vice president of private wealth management at Citizens. Metzger was one of two former JPMorgan execs who joined the leadership at Citizens’ wealth arm in February this year.

"Brian and his team have a proven reputation for delivering first-class service to help clients protect and grow their wealth," Metzger said.

A hungry challenger in the US wealth space, Citizens Private Wealth offers a comprehensive range of services, including financial planning, investment management, deposits and lending, estate and trust planning, insurance and asset protection, and tax planning and preparation.

The firm aims to provide a seamless experience by integrating wealth management and banking services, allowing clients to benefit from both the extensive resources of a large financial institution and the personalized service typical of boutique firms.

"Citizens Private Wealth offers a platform that elevates how we serve clients with the most complex needs," said Nagle.

He went on to praise his new firm’s " strong balance sheet, robust capabilities, and best-in-class resources."

In addition to expanding its wealth management team, Citizens announced the appointment of Mark Thompson as market executive for its Boston office.

Thompson, who has extensive experience in the market, will lead a team dedicated to providing a customized client experience. Previously serving as chief executive officer of Boston Private Bank and president of Cambridge Trust, Thompson is expected to foster collaboration between private banking and private wealth in an effort to deliver bespoke experiences for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families and businesses.

"Mark’s extensive tenure in the market will be instrumental in delivering the full power of Citizens to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses," the company stated. Thompson will focus on tailoring services to meet the sophisticated needs of each client.

This expansion in Boston follows Citizens' recent addition of another former JPMorgan team in San Francisco, led by industry veterans Rick Gordon, Hugh Beecher, and Drew Curto, which had managed more than $5 billion at the wirehouse.