RBC lures two ex-Merrill Lynch teams in the Northeast

RBC lures two ex-Merrill Lynch teams in the Northeast
Collectively, the two veteran advisor groups in Maryland are bringing around $900M in client assets to RBC’s wealth advisory business.
MAY 14, 2024

RBC Wealth Management has expanded its presence in the Northeastern US as it swipes two seasoned advisor groups from Merrill Lynch.

On Tuesday, the wealth giant announced that it has welcomed two veteran financial advisor teams to its Bel Air, Maryland branch.

The two groups are also adding to RBC’s already-colossal wealth business, with $570 million in client assets across a 2,100-strong financial advisor force, as they bring over a collective $900 million between them.

The Barnes Group, with $600 million in client assets, is led by David Barnes. A financial advisor with 30 years of experience, he is joined by Paula Gay, client associate.

Barnes expressed enthusiasm about the transition, stating, “We made the decision to join RBC Wealth Management because of its unique culture, as well as the management team who truly believe that clients come first.”

Meanwhile, the Pollard Team, led by 30-year veteran advisor Kevin Pollard brings $300 million in client assets to RBC. Apart from him, the team also includes Paul Sierocinski, senior business associate, and Victoria Webster, client associate.

“We made the decision to join RBC Wealth Management because of its unique culture, as well as the management team who truly believe that clients come first,” Barnes said.

“We’re excited, both for our team and for our clients, about the capabilities and opportunities our move to RBC will provide,” Pollard said.

Warren Bischoff, the director of the mid-Atlantic complex at RBC Wealth Management, hailed the move in Maryland as proof of the firm’s continued ability to “attract the very best advisors and teams.”

Early in April, RBC wealth notched a $500 million win for its advisor business as it onboarded a pair of multigenerational teams to its Western US division.

Latest News

Advisor says retirement plan defaults still target an average
Advisor says retirement plan defaults still target an average

ERISA Investment Fiduciary Philip Chao says most retirement plans use target date funds as a one-size-fits-all default that ignores individual circumstances

Ex-broker in Florida gets more than six years for stealing $2 million from senior
Ex-broker in Florida gets more than six years for stealing $2 million from senior

Eric J. Stone was fired by Fidelity in 2021 after facing claims he took loans from clients.

Vistria takes majority stake in Curi Capital in fresh RIA deal
Vistria takes majority stake in Curi Capital in fresh RIA deal

Chicago-based Curi Capital gets new majority owner as $14 billion RIA eyes acquisitions and expanded family office services

WealthReach, VastAdvisor tie-up takes aim at advisors' cold outreach problem
WealthReach, VastAdvisor tie-up takes aim at advisors' cold outreach problem

Partnership pairs organic lead detection with paid ad targeting to help end "spray-and-pray" marketing for growth-seeking advisory firms.

LPL taps Wells Fargo vet as new chief technology and information officer
LPL taps Wells Fargo vet as new chief technology and information officer

Jonathan Lewis joins the wealth management giant as it proceeds with a $2 billion AI and technology push for advisors.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income