BofA looking to sync up investment banking and wealth businesses

BofA looking to sync up investment banking and wealth businesses
The firm has reportedly named two executives to align the two units in a bid to grow assets and land deal opportunities.
SEP 17, 2024

Bank of America Corp. said two executives will lead a new effort to better connect its investment-banking business with wealth clients, hoping to boost asset growth and deal opportunities. 

Jim Rourke and Michael Liu were named co-heads of private client partnership development, which links Bank of America’s global corporate and investment bank, Merrill wealth management and the Private Bank, according to a memo seen by Bloomberg News.

In their new roles, Rourke and Liu will focus in particular on potential sell-side merger-and-acquisition opportunities, to “increase the quality of actionable mandates and growth of managed assets,” Brendan Hanley and Sam Kumar, co-heads of emerging growth and regional coverage, said in the memo.

Rourke has worked at Bank of America since 2008, most recently in the M&A group, while Liu has been with the firm since 2012 in EGRC, working with regional and private company clients, according to the memo. A company representative confirmed the contents of the memo. 

For the biggest US banks, wealth management has been a fast-growing, competitive business. Firms have poured resources into building teams and products, hoping to lure new clients who bring with them business opportunities and additional assets to invest.

Latest News

FINRA cuts exam retake waiting periods for aspiring brokers
FINRA cuts exam retake waiting periods for aspiring brokers

Shorter waits for failed SIE and Series 7 candidates take effect Jan. 19, speeding the path to registration

Advisor moves: Ameriprise lands three RBC teams with $1.2B; Wells hails $900M recruiting haul
Advisor moves: Ameriprise lands three RBC teams with $1.2B; Wells hails $900M recruiting haul

Raymond James and Cetera also welcomed advisors from UBS and LPL as competition for experienced teams stays fierce

Atlanta B-D Arkadios Capital pays $500K to settle investor lawsuit involving former broker.
Atlanta B-D Arkadios Capital pays $500K to settle investor lawsuit involving former broker.

Jim Walesa worked in the securities industry for 39 years before leaving in 2021.

A tale of two consumers: The growing divide between Wall Street and Main Street
A tale of two consumers: The growing divide between Wall Street and Main Street

As the market turned from pricing in cuts to betting on hikes this year, the developing reality of a K-shaped economy has had real implications for households and investors alike.

Primerica alleges Osaic Wealth raided branch office and poached six advisors
Primerica alleges Osaic Wealth raided branch office and poached six advisors

Alleged cash payments, stolen client data, and a court that jumped the gun

SPONSORED Built on insurance experience to deliver on long-term promises

Knighthead Life entered the market with a competitive MYGA. A strong launch earned advisor confidence and paved the way for FIAs.

SPONSORED In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset

As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor