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

The power of cultivating personal connections
The power of cultivating personal connections

Relationships are key to our business but advisors are often slow to engage in specific activities designed to foster them.

A variety of succession options
A variety of succession options

Whichever path you go down, act now while you're still in control.

'I’ll never recommend bitcoin,' advisor insists
'I’ll never recommend bitcoin,' advisor insists

Pro-bitcoin professionals, however, say the cryptocurrency has ushered in change.

LPL raises target for advisors’ bonuses for first time in a decade
LPL raises target for advisors’ bonuses for first time in a decade

“LPL has evolved significantly over the last decade and still wants to scale up,” says one industry executive.

What do older Americans have to say about long-term care?
What do older Americans have to say about long-term care?

Survey findings from the Nationwide Retirement Institute offers pearls of planning wisdom from 60- to 65-year-olds, as well as insights into concerns.

SPONSORED The future of prospecting: Say goodbye to cold calls and hello to smart connections

Streamline your outreach with Aidentified's AI-driven solutions

SPONSORED A bumpy start to autumn but more positives ahead

This season’s market volatility: Positioning for rate relief, income growth and the AI rebound