539 Merrill Advisors Recognized on Forbes' Top Women Wealth Advisor Lists
Rhea-AI Summary
Merrill (NYSE: BAC) announced that 539 Merrill Wealth Management and Merrill Private Wealth advisors were recognized on Forbes' Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State lists, the most of any firm. 17 advisors ranked #1 in their states and 23 advisors made Forbes' America’s Top 100 Women Wealth Advisors list (rankings published Feb 4, 2026; data as of June 30, 2025).
The company highlighted several top-ranked advisors, including Michelle Mayer (#3) and Kelly Westmoreland (#4), underscoring breadth of advisor talent and geographic coverage.
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News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, BAC declined 1.81%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
BAC slipped 0.21% while key peers WFC, HSBC, JPM, RY and C showed gains between 0.24% and 1.93%, pointing to stock-specific softness rather than a sector-wide move despite broadly positive bank peer performance.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 05 | Preferred redemption | Neutral | +2.9% | Announced full redemption of Series DD preferred stock and related depositary shares. |
| Feb 03 | Dividend declaration | Positive | +1.7% | Declared Q1 2026 common and preferred stock dividends, reinforcing cash return to holders. |
| Jan 20 | Employee stock awards | Positive | -1.6% | Announced $1 billion Sharing Success equity awards for non-executive employees globally. |
| Jan 16 | Preferred dividends | Neutral | -1.6% | Board authorized regular cash dividends across multiple preferred stock series for early 2026. |
| Jan 14 | Earnings release | Neutral | -3.8% | Reported Q4 2025 financial results and hosted an investor conference call. |
News and dividend updates have more often aligned with modest price moves, with only one recent instance of positive employee-focused news coinciding with a negative reaction.
Over the past month, BAC news has focused on capital management, shareholder returns and employee programs. On Jan. 14, 2026, BAC reported Q4 2025 results, followed by multiple preferred and common dividend declarations across January and early February. A $1 billion Sharing Success stock award for non-executive employees highlighted internal investment, while the planned redemption of Series DD preferred shares was detailed on Feb. 5, 2026. Against this backdrop, today’s recognition of Merrill advisors underscores brand and franchise strength rather than a balance-sheet or earnings catalyst.
Regulatory & Risk Context
BAC has an active S-3 shelf registration dated 2025-10-01, allowing issuance of various securities such as debt, warrants, preferred stock, depositary shares and common stock. The filing has been used frequently, with 10 related prospectus supplements so far and several 424B2 offerings on 2026-02-09. This framework supports ongoing funding and structured product issuance during the shelf’s life.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights Merrill’s competitive position in wealth management, with 539 advisors recognized on Forbes’ Top Women Wealth Advisors lists, including 23 in the national Top 100 and 17 ranked first in their states. It underscores franchise and talent strength rather than changing earnings, capital or credit profiles. In context of recent dividend actions, preferred redemptions and employee stock awards, investors may watch how this brand strength supports long-term client growth and fee-based revenue.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
"We are incredibly proud to have so many exceptional advisors recognized on
In addition, 23 Merrill advisors were named to
Forbes honored the following
- Michelle Mayer,
Naples, FL – #3 - Kelly Westmoreland,
Atlanta, GA – #4 - Johanna Walters,
Blue Bell, PA – #10 - Corina Davis,
Seattle, WA – #15 - Sharon Oberlander,
Chicago, IL – #17 - Mary Mullin,
Boston, MA – #20 - Christina Boyd, Wayzata, MN – #26
- Nazie Saffari-Moini,
Beverly Hills, CA – #30 - Melissa Spickler,
Bloomfield Hills, MI – #32 - Donna Di Ianni,
Aspen, CO – #40 - Donna Joyner,
Alpharetta, GA – #43 - Joni Abalos,
Houston, TX – #48 - Kyle Olson,
New York, NY – #51 - Megan Bailey,
Blue Bell, PA – #62 - Krystal Julius,
Wayzata, MN – #65 - Eleni Mavromati,
Los Angeles, CA – #70 - Nadia Allaudin,
Century City, CA – #78 - Ronya Corey,
Washington, DC – #80 - Courtney Moore,
New York, NY – #82 - Elizabeth Angelone,
Miami, FL – #87 - Christine Heim,
Florham Park, NJ – #90 - Rachel Barzilay,
Boca Raton, FL – #96 - Alyssa Moeder,
New York, NY – #100
About the
The Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, evaluate advisors using both qualitative and quantitative criteria, including client service models, investment processes, compliance records, revenue trends, and assets under management. Advisors must have a minimum of seven years' experience. Neither
For the full list and methodology, visit:
Bank of America
Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in
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Reporters may contact
Julia Ehrenfeld, Bank of America
Phone: 1.646.855.3267
julia.ehrenfeld@bofa.com
MAP #8760342
2026 Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State" list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). SHOOK's rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client's experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor and should not be considered an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at the SHOOK Research website. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
2026 Forbes "America's Top Women Wealth Advisors" list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). SHOOK's rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client's experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor and should not be considered an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at the SHOOK Research website. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
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Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as "MLPF&S" or "
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FAQ
How many Merrill advisors were named to Forbes' Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State in 2026 (BAC)?
How many Merrill advisors made Forbes' America’s Top 100 Women Wealth Advisors list in 2026 (BAC)?
Which Merrill advisor ranked highest on Forbes' Top 100 Women Wealth Advisors list (BAC) in 2026?
How many Merrill advisors were ranked #1 in their states on Forbes' 2026 Top Women Wealth Advisors lists (BAC)?
When were the Forbes rankings that recognized Merrill advisors published and what data period did they use (BAC)?
