Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank Launch New Alternative Investments Program to Ultra-High-Net-Worth Clients
Rhea-AI Summary
Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) has announced the launch of its Alts Expanded Access Program through Merrill Wealth Management and Bank of America Private Bank, targeting ultra-high-net-worth clients with net worth of $50 million or more. Set to launch in fall 2025, this program offers institutional-grade private market funds and specialized investment opportunities.
The initiative responds to growing demand for alternatives, as evidenced by Bank of America's 2024 study showing 93% of wealthy investors plan to increase their alternative allocations. The program builds on the success of Premium Access Strategies, which has accumulated over $60 billion in client assets within three years.
Positive
- Launch of exclusive alternative investments program targeting UHNW clients with $50M+ net worth
- Strong market validation with 93% of wealthy investors planning to increase alternative allocations
- Successful track record demonstrated by Premium Access Strategies reaching $60B in client assets
- Expansion of product offerings to meet growing UHNW client demand
Negative
- High entry barriers limiting accessibility to most retail investors
- Increased risk exposure through alternative investments
- Complex investment structure requiring significant client due diligence
News Market Reaction – BAC
In the Sep 4 session, BAC gained 1.12%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
New Program Unlocks Access to Institutional-Grade Private Market Funds for Qualified Clients
Available in fall 2025, the program is designed to complement the investment options available through
"Traditionally, private market alternatives were the domain of institutional investors, but as wealth building needs have evolved, we're seeing more clients seek non-traditional investments, fueled by market changes and the desire to diversify," said Mark Sutterlin, head of alternative investments for
Key Features of the Alts Expanded Access Program:
- Selective access: These funds are not broadly distributed and provide access to specialized opportunities in emerging themes, niche strategies and evolving sectors.
- Supported recommendation: Clients' advisor or team helps them understand the process and provides them with access to fund manager materials.
- Client-directed: Clients conduct due diligence, make investment decisions, and invest directly with fund managers.
Insights from the 2024 Bank of America Private Bank Study of Wealthy Americans underscore the growing interest in alternatives, particularly among young HNW investors:
- Alternatives comprise
17% of their current portfolio allocations. 93% plan to increase their allocate to alternatives in the coming years. 1
"This program is part of our broader commitment to meet the evolving needs of UHNW clients with increasingly complex financial goals," added Sutterlin.
The new offering builds on the successful launch of other UHNW capabilities, such as Premium Access Strategies 2, a dual-contract investment advisory program that has grown to over
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
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.
Reporters may contact
Julia Ehrenfeld, Bank of America
Phone: 1.646.855.3267
Julia.Ehrenfeld@bofa.com
Footnotes
1 2024 Bank of America Private Bank Study of Wealthy Americans, the survey consisted of 1,007 high-net-worth (HNW) respondents throughout the
2 To invest, you must have at least
3 Bank of America Investment Solutions Group, August 25, 2025
Important Disclosures
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
This material is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase any security or investment or a solicitation of investment advice. An offer of interests in any particular investment can only be made pursuant to the relevant private placement memorandum or prospectus offering document, which contains important information concerning risk factors, performance and other material aspects of the investment and must be carefully read before any decision to invest is made.
This material does not take into account a client's particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy.
Alternative Investments are speculative and involve a high degree of risk.
Alternative Investments are intended for qualified investors only. Alternative Investments such as private funds can result in higher return potential but also higher loss potential. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances may adversely affect your investments. Before you invest in Alternative Investments, you should consider your overall financial situation, how much money you have to invest, your need for liquidity, and your tolerance for risk.
Private investments involve significant risks, including those associated with companies with a limited operating history, securities that do not have a liquid market, and investments that are difficult to value. They are only appropriate for investors with substantial knowledge and prior experience in making private investments, who are capable of independently evaluating the merits and risks of such investments, and who have the wherewithal to bear investment losses.
Investments in private markets involve a high degree of risk and therefore should only be undertaken by qualified investors whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume these risks and to bear the loss of all or part of their investment. Investments in private markets include significant risks not otherwise present in public market investments. Furthermore, private market investors are afforded less regulatory protections than investors in registered public securities.
Some or all Alternative Investment programs may not be in the best interest of certain investors. No assurance can be given that any Alternative Investment's investment objectives will be achieved. Many Alternative Investment products are sold pursuant to exemptions from regulation and, for example, may not be subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds. In addition to certain general risks each product will be subject to its own specific risks, including strategy and market risk. Certain Alternative Investments require tax reports on Schedule K-1 to be prepared and filed. As a result, investors will likely be required to obtain extensions for filing federal, state, and local income tax returns each year.
Investments focused in a certain industry, emerging themes or niche investments may pose additional risk due to lack of diversification, industry volatility, economic turmoil, susceptibility to economic, political or regulatory risks and other sector concentration risks.
Bank of America,
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as "MLPF&S" or "
Bank of America Private Bank is a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp."). Trust and fiduciary services are provided by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A.
Investment products
Are Not FDIC Insured | Are Not Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value |
© 2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
MAP# 8295077
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/merrill-and-bank-of-america-private-bank-launch-new-alternative-investments-program-to-ultra-high-net-worth-clients-302545877.html
SOURCE Bank of America Corporation