Important information about your choices and our relationship

We believe that the better informed you are, the better decisions you can make about what's right for you.

Important information about your choices and our relationship image

You have choices in how we work together, including how you receive advice, manage your account and pay for our services. Your advisor works with you to build a personalized approach to your investments based on your financial situation, preferences and goals. Your investment strategy can be implemented through an investment advisory account, brokerage account, or a combination of both.

We provide key resources and information to help you make informed decisions about your investments, taking into account the types of relationships you can have with us. You can review the applicable materials below to help you understand your options and how we charge for advice, services and solutions, and discuss them with your advisor.

The Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS) provides an overview of the types of services you receive. It covers summary information about fees, costs and conflicts of interest, and provides you with information about us and our relationship. It covers both our brokerage and investment advisory programs and offerings.

 

 

Information about each type of relationship
 

Investment advisory services

Brokerage services

What type of services
do I receive?

Advice and guidance and ongoing monitoring of your investments, trade execution, and other advisory services

Access to investment recommendations, trade execution and research

Who makes the investment decisions?

Choice of whether you or your advisor manage the day-to-day investment decisions

You manage the day-to-day investment decisions and control trade authorizations

How do I pay for these services?

An annual fee based on a percentage of the assets in your account

Fees based on individual transactions and/or other sales charges

Where do I find more information?

Merrill Lynch Investment Advisory Program Brochure

Merrill Lynch Investment Advisory Program Agreement (sample)

Best Interest Disclosure Statement

Client Relationship Agreement (sample)

We also make available to certain clients the Strategic Portfolio Advisor Service (SPA) and Managed Account Service (MAS) investment advisory programs for certain investment situations. These programs provide access to certain investment strategies offered by a third-party investment manager under a separate agreement. Copies of the program disclosures and client agreements can be obtained from your Advisor if eligible.

Depending on your needs, you can also choose investment advisory services available through an online, interactive website, either on a self-guided basis or with assistance from Financial Solutions Advisors. These programs include Merrill Guided Investing with Advisor, Merrill Guided Investing and Merrill Edge Advisory Account (MEAA).

 

For more information

If you have any questions about the Form CRS or the Best Interest Disclosure Statement, please contact us at 800.MERRILL (800.637.7455).

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Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Asset allocation, rebalancing and diversification do not guarantee against risk in broadly declining markets.

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

This material is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. Additional information is available in our Client Relationship Summary. 

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. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning) and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. For more information about these services and their differences, speak with your Merrill financial advisor.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Merrill Private Wealth Management is a division of MLPF&S that offers a broad array of personalized wealth management products and services. Both brokerage and investment advisory services (including financial planning) are offered by the Private Wealth Advisors through MLPF&S. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and client rights and Merrill’s obligations will differ among these services. Investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal investment.

The banking, credit and trust services sold by the Private Wealth Advisors are offered by licensed banks and trust companies, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and other affiliated banks.

Trust, fiduciary and investment management services, including assets managed by the Specialty Asset Management team, are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”), and its agents.

Bank of America Private Bank is a division of Bank of America, N.A.

U.S. Trust Company of Delaware is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Insurance and annuity products are offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc., a licensed insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

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