Shaun Cosby brings over two decades of experience in financial services, serving individuals, families, executives, professionals, and business owners with a commitment to clarity, integrity, and long-term collaboration. As a Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor and Portfolio Manager, Shaun specializes in comprehensive wealth management strategies that align with each client’s unique goals—whether planning for retirement, managing generational wealth, or navigating complex financial decisions.
Shaun’s approach is rooted in thoughtful listening, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of both market dynamics and personal priorities. He works closely with clients to develop customized financial plans that evolve with life’s changes, offering guidance across investment management, estate planning services, tax-efficient strategies, and risk mitigation. He and his team will fight with you and for you through life’s challenges and market volatility, to help you achieve your version of financial success, so that you can focus on fulfilling your life’s purpose.
Shaun served as the Resident Director for the Birmingham South office, where he was responsible for leadership, compliance, and management across the branch. His experience in both advisory and operational roles gives him a well-rounded perspective on delivering value and maintaining excellence in client service. He has also been recognized by Forbes being named to the Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors list in 2018 (a list where Forbes recognizes America’s top wealth advisors under the age of 40 at the time of publication) and has consistently been named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list from 2019 through 2025 (Published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year), a testament to his dedication and impact in the financial advisory space.
Beyond his professional role, Shaun is deeply engaged in the Birmingham community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at Greystone Golf & Country Club, has chaired Easterseals of the Birmingham Area, and contributes his industry knowledge to the Administrative & Finance Committee at his church in Homewood. His leadership reflects a passion for service and a dedication to making a meaningful impact both personally and professionally. Shaun has been married to his wife, Ashley, for more than 20 years and they have one son, Owen. They live in Hoover, Alabama.
Shaun is known for building lasting relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and results. Whether you're seeking a seasoned advisor to help navigate your financial future or a strategic partner to support your long-term vision, Shaun offers the experience and insight to help guide you forward.
Education:
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bachelor’s degree, Social and Behavioral Sciences
*A Portfolio Manager can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis his own Personalized or Defined Strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies.
*2018 Forbes “America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC considered advisors born in 1979 or later with a minimum 4 years as an advisor. Advisors have built their practices, lead their own teams, joined teams, are considered future leaders, or combinations thereof. Ranking is based on in-person and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). Shook’s rankings do not reflect all client experiences, endorse any advisor, indicate future performance and are available for client evaluation only. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
*Forbes “Best-in-State 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. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
Making their wealth last through retirement – and beyond – is a primary concern for most of my clients. I help them manage their investments for today and the years to come, with strategies designed to preserve assets from unnecessary risk while providing needed growth. My aim is to help clients generate income while preserving principle for the next generation.More than half of my clients are active and retired employees of a large regional utility, and I am deeply familiar with the company's retirement plan benefits. I also have a broad knowledge of retirement income planning and stock options strategies to help mid-level and senior executives of other large corporations make the most of their company benefit plans.I believe in a diligent, careful and active approach to investing that can be adjusted to meet each client's evolving needs. I look forward to addressing your unique financial situation with strategies that even the wealthiest investors have come to expect from a seasoned, driven Merrill advisor.
Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life
The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.
