The Marten Group

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
2555 East Camelback Road
Suite 900
Phoenix AZ 85016
(602) 954.5016
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Above all else, we prioritize honesty, diligence and genuine care for our clients & their loved ones. It is our mission to work collaboratively with our clients and help guide them toward achieving their goals.
The Marten Group
Welcome

What to Expect from The Marten Group:
When you work with The Marten Group you can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere with financial guidance that’s tailored specifically to you. We believe effective wealth management starts with truly understanding who you are and what matters most in your life. First and foremost, we aim to develop a detailed image of your current financial position, which includes, your goals, preferences, habits, risk comfort, time horizon, and lifestyle. With that understanding, we design a personalized strategy that fits your needs and supports your goals.

What "success" means to us:
The short answer: client confidence.
We find our success when you feel confident that you’re on the right path toward the life you want.
We aim to build that confidence through the personalized financial plan we create alongside you - a plan that reflects your goals, your priorities, and your vision. As your customized investment portfolio supports that plan, we strive to help your confidence grow even stronger.
And because the market can bring emotional ups and downs, we stay by your side with reviews, updates, and ongoing refinements.
Our goal is to help you feel steady, supported, and confident, no matter what the markets are doing.

Recognition
James Marten
Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor
Barron's "Top 1200 Financial Advisors", 2010-2024
(Published annually in March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.)
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The Marten Group
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2026
(Published on January 7, 2026. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2025.)
About Us
Who We Serve

We believe that everyone should be investing & saving responsibly. We are passionate about serving everyone that we work with, and we hope it will be you. Our clients come from many different backgrounds, such as, business owners, teachers, doctors, retired individuals, young people, executives, businesses & corporations, and so much more. So no matter who you are, where you are from, or what stage of life you are in; The Marten Group is equipped with the tools, experience and resources to serve you!

Meet Our Team
James Marten,

CIMA®

Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor
602.954.5016
James Barasha
First Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
602.957.6205
Jacob Marten
Financial Advisor
602.954.5060
Gerri A Cantu
Registered Senior Wealth Management Client Associate
602.954.5034
Nicholas Ascherl
Officer, Wealth Management Associate
602.954.5939
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Gregory Fry
Structured Credit Executive
Bank of America, N.A.
Jocelyn T Smith
Retirement Specialist
Bank of America, N.A.
Joseph Abinanti
Alternative Investments Regional Specialist
Bank of America, N.A.
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About Merrill

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.

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Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst®. Use of CIMA®, and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals.