James Watson III
Managing your wealth begins with a deep understanding of your full financial picture. Based on what matters most to you, I can help create a strategy as flexible as today’s changing market conditions, and I can provide access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience and lending solutions of Bank of America. I will work to help you pursue your goals through personalized wealth management strategies.
James Watson III is a Financial Advisor with over 20 years of experience helping high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners simplify complex financial decisions and build lasting wealth. He focuses on personalized, goal-based strategies focused on retirement, estate planning needs, tax-efficient investing, and long-term wealth preservation.
At Merrill, James works closely with clients facing sophisticated challenges—including concentrated and highly appreciated equity positions—helping to manage risk, enhance diversification, and align portfolios with long-term objectives. He also helps clients proactively address inflation risk by positioning their portfolios with more efficient, growth-oriented strategies designed to preserve purchasing power over time.
As a Senior Portfolio Advisor, James brings a disciplined, research-driven approach to portfolio construction, delivering institutional-quality guidance tailored to each client. He leverages Bank of America's full suite of banking, lending, and cash management capabilities to create fully integrated strategies designed to enhance liquidity, flexibility, and overall financial efficiency.
James takes a collaborative approach to wealth management, working closely with clients' attorneys, CPAs, and other trusted advisors to develop coordinated strategies and gain a more comprehensive understanding of each client's financial picture—helping ensure all aspects of their plan are aligned and working together effectively.
Prior to Merrill, James held roles at leading financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase, UBS Private Wealth Management, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley—experience that provides clients with a broad, strategic perspective in today's evolving financial landscape.
James holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™, AWMA™ designation, along with FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations, and maintains California Life and Health Insurance licenses. A native of Los Angeles, he earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, fitness, and spending time with family and friends.
If you're looking for a strategic partner to help you navigate complexity, manage risk, and position your wealth for long-term success, James welcomes the opportunity to connect.
*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.
*Merrill Life Agency's California License Number 0522776.
*A Senior Portfolio Advisor can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios and third-party investment strategies.
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.
