Jones Zafari Group

Merrill Private Wealth Management

2049 Century Park East

Floor 11

Los Angeles CA 90067

(310) 407.4925

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WelcomeRecognitionOur ApproachMeet Our TeamInsightsAbout Private Wealth

Mission Statement

Our mission is to deliver highly personalized, boutique-style advice for individuals and families across generations. Powered by a multigenerational team, we offer tailored strategies and trusted guidance designed to grow, protect, and transition financial legacies with discretion and excellence.

Welcome

The Jones Zafari Team is a multigenerational advisory practice built for families with complex, long‑term wealth. We pair deep experience with forward‑thinking perspective to help individuals and families preserve, grow, and transition wealth across generations.
Our approach is bespoke and highly intentional—designed around each family’s goals, values, and evolving needs. Delivering family office–style sophistication with boutique-level attention, we provide curated strategies, thoughtful guidance, and a seamless client experience. Grounded in discretion, trust, and innovation, we help clients navigate the complexities of wealth with clarity, confidence, and continuity.

Recognition

Richard Jones

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors", 2007-2025

(Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.)

Forbes "America's Top Wealth Advisors", 2016-2025

(Published in April 2023-2024. Rankings based on data as of June of the previous year. Years pre-dating 2023, published annually Aug - Oct. Rankings based on data as of March - June of current year.)

Show More Recognitions

Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors", 2007-2025

(Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.)

Forbes "America's Top Wealth Advisors", 2016-2025

(Published in April 2023-2024. Rankings based on data as of June of the previous year. Years pre-dating 2023, published annually Aug - Oct. Rankings based on data as of March - June of current year.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2018-2025

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Forbes "America’s Top Wealth Advisors", 2025

(Published on April 8, 2026. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2024.)

Forbes "America’s Top Wealth Management Teams Private Wealth", 2025

(Published on November 12, 2025. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2025.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2025

(Published on January 9, 2025. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2024.)

Show more recognition

Richard Jones

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors", 2007-2025

(Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.)

Forbes "America's Top Wealth Advisors", 2016-2025

(Published in April 2023-2024. Rankings based on data as of June of the previous year. Years pre-dating 2023, published annually Aug - Oct. Rankings based on data as of March - June of current year.)

Show More Recognitions

Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors", 2007-2025

(Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.)

Forbes "America's Top Wealth Advisors", 2016-2025

(Published in April 2023-2024. Rankings based on data as of June of the previous year. Years pre-dating 2023, published annually Aug - Oct. Rankings based on data as of March - June of current year.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2018-2025

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Forbes "America’s Top Wealth Advisors", 2025

(Published on April 8, 2026. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2024.)

Forbes "America’s Top Wealth Management Teams Private Wealth", 2025

(Published on November 12, 2025. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2025.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2025

(Published on January 9, 2025. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2024.)

Reza Zafari

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors", 2007-2011, 2013-2021, 2024-2025

(Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.)

Forbes "America’s Top Wealth Advisors", 2016-2025

(Published in April 2023-2024. Rankings based on data as of June of the previous year. Years pre-dating 2023, published annually Aug - Oct. Rankings based on data as of March - June of current year.)

Show More Recognitions

Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors", 2007-2011, 2013-2021, 2024-2025

(Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.)

Forbes "America’s Top Wealth Advisors", 2016-2025

(Published in April 2023-2024. Rankings based on data as of June of the previous year. Years pre-dating 2023, published annually Aug - Oct. Rankings based on data as of March - June of current year.)

Barron's "Hall of Fame", 2019

(Published throughout 2019. Rankings based on data current list.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2018-2025

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Thomas Tournat

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors", 2023

(Published on April 14, 2023. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2022.)

Barron's "America's Top 1200 Financial Advisors State-by-State", 2024

Show More Recognitions

Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors", 2023

(Published on April 14, 2023. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2022.)

Barron's "America's Top 1200 Financial Advisors State-by-State", 2024

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2024-2025

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Eleni Mavromati

Managing Director, Private Wealth Manager

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2024-2025

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State", 2024-2026

(Published annually Feb – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 – September 30 of prior year.)

Show More Recognitions

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2024-2025

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State", 2024-2026

(Published annually Feb – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 – September 30 of prior year.)

Forbes "America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors", 2025-2026

(Published annually Feb - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 - September 30 of prior year.)

David Niehaus

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2025

(Published on April 8, 2025. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2024.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2025

(Published on April 8, 2025. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2024.)

Danielle Prunier

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2018, 2023-2024

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Working Mother's "Top Wealth Adviser Moms", 2017-2021

(Published annually Sept – Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31 of current year.)

Show More Recognitions

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2018, 2023-2024

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Working Mother's "Top Wealth Adviser Moms", 2017-2021

(Published annually Sept – Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31 of current year.)

Forbes' "America's Top Women Wealth Advisors", 2017-2023

(Published annually Feb – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 – September 30 of prior year.)

Cheryl Catharine Smith

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2021-2024

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Forbes "America's Top Women Wealth Advisors", 2021

(Published on March 24, 2021. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2020.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2021-2024

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Forbes "America's Top Women Wealth Advisors", 2021

(Published on March 24, 2021. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2020.)

Jason Kelso

Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2025-2026

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2025-2026

(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2025-2026

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2025-2026

(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)

John Naviaux

Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor

Forbes "America's Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors", 2018, 2020-2021

(Published annually July – Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Next Generation Wealth Advisors", 2019

(Published on September 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019.)

Show More Recognitions

Forbes "America's Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors", 2018, 2020-2021

(Published annually July – Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Next Generation Wealth Advisors", 2019

(Published on September 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2023-2026

(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)

Jones Zafari Group

Barron's "America's Top Private Wealth Advisory Teams", 2020-2025

(Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.)

Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2023-2026

(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)

Forbes "America's Top Wealth Management Teams Private Wealth", 2022-2025

(Published annually in November. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)

Click here to learn more about advisor recognitions

Our Approach

Our Philosophy

Collaboration is at the core of the Jones Zafari Group. By bringing together deep experience and a client‑first approach, we deliver highly tailored financial strategies aligned with each client's goals, values, and long‑term vision.

With partners in Los Angeles, San Diego, Palo Alto, and Dallas, our team provides sophisticated wealth solutions for ultra‑affluent individuals and families, as well as corporations, endowments, and foundations.

As of December 31, 2025, clients have entrusted us with $98.4 billion in assets—reflecting enduring trust in our insight, stewardship, and discretion. Our clients include entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives, sports and entertainment professionals, and nonprofit organizations.

Backed by Merrill's deep investment platform and Bank of America's integrated banking capabilities, we deliver a seamless, family office–style experience—combining personalized service with global scale and innovation.

Meet Our Team

Richard Jones

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

310.407.4925

Reza Zafari

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

310.407.4923

Jerome S Klein

Managing Director, Private Wealth Senior Consultant

310.407.4919

Thomas Tournat

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

310.407.4917

Eleni Mavromati,

AWMA™, SE-AWMA™

Managing Director, Private Wealth Manager

310.407.4913

David Niehaus,

CFA

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

310.407.4918

Fraser McAlpine,

CAIA®

First Vice President, Investment Associate

310.407.4909

William Byers,

CFA

Vice President, Private Wealth Senior Relationship Manager

310.407.4908

Jeremy DeCuir

Vice President, Private Wealth Senior Relationship Manager

310.407.3929

Victoria R Santoro,

CFA

Vice President, Private Wealth Senior Relationship Manager

310.407.4910

Steven Adkinson

Managing Director, Private Wealth Manager

858.587.4507

Danielle Prunier,

SE-AWMA™

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

310.858.4744

Cheryl Catharine Smith,

ADPA™, CFP®, CPFA®, CRPC™

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

650.473.2052

Suzanne W Killea,

CFA

Managing Director, Senior Relationship Manager

650.473.2042

Denisha Baker

Private Wealth Client Associate

310.407.4911

Maritza D Camilo

Assistant Vice President, Private Wealth Associate

650.473.2041

Lharmina Tangco Castro,

AWMA™

Officer, Registered Private Wealth Client Associate

310.407.4926

Marianela Chow,

AWMA™, CAP®, SE-AWMA™

Private Wealth Relationship Manager

310.407.4939

Susan Francis

Registered Senior Private Wealth Client Associate

310.407.4927

Reeve Ghiass

Registered Private Wealth Client Associate

650.473.2058

Michael Ginestro

First Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor

310.407.4938

Kelly Heath

Registered Private Wealth Client Associate

310.407.4922

Delaney Johnsen

Wealth Management Specialist - Non-Registered

310.407.4905

Jessica Lackmeyer,

AWMA™, SE-AWMA™

Assistant Vice President, Private Wealth Relationship Manager

310.407.4929

Tina Lou

Private Wealth Client Associate

310.407.4916

Brandon M Luckwaldt,

CSRIC®

Assistant Vice President, Private Wealth Relationship Manager

310.407.4907

Henry Ralph Mac,

AAMS™, APMA™

Assistant Vice President, Private Wealth Relationship Manager

310.407.4914

Jenna M Mai

Private Wealth Client Associate

310.407.4915

Marianna Orjanyan

Officer, Private Wealth Client Associate

310.407.4921

Matthew Robinson

Wealth Management Specialist

310.407.4924

Jakob Roulier,

AWMA™

Private Wealth Management Specialist

310.407.4906

Olivia C Smith

Officer, Private Wealth Client Associate (FP)

310.996.2080

Marian Ting,

CPWA®

Vice President, Private Wealth Senior Relationship Manager

650.473.2049

Shirley Valladares,

AWMA™

Private Wealth Relationship Manager

310.407.4892

Brandie M Wilson,

AWMA™

Assistant Vice President, Private Wealth Relationship Manager

310.407.4930

Leon Yu,

AWMA™

Assistant Vice President, Private Wealth Relationship Manager

310.407.4912

Ji Hye Cho,

SE-AWMA™

Officer, Private Wealth Associate

310.407.4857

Adriane Javier Joya

Officer, Registered Senior Private Wealth Client Associate

949.721.6580

Jason Kelso,

CEPA®, CPFA®, SE-AWMA™

Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor

904.273.3879

Cecilia Chase Lyon,

CRPC™

Assistant Vice President, Private Wealth Management Specialist

310.858.4771

Laila E Margallo,

CRPC™

Vice President, Private Wealth Senior Relationship Manager

858.227.0057

JOY MILAN,

CEPA®, CFP®, SE-AWMA™

Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor

310.536.1648

John Naviaux,

CPFA®, CPWA®

Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor

858.381.8128

Matthew Spring,

CPFA®, SE-AWMA™

Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor

310.777.5311

Jason Tong,

CPWA®, CRPC™

Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor

949.859.2977

Lucian Ursan,

CFP®

First Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor

949.721.6583

Alex John Yerkes

Registered Private Wealth Client Associate

949.721.7275

Additional Resources

The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Private Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.

Jean Y. Kim

Private Wealth Strategist

Merrill

Michael Powers

Wealth Strategist

Merrill

About Private Wealth

We meet complexity head on
Growing and navigating wealth isn't a straight line. There are complexities and opportunities at every turn. That's why your Merrill team serves as mission control for your wealth, offering the highest level of execution and world-class intellectual capital to help keep you moving forward through every pivotal moment. Find out what it's like to work with us.