Douglas Cochran
Doug Cochran is a Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill, bringing more than three decades of experience helping clients navigate complex financial landscapes. He began his career in 1992 as a Fixed Income Specialist at ML Stern & Company in Beverly Hills, where he was promoted to Vice President in 1997.
In 2000, Doug transitioned to Smith Barney in La Jolla to serve as First Vice President. He later joined Morgan Stanley, where his leadership and client focus led to promotions to Senior Vice President in 2006 and Executive Director in 2012.
Today, Doug represents Merrill as a Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor, serving individuals, high‑net‑worth families, charitable organizations, and business clients. His experience spans portfolio management, retirement and wealth strategies, pension consulting, and educational seminars—reflecting a career built on thoughtful guidance, disciplined planning, and long‑term client relationships.
Known for his steady, research‑driven approach, Doug leverages Merrill’s broad resources and his extensive industry background to help clients pursue their financial goals with clarity and confidence.
Over the last few decades, life expectancy has risen dramatically. Today's retirees are not only living longer, they are living healthier longer. So a question to be answered is "What do you do with those extra years and how will you pay for them?"
No matter how much income you may have, putting a retirement strategy in place could be the most important thing—the first thing—you can do as you work with the team on your overall financial strategy. The team can help you determine your lifetime cash flow requirements, you can then focus on the other pieces of your financial life, including legacy and family needs, volunteering for charitable work, leisure time activities, acquisition of collectibles, and building a second home. Let's talk about customizing and implementing a strategy to help you achieve a comfortable retirement.
Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities.
This material should be regarded as general or educational information on healthcare or Social Security considerations and is not intended to provide specific healthcare or social security advice. If you have questions regarding your particular situation, please contact your legal or tax 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.
