Avedis (Avo) Shanlian

Professional Background

For over a decade, I have worked in banking, private banking, and wealth management, helping individuals, families, and business owners make informed financial decisions and pursue their long\-term goals with confidence. As an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), I bring a comprehensive perspective to the planning process. My experience enables me to guide clients through a wide range of financial situations, from wealth accumulation and retirement planning to business planning, estate considerations, and major life transitions. The CDFA® designation provides specialized knowledge in the financial aspects of divorce, helping individuals understand important considerations related to asset division, retirement accounts, tax implications, cash flow planning, and long\-term financial security during a challenging time. While every client situation is unique, my goal is to help clients make informed decisions and move forward with clarity and confidence. Supported by the resources of Merrill and Bank of America, I serve as a trusted advisor and central point of contact, coordinating strategies and connecting clients with specialists to help address their evolving financial needs.

Mission & Values

My mission is to provide individuals, families, and business owners with the clarity, confidence, and guidance needed to navigate important financial decisions. Whether clients are preparing for retirement, building wealth, planning a legacy, or navigating significant life changes such as divorce, I am committed to helping them understand their options and make informed decisions. The foundation of every client relationship is built on four core principles: * **Clarity**: Simplifying complex financial concepts into understandable strategies. * **Trust**: Building transparent, long\-term relationships. * **Patience**: Taking the time to listen and fully understand each client's needs. * **Empowerment**: Helping clients move forward with confidence and purpose.

Skills & Strengths

believe exceptional financial advice begins with listening. One of my greatest strengths is taking the time to truly understand my clients, their goals, concerns, and what matters most to them. By building strong relationships founded on trust, transparency, and open communication, I help clients feel confident and informed throughout their financial journey. With more than a decage of experience in banking, private banking, and wealth management, coupled with my AWMA® (Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™) and CDFA® (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®) designations, I bring a comprehensive perspective to helping clients navigate both opportunities and life's most important transitions. Whether planning for retirement, building and preserving wealth, preparing a legacy, or facing significant life changes such as divorce, I strive to provide thoughtful guidance tailored to each client's unique situation. My clients often appreciate my ability to simplify complex financial concepts and transform them into clear, actionable strategies. I remain committed to staying informed on economic trends, market developments, and industry insights so I can continue delivering relevant guidance and informed recommendations. The principles that define my approach include: * **Active Listening**: Understanding each client's unique goals, priorities, and concerns. * **Relationship Building**: Creating lasting partnerships based on trust, integrity, and transparency. * **Strategic Planning**: Developing personalized strategies aligned with each client's values and objectives. * **Life Transition Expertise**: Helping clients navigate significant financial events, including retirement, business transitions, inheritance, and divorce. * **Education \& Clarity**: Simplifying complex financial topics so clients can make informed decisions with confidence. * **Continuous Learning**: Staying current on market trends, economic developments, and evolving planning strategies. * **Client Advocacy**: Always putting clients' best interests at the center of every conversation and recommendation. My goal is simple: to provide clarity, confidence, and guidance that helps clients make informed financial decisions and focus on the people, goals, and experiences that matter most.

Personalized planning

**Helping you create a personalized plan** At Merrill, we go beyond the traditional role of an advisor. * Your goals, concerns and attitude about investing are the foundation of your plan. * We actively listen and provide personalized advice — ensuring we understand what matters most to you and your family. * We're committed to creating a personalized plan that evolves with you to help you live well today while preparing for the future.

Team and resources

**Giving you access to our teams and solutions** Your advisor is one part of an experienced team dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Acting as your single point of contact, your advisor provides personalized strategies and connects you with: * Bank of America specialists, such as mortgage or trust professionals * Timely insights from BofA Global Research1 to help you stay informed and navigate ever\-changing markets * A [full suite](https://www.ml.com/solutions/all.html) of Merrill investing and Bank of America banking solutions ^1^~BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. ("BofAS") and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker\-dealer, [Member SIPC](http://www.sipc.org/), and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp.").~

Recognition