Nathan Labiak
Nathan Wade Labiak has advised clients on wealth management and investment strategy since 1998 and joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2003. As the leader of his team, Nathan works with affluent individuals, families, business owners and executives who face increasingly complex financial decisions around retirement, concentrated wealth, liquidity events, tax planning strategies, estate strategy and multigenerational wealth transfer.
His process begins with a detailed understanding of each client’s complete financial life. He looks beyond account balances to evaluate income needs, risk tolerance, tax exposure, estate planning goals, family priorities and long-term legacy objectives. From there, he helps design customized strategies intended to bring structure, clarity and discipline to the management of significant wealth.
Working in coordination with clients’ tax and legal advisors, Nathan places particular emphasis on tax-aware investment planning and integrated wealth management. His role is to help clients make informed decisions in a complicated financial world while maintaining a high standard of professionalism, discretion and personal accountability.
Nathan holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® — CIMA® designation, the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® — CPWA® designation and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from California State University, Fresno. A proud Fresno State Bulldog, he moved to San Diego in 2003 and has built deep roots in the community. He is a passionate supporter of the San Diego Padres and remains actively involved with organizations including the San Diego Humane Society, Helen Woodward Animal Center, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center and the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy.
Nathan calls home, Cardiff-by-the-Sea where he has lived since 2012. Priorities are his daughter, Charleigh Mae, and son, Gavin. When he is not focusing on work or family he enjoys camping, surfing/ocean, and simply the outdoors.
Named to the Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year).*
Named to the 2023 Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" list as a meber of Labiak, Ficara, & Associates. (Published on January 12, 2023. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022).*
*2023 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK* Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerance vary). SHOOK’s rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client’s experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor and not an endorsement of the advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the rankings study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at the SHOOK Research website. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
*Forbes | SHOOK® “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list. Opinions provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC and is based on in-person, virtual and telephone due-diligence meetings that measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and Firm-generated revenue (investment performance is not a criterion). SHOOK’s rankings are available for client evaluation only, are not indicative of future performance and do not represent any one client’s experience and available for investor help in evaluating the right financial advisor. Compensation was not received from anyone for the study. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Details available at the SHOOK Research website. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
*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.
Communication is instrumental to managing life's challenges. That's why I work to engage you and your family in the financial decision-making process. Communicating openly with family members on the sometimes-difficult subject of wealth can be a challenge. I can help facilitate these discussions and offer personalized financial strategies designed to educate the younger generation about how assets may be invested.
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.
