Russel has served as a Financial Advisor for wealthy families and institutional investors for the past 23 years. He is privileged to serve clients across the U.S., including in the metro areas of Los Angeles, New York, San Diego and San Francisco. He is a resource to clients representing the capabilities and access of Merrill in the global financial markets. Russel directs financial strategy, asset allocation, manager evaluation and liability management for senior business executives and a select group of clients in the entertainment, sports, legal and technology sectors. Along with his partners he provides a broad array of wealth management services for HNW and UHNW clients including: trust and estate planning management; cash management; single and restricted stock risk management, retirement planning; aviation, art and marine lending; derivatives trading and alternative investments.

Mr. Upton holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) and taught in conjunction with The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Russel is also a Sports & Entertainment Advisor with the firm.  Serving all major sports leagues, global media companies and individual athletes & artists.  Providing customized financial strategies, capital raising and advisory services for these unique and complex situations. Mr. Upton holds the Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ certification, administered by the College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp.

Previously Russel served as Senior Vice President for U.S. Trust (now Bank of America Private Bank) and Senior Vice President for City National Bank in Los Angeles and San Diego. He has also worked in the entertainment industry, serving as Manager of Finance for New Regency Productions and a Senior Accountant for Morgan Creek Productions in Los Angeles.  Russel earned both his B.S. in Finance and MBA from the College of Business and Economics at California State University, Northridge.

His community involvement has included service on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Zoo Foundation Board, the San Diego Sports Commission Board and the San Diego Opera Board. 

*Some or all alternative investment programs may not be in the best interest of certain investors. No assurance can be given that any alternative investment’s investment objectives will be achieved.

*Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Before engaging in the purchase or sale of options, investors should understand the nature of and extent of their rights and obligations and be aware of the risks involved in investing with options. Prior to buying or selling an option, clients must receive the options disclosure document Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. This document is available by contacting your Merrill Financial Advisor.

*Banking and Lending Services are through Bank of America, N.A.