Keith Kitagawa
Keith Kitagawa joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2020 and has more than 24 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certificant. He provides comprehensive financial advice using strategies and appropriate solutions tailored to each client’s time horizon, liquidity needs, investment goals, and sensitivity to fees. Keith advises high net worth individuals and corporate executives, working closely with tax and legal advisors to address advanced retirement planning, estate planning needs, and charitable giving.
He helps clients navigate complex areas of executive compensation planning, including the timing of exercising Incentive Stock Options, the tax implications of Section 1202 and Qualified Small Business Stock treatment, the considerations around electing 83b, and other equity compensation topics. He also provides guidance on managing concentrated stock positions while seeking to mitigate capital gains taxes.
In partnership with internal and external professionals, Keith works with business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives to help increase the value of their businesses. This coordinated and comprehensive planning helps clients pursue and achieve their desired financial outcomes.
Keith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration degree from UCLA Anderson. Before beginning his career in financial services, he served five years on active duty as a submarine officer in the United States Navy and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Keith is committed to the longstanding Merrill tradition of community involvement. He serves on the board of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) Foundation and volunteers as a United States Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer for local high schools. He previously served as the Advisory Council Chair for the Salvation Army Kroc Center in San Diego and as President of the San Diego Chapter of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association.
My mission, first and foremost, is to understand you and what matters most to you. Armed with that information I can ask thoughtful questions -- listening carefully, then understanding in detail where your wealth stands today and where you'd like it to be tomorrow. I help you design and implement a personalized plan intended to help you and your family pursue financial goals while helping manage investment risk. My approach is to focus on potential solutions that can help turn goals into reality.
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.
