Robert Bennett
Most wealth advisors manage portfolios. Robert S. Bennett helps clients manage outcomes — across generations, across complex balance sheets, and across the many decisions involved in building, preserving, and transferring significant wealth.
With more than 34 years of experience advising ultra-high-net-worth families, private business owners, senior executives, and accomplished professionals, Robert brings a distinctive perspective to wealth management. From his Palm Beach office, he combines the analytical discipline of a trained attorney, the resources of a global financial institution, and the practical judgment developed over decades of guiding clients through changing markets, liquidity events, business transitions, and multigenerational planning conversations.
Robert’s academic and professional background is uncommon in the wealth advisory field. He earned a B.S. in Economics from Southern Methodist University, a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center, and a Master of Advanced Wealth Management from NYU’s Stern School of Business. He also holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation — earned in conjunction with the Wharton School of Business — one of the industry’s respected credentials for investment consulting and portfolio management. Prior to entering wealth management, Robert practiced law at Bierbower & Rockefeller in Washington, D.C. While Robert does not provide legal advice in his current role at Merrill, his legal training helps inform the disciplined, issue-spotting approach he brings to sophisticated client situations.
Robert works at the intersection of investment strategy, balance sheet management, and long-term wealth planning. For clients whose financial lives extend well beyond a traditional brokerage account, this broader perspective can be especially important. His practice includes investment management, concentrated stock strategies, access to alternative investments where appropriate, multigenerational wealth planning, and coordination with clients’ outside legal and tax advisors.
Through Merrill and Bank of America, Robert can also help clients access a broad range of banking and lending capabilities, including residential lending, securities-based lending, yacht and aircraft financing, fine art lending, commercial credit, and customized banking solutions. Whether a client is seeking liquidity, evaluating a major purchase, preparing for a business transition, or planning for the next generation, Robert helps connect strategy, resources, and execution in a thoughtful and coordinated manner.
What distinguishes Robert’s practice is not simply the breadth of services available — it is the standard of care with which they are delivered. His team is built around a clear operating philosophy: clients deserve a distinctive experience that is highly responsive, deeply personalized, and grounded in trust. Their approach is white-glove and high-touch, supported by the institutional strength, intellectual capital, and global resources of Merrill and Bank of America.
Robert’s civic involvement reflects the same commitment to leadership and service that defines his professional life. He has served on the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the George W. Bush Presidential Center National Finance Committee as Florida State Co-Chair, and the Planned Giving Council for Place of Hope, a Christian foster-care organization. He is also a member of Winged Foot Golf Club in New York, Congressional Country Club in Washington, D.C., and The Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida.
Robert is married with five children and is based on Palm Beach Island.
*Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.
*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.
*Some or all alternative investments may not be in the best interests for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other traditional investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high-net-worth investors.
As an experienced Wealth Management Advisor, my mission is to add-value to clients & help them pursue their financial & life goals.
My team approach begins with penetrating questions to clients, so my team better understands client goals & asset management risk tolerance.
We create a personalized wealth management plan via Merrill's Personal Wealth Analysis® digital tool that details a plan to pursue their financial goals.
My team are strong advocates pursuing clients' goals & priorities.
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.
