Mike Barakat
,
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
NMLS #1427668
110 N Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60606
312.696.7662
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We pride ourselves on our ability to "listen hard". We cut through to what truly matters for the families we work with, can read between the lines and are able to quickly figure out what's really important to them. We go above and beyond, focusing on addressing their concerns and assisting them through key transitions in their lives.
Profile

We Serve Clients By: Being Strategic Thinkers That Help Get Things Done The families we serve are predominantly self-made people from varied backgrounds and share at least one important characteristic -- they are all too busy to do it themselves. We use our ability to anticipate potential upcoming circumstances, identify issues they hadn't thought about, provide proper advice and work hard to get things done so they can go on with their lives. Providing A Tailored Approach and Innovative Strategies Our process goes beyond just investing. We devote a great deal of time to quantify each individual's risk tolerance. We focus on outcome-based objectives to help build a path toward accomplishing your personalized goals. Additionally, we offer customized banking, including credit and lending solutions, with alternative sources of collateral, through Bank of America. Connectivity And Unmatched Access to Resources We deliver the proper resources, as needed, from relationships built throughout the years. We have a network of experienced in-house and third-party strategists, analysts, investment bankers, family office service providers, family education and philanthropy advisors; as well as trust, estate and legacy planning professionals. We offer clients a breadth of strategies, premier customer service and financial tools based on their unique circumstances. No matter what your goals may be, we begin by defining and prioritizing your financial goals based on the following seven areas: Health: Managing healthcare expenses now and in the future Home: Upsizing, downsizing, remodeling or buying a vacation home Family: Take care of your family and other people in your life Leisure: Spending your free time in meaningful ways Giving: Volunteering, mentoring others and giving to charities Work: Working in retirement, selling or starting a business Finance: Bringing it all together by defining your financial goals We also draw on our industry knowledge and experience to offer advice and guidance for strategies around the following: Risk management Trust and estate planning services Wealth management Providing access to Bank of America for credit and banking needs Biography Mike Barakat joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2012. His focus is on developing strategies and providing advice for individuals, their families and their businesses by understanding their short- and long-term financial objectives. By understanding their goals, Mike is able to provide tailored strategies to help them accomplish their goals in the most efficient manner. Mike primarily works with private equity and financial services partners, corporate executives and medical professionals. Mike holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is member of the CFA® Society of Chicago. He is a graduate of Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, holding degrees in Finance and Accounting. Mike is an avid Chicago and Hoosiers sports fan. He grew up locally in Naperville, IL and currently resides in the River North neighborhood with his wife, Deanna, his son, Adam and his daughter, Leila.     I follow the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities we serve. This drives my interest in spending time volunteering with organizations in our community.

Recognition
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2024
(Published on January 12, 2024. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2023.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Next Generation Wealth Advisors", 2023
Click here to learn more about advisor recognitions
About Me
Welcome

As a Merrill advisor, I offer advice and guidance based on you and your family's goals and priorities. We put you at the center of our focus -- not the markets -- so you can better understand the pros and cons of every decision you make. As your needs or market conditions change, I can work together with you to adjust your plan as needed.

Meet Our Professional Staff
Rodolfo Razo
Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
312.696.2084
Vicki A Rios,

CRPC™

Officer, Registered Senior Wealth Management Client Associate
312.696.7530
Stacy Starl Jurich
Registered Wealth Management Client Associate
312.696.2110
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Kristen S Busciglio
Senior Wealth Management Lending Officer
Bank of America, N.A.
NMLS #559834
Jermaine Gomes
Retirement Specialist
Bank of America, N.A.
David Neumann
Senior Structured Credit Executive
Bank of America, N.A.
Let's Have A Conversation
We take the time to listen and learn about you and your family before creating strategies that aim to meet your needs, goals and best interests now and in the future
About Merrill

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.

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CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks of the CFA Institute.
Mike Barakat is registered to do business in AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI.