The Bhatia Group

Merrill Private Wealth Management
110 N Wacker Dr
Chicago IL 60606
(312) 325.2676
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Mission Statement
We provide customized services supported by the broad capabilities of a global institution. Working with a limited number of clients, we are able to offer you and your family personalized attention for all aspects of your financial life, now and for future family members.
Welcome

Managing your wealth begins with a deep understanding of your full financial picture. Based on what matters most to you, I can help create a strategy as flexible as today's changing market conditions, and I can provide access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience and lending solutions of Bank of America. I will work to help you pursue your goals through personalized wealth management strategies.

Listen to Raj Bhatia on Barron's podcast:
Raj Bhatia's recent Barron's podcast is now available in our Video Library.

Videos
Raj Bhatia: Don’t Shy Away From Hiring Your Own Child
Recognition
Raj Bhatia
Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor
Barron's "Top 100 Financial Advisors", 2016-2017, 2020
(Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of December 31 of prior year.)
Barron's "Top 1200 Financial Advisors", 2014-2025
(Published annually in March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.)
Financial Times "400 Top Financial Advisers", 2016-2017
(Published annually Mar – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)
Forbes "America’s Top Wealth Advisors", 2024
(Published on April 3, 2024. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2023.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2024
(Published on April 3, 2024. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2023.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2025
(Published on January 9, 2025. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2024.)
Show more recognition
The Bhatia Group
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2023-2025
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
Click here to learn more about advisor recognitions
Our Approach
Welcome

For clients of substantial means, Merrill Private Wealth Management provides an experience that is both powerful and personal. We are dedicated to helping you pursue your goals for today while developing an approach designed to support your family members for the years to come.

Meet Our Team
Raj Bhatia,

CIMA®

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor
312.325.2676
Shen Li,

CFA

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor
312.325.2763
Ariana Bhatia,

CPWA®

Senior Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor
312.325.2723
Matthew Gebert
Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor
312.325.2657
Iain Mirrilees,

CAIA®, CPWA®

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor
312.325.2736
Alexander Zelasko
Wealth Management Specialist
773.848.8166
Marcia L Schmitt
Assistant Vice President, Private Wealth Associate
312.325.2691
Clayton J Gonzalez,

CRPC™

Private Wealth Management Specialist
312.325.2644
MICHAEL TAYLOR,

CFP®, CRPC™

Officer, Private Wealth Investment Management Specialist
312.325.2643
John Koach
Registered Private Wealth Client Associate
312.706.2930
Benjamin Wagner
Private Wealth Client Associate
312.706.2936
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Private Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Brandon Tamayo
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
Michael Powers
Wealth Strategies Advisor
Bank of America, N.A.
About Private Wealth

We meet complexity head on
Growing and navigating wealth isn't a straight line. There are complexities and opportunities at every turn. That's why your Merrill team serves as mission control for your wealth, offering the highest level of execution and world-class intellectual capital to help keep you moving forward through every pivotal moment. Find out what it's like to work with us.

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Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst®. Use of CIMA®, and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals.
CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks of the CFA Institute.
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CPWA® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor®. Use of CPWA®, and/or Certified Private Wealth Advisor® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for wealth advisors.
CAIA® and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst® are registered service marks of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association.
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and the CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.