Eleni Passias

Eleni brings subject matter acumen to a prominent circle of clients she has served for more than a decade. Known for her candor, clear communication and consistency, she has attracted a largely referred clientele of well-known attorneys at major law firms, physicians, entrepreneurs, and generations of their families in Chicago, New York and elsewhere.




Before being invited to join Merrill in 2022, Eleni spent most of her career in private banking, serving institutions and families. She launched her career after graduating Phi Beta Kappa from New York University (NYU) – working at Goldman Sachs on its trading floor. Following five years of increased responsibilities, Eleni joined Citi’s law firm group in 2005. Six years later, she moved to Wells Fargo’s legal specialty group. Eleni was recruited back to Citi in 2018.




“My experience informs my perspective on managing the complexities of wealth and the myriad factors that drive successful outcomes for clients. I believe my clients know that I am dedicated to helping them accomplish their financial goals and always looking out for their best interest at every junction of the journey. I provide my clients with the kind of tailored experience and advice I’d provide my family. Not only am I looking out for my clients’ best interest internally, but also externally with their other advisors – to help optimize every opportunity available to them and deliver what they need to ensure their financial goals are met according to their timeline.”




A proponent of educating clients whenever possible, Eleni is devoted to working closely with both spouses and explaining in simple terms their financial strategy, as well as their role in making thoughtful decisions. Toward that end, Eleni strives to help clients plan and prepare in advance – for circumstances they envision and those they don’t.




A native New Yorker, Eleni holds a Bachelor’s degree in French and Linguistics from NYU. She also holds a place in her heart for serving others near and far. Eleni supports an Arizona non-profit that brings quality education to children in disadvantaged areas. She is also deeply involved in the local Greek community and as a member of her church. Proficient in Greek and French, Eleni has recently pursued her passion for baking – taking classes at a French culinary school in Chicago. She and her husband, John, live in Lincoln Park with their young son.