The Pearce Group

As a client of The Pearce Group at Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, you have access to the experience of a nationally recognized wealth advisory team with over 250+ years of combined industry experience and 30+ years of tenure at Merrill. Managing Director and Private Wealth Manager, Kent V. Pearce has consistently been recognized at the national level: in 2026, Kent was ranked #29 on the FORBES “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” list* (Published 4.7.26; data as of 9.30.25), as well as being recognized as #1 in Maryland on the BARRON’S “Top 1500 Financial Advisors” list (Published 3.20.26; data as of 9.30.25)*. With physical offices in Towson, Maryland, and West Palm Beach, Florida, we operate as a national practice grounded in long‑term relationships and thoughtful stewardship. Our advisors are supported by a comprehensive wealth management platform and a deep bench of intellectual capital that allow us to deliver highly customized, objective, and flexible solutions, whether the priority is capital growth, wealth preservation, succession planning, or intergenerational wealth transfer. Our disciplined wealth management philosophy is specifically designed to address the complexity of significant wealth. We advise high‑net‑worth individuals and families, business owners, corporate executives, foundations, private and public companies, and professional athletes across the PGA, NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Each relationship begins with a deep understanding of a client’s unique financial landscape and long‑term objectives. From there, we construct a tailored strategy that draws upon the resources of one of the world’s largest full‑service investment firms, while maintaining an independent, global perspective. Our goal is to help clients navigate complexity, adapt to changing conditions, and identify enduring opportunities - providing clarity, confidence, and continuity across generations.