Christopher Kingsley
My passion is helping individuals and families simplify complex financial decisions and create strategies aligned with their goals and values. Throughout my career at Merrill, I have worked with clients navigating significant life transitions, from inheriting assets through estates and trusts to managing the complexities that often accompany substantial wealth.
Prior to joining Merrill in 2021, I worked as a Project Manager for a marine construction company, where I developed a disciplined approach to planning, problem-solving, and client service. I carried those skills into the financial industry, first serving on Merrill's Estate Settlement Services team, helping beneficiaries and families transition inherited assets and develop financial plans for the future. In 2024, I joined the Premium Elite team as a Relationship Manager, partnering with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients on investment strategies, estate planning considerations, complex trading needs, and wealth management solutions.
I believe successful financial planning begins with understanding what matters most to each client. My goal is to build lasting relationships, provide guidance through life's financial milestones, and help clients make informed decisions with confidence.
Before entering the financial services industry, I worked in construction management as a Project Manager for a marine construction company. Combined with having family members throughout the skilled trades, that experience gave me firsthand exposure to the work ethic, challenges, and entrepreneurial spirit that define many business owners. As a result, I have a particular passion for helping business owners, contractors, and entrepreneurs turn the success they've built in their businesses into lasting personal and family wealth.
I often work with clients who have spent years focused on growing their business but have had limited time to focus on retirement planning, tax efficiency, succession planning, or maximizing the opportunities available through investment and lending strategies. I enjoy serving as a financial quarterback, helping coordinate the different pieces of a client's financial life and creating strategies that align their wealth with their long-term goals.
My experience includes helping families navigate estate and trust transitions, working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, and assisting individuals, families, and business owners with investment, lending, retirement, and legacy planning strategies. While I have a particular appreciation for the needs of business owners, I work with clients across a wide range of professions and life stages, always focused on delivering personalized guidance and building long-term relationships.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife as we prepare to welcome our first child. I stay active through fitness, golf, pickleball, and bowling, and I am involved in my church community. I am also an avid follower of the NFL and MLB. These interests reinforce many of the same values I bring to my practice: discipline, preparation, continuous improvement, and the importance of meaningful relationships.
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.
