The James Group
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
75 Rockefeller Plz
New York NY 10019
(212) 284.5841
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The James Group believes that good relationships are built through teamwork and involvement, delivered through our advisors, wealth management client associates and access to the global investment capabilities of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America. We want to be your primary source for financial advice and guidance. And we want you to value the dedication and diligence offered to you at each step of the financial planning process.
Welcome

The James Group is a goals-based wealth management team dedicated to serving a select number of families, business owners, family offices, foundations and endowments. Using a comprehensive approach to planning and investment advice guidance, we provide customized strategies to help clients achieve their goals. Our holistic approach to wealth management is centered around our deeply held commitment to take the time to understand the values, needs, goals and concerns of clients. We strive to provide an exceptional client experience. Our hope is to have a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of clients, their families and the institutions' assets they are responsible for.
As part of the firm’s belief in the value of advanced training and staff enrichment to better serve clients, the team have pursued many advanced designations and certifications. These concentrations provide The James Group with additional depth and skill in key areas, including investment management, cash flow strategies, liability management, retirement planning, estate planning services, access to banking services through Bank of America, insurance and advising parents with children with disabilities or special needs and women in transition.

Recognition
Cary James
Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor
Forbes "America's Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors", 2017-2018
(Published annually July – Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Next Generation Wealth Advisors", 2019
(Published on September 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019.)
Financial Planning's "Top 40 Brokers Under 40", 2024
(Published on February 6, 2024. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2023.)
Show more recognition
About Us
Philosophy

You live in a world that's constantly changing. Markets can fluctuate frequently. Potential investment opportunities can arise daily. Regulations are enacted or amended. That's why understanding you and your situation is the best place to start helping you plan your financial future: where you are today, where you want to be tomorrow, and what you want to accomplish along the way. By understanding you and your priorities, we can more effectively provide you with the experience and resources needed to help you build a personalized plan that is rooted in the unique complexities of your life.

Meet Our Team
Cary James,

CPWA®, CRPC™

Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor
212.284.5841
Jeffrey M James,

AAMS™, CRPC™

Senior Vice President, Senior Consultant
212.284.5824
Jamie S Sopel,

CRPC™

Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
212.284.5840
Will Kurt Koehler
Will Kurt Koehler
Wealth Management Client Associate (FP)
212.284.5796
Christopher J Brower
Wealth Management Client Associate
212.284.5582
Wayne Tolson,

SE-AWMA™

Senior Financial Advisor, Sports & Entertainment Advisor
212.284.5807
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.
David Schlansky
Senior Wealth Management Lending Officer
Bank of America, N.A.
NMLS #247463
Michael Liik
Wealth Strategies Advisor
Bank of America, N.A.
Lourdes Roman Zapatero
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
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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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.
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.
AAMS™ and Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ are registered service marks, and CRPC® and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning.
Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™, SE-AWMA™, and the SE-AWMA™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.