The Pluta/Katz Group Team Photo
The Pluta/Katz Group
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
75 Rockefeller Plz
New York NY 10019
(800) 618.6591
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Mission Statement
We believe that managing wealth means collaborating with people to define what matters most.  Our mission is to deliver the highest level of insight, thoughtful ideas and knowledge to simplify the complexities of financial life while providing a high quality wealth planning experience.
Welcome

We are a group of dedicated professionals that prides ourselves in aligning our abilities to our clients’ goals, passions, needs and concerns. Our vision is to cultivate unwavering loyalty by deeply understanding the passions and pain points of clients and create personalized advice and solutions to both simplify and enhance their lives. We intend to be trusted confidants, collaborators, and guides to those with complex financial situations seeking to optimize their lives.

Recognition
David Katz
Managing Director, International Wealth Advisor
Forbes "America's Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors", 2017-2022
(Published annually July – Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2019-2023
(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)
Forbes "Best-in-State Next Generation Wealth Advisors", 2019-2020, 2022
(Published annually Aug – Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)
Financial Planning's "Top 40 Advisors Under 40", 2022
(Published on February 1, 2022. Rankings based on data as of Sept 30, 2021.)
Financial Planning's "Top 40 Brokers Under 40", 2022-2023
(Published annually in Q1. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of prior year.)
Barron's "Top 1,200 Financial Advisors", 2023-2024
(Published annually in March. Rankings based on data as of September 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 "America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth", 2022-2024
(Published annually in November. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)
The Pluta/Katz Group Team Photo
The Pluta/Katz Group
Forbes "America's Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth", 2022-2024
(Published annually in November. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)
Barron’s “Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams”, 2024
(Published on May 10, 2024. Rankings based on data as of December 31, 2023.)
Click here to learn more about advisor recognitions
About Us
Our Clients

Entrepreneurs, founders and privately held entities. Multi-generational families, financial industry and real estate professionals. Hedge Fund and Private Equity principals. Law firm partners. Members of the sports and entertainment industries Family offices.

Meet Our Team
Richard S Pluta
Managing Director, Senior Consultant
212.415.7862
David Katz,

CEPA®, CPFA®, CPWA®, CRPC™, SE-AWMA™

Managing Director, International Wealth Advisor
212.415.7717
Michael A Gonzalez
Director, Wealth Management Specialist
212.415.8868
Kristen Hanson,

CRPC™

Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
212.415.7624
Wanda Rodriguez
Officer, Registered Senior Wealth Management Client Associate
212.415.7335
Mariano Mondelo
Officer, Wealth Management Client Associate
212.415.8064
William Derkasch
Wealth Management Client Associate
212.415.7365
John Barrow,

AWMA™

Relationship Manager
212.415.7974
Matthew Anthony Tenteromano
Senior Investment Manager
212.415.7920
Kevin G. OBrien,

AWMA™

Relationship Manager
212.415.7347
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.
Christopher Fabrizi
Wealth Management Lending Officer
Bank of America, N.A.
NMLS #50841
Conor O'Keefe
Alternative Investments Regional Specialist
Bank of America, N.A.
John Grassia
Senior Structured Credit Executive
Bank of America, N.A.
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.
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.
Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™, AWMA™, and the AWMA™ logo certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.