For James Kranz, connecting clients to opportunities for financial success is the foundation of his service and purpose, as a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

James is a specially qualified Senior Portfolio Advisor who, in addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, can draw from his experience to help clients pursue their objectives by building and managing custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment strategies. When servicing clients through the firm's Investment Advisory Program, a Senior Portfolio Advisor may manage those strategies on a discretionary basis. He applies his experience and insight to help clients address a broad range of Wealth Management needs, from Retirement and Income Planning, to designing and implementing different investment strategies based on each clients specific individual goals and objectives. He understands the value of financial education in mitigating the anxiety many clients feel about investing, and he is committed to communicating clearly and regularly about individual financial strategies, priorities and concerns.

James currently resides in Williamsville, New York, and has called Buffalo home for his entire life. He began his financial career with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2010.

He is a graduate of the University at Buffalo where he received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations.


Professional Qualifications

- Series 7 and Series 66 FINRA Registrations
- Senior Portfolio Advisor, Merrill Investment Advisory Program

Community Involvement

- Big Brother Big Sister of Erie County
I follow the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities we serve. This drives my interest in spending time volunteering with organizations in our community.