James Bertsch
As a Financial Advisor and Merrill Institutional Consultant, I specialize in helping individuals, businesses, endowments, foundations, and nonprofits make confident, informed decisions about their financial future. My approach is grounded in integrity, humility, and a deep respect for the trust my clients place in me – values shaped by my faith and humble upbringing.
After an 18+ year career that culminated in serving as the Institutional Client Advisor for the state of Oklahoma for the past decade at a regional financial institution, I’ve embraced a second chapter: building out my practice with a renewed focus on relationships, impact, customization, and true open architecture. I joined Merrill to expand its institutional reach in the region – and to do something I haven’t been able to for a long time: work directly with individuals and families.
What makes this role special is the opportunity to bring institutional discipline to personal financial strategies, helping people navigate complexity with clarity and confidence—backed by a seasoned team of strategic partners.
I focus on delivering thoughtful short-term cash management solutions and long-term strategies tailored to each client’s unique goals. Whether it’s guiding families through financial milestones or supporting organizations with stewardship and sustainability, I aim to create lasting value through genuine connection and sound advice.
My mission is to understand what matters most to you—then help you navigate your financial life with clarity, discipline, and purpose. I combine institutional experience with a personal approach, designing customized strategies that align with your goals while managing risk thoughtfully. It's about building trust, creating impact, and turning complexity into confidence.
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.
