The Hill Country Group

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
607 West 3rd Street
Austin TX 78701
(512) 397.1864
Learn more about an advisor's background on
Mission Statement
To increase your standard of giving while increasing your standard of living.
Welcome

You are considering a partnership with a team of advisors that can help you accomplish your goals.

These may include investments, financial planning, charitable giving, leaving a legacy.. or managing a meaningful transaction or liquidity event.. or access to private markets, pubic markets, lending facilities, trusts and estate planning.. and you are here to determine if our team can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life today, and ongoing for those you love.

We serve a limited number of families and companies that typically share one meaningful value.. a collective yet personal calling to leave it better than we found it. Our clients tend to appreciate an uncommon standard of excellence around tax efficiency, asset allocation, proactive service and support.

If you think we may be a good fit for your family and/or company, we would welcome a conversation.

Recognition
Dustin Elliott
Managing Director, Senior Financial Advisor
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2024
(Published on April 3, 2024. Rankings based on data as of June 30, 2023.)
Forbes "Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors Best-in-State", 2022
(Published on August 3, 2022. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.)
Forbes "America's Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors", 2021
(Published on September 21, 2021. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2021.)
Show more recognition
The Hill Country Group
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2023-2024, 2026
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
About Us
Time, Talent and Treasure

THCG was built with intention from the ground up, seeking out first round draft picks to lead each critical discipline in a holistic wealth management framework. Our clients benefit from the collaboration across the verticals, with the following team members leading:

  • Dustin - Asset Allocation & Credit
  • Andrew - Implementation & Insurance
  • David - Institutions & Endowments (401k, Stock Plans, Corp Benefits)
  • Alex - M&A, Entrepreneurship, Pre & Post Transaction Planning
  • Katelyn - Financial Planning & Chief of Staff
  • Abby - Private Alternatives & Marketing
  • Hannah - Brand Management, Events & Client Service
  • Mandy - Wealth Structure, Estate Planning & Client Service
  • Annie - Banking & Client Solutions
  • Arun - Next Gen

The Wealth Management industry has gone through a number of major paradigm shifts in the 21st century including the rise of financial planning, the shift from brokerage to advisory business, active management via mutual funds to passive indexing through ETFs. Today, our team continues to harness change:

  • Direct indexing with tax-loss harvesting can add after tax alpha annually while reducing concentration risk and mitigating significant future taxable events
  • There is a reverse shift in the race to IPO – as today more companies source capital and growth from the private markets – and access to those markets through cutting edge alternatives platform and dedicated resource is critical
  • Artificial Intelligence has very much arrived, albeit in the early innings, and we believe will provide never before seen real time potential solutions for teams who embrace it at the few firms who have the capacity, resources and commitment to develop and implement safely and effectively
  • Individual financial consultants reacting to client requests have given way to strategic wealth management teams proactively serving multi-generational families and companies

Some or all alternative investments may not be in the best interests for certain investors. Certain alternative investments carry significant risk and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as mutual funds and other traditional investments. For these reasons, access to alternative investments may be limited to investors who are designated as sophisticated, high-net-worth investors. Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

Friday, April 10th 2026| 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Masters Watch Party with HPS

Join us for a Masters Watch Party with HPS at Driftwood Downtown. Connect with people in the Austin community, while visiting with HPS, a leader in private markets.

We'll have a taste of all the con...

Wednesday, May 6th 2026| 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Mother's Day Brunch at Josephine House

Join us for our annual Mother's Day Brunch hosted in partnership with Ares, Coller, and KKR at Josephine House in Austin, Texas. This special event is dedicated to celebrating the incredible mothers i...

Meet Our Team
Dustin Elliott
Managing Director, Senior Financial Advisor
512.397.1820
David Carbone,

CPFA®

Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
310.422.5332
Alex Braun,

CIMA®, CPFA®

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
213.222.5720
Andrew Bushong
Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
512.397.1824
Katelyn Murff,

CFP®

Vice President, Senior Wealth Planner
512.397.1844
Abby Sutterman,

CEPA®

Wealth Management Specialist
512.397.1864
Hannah Grace Weaver
Registered Wealth Management Client Associate
512.397.1840
Annie Huber
Officer, Wealth Management Client Associate
512.397.1816
Arun Soorakulanthakan,

CPFA®

Financial Advisor
512.397.3718
Molly Terry
Wealth Management Client Associate
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.
Daniel Scalley
Wealth Strategist
Merrill
Erron G Wilson
Senior Wealth Management Lending Officer
NMLS #620175
Bank of America, N.A.
Eva Hernandez
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.

Sign Up for Perspectives Monthly E-Newsletter
Get the latest investment insights, tips and strategies to help you live your best financial life
Sign Up
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst®. Use of CIMA®, and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and the CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.