Building Collaborative, Long-Term Client Relationships
"Every client is the chairperson of the board, and our role is to work closely with outside attorneys and tax professionals to coordinate and proactively advise and guide clients on tax minimization and wealth transfer strategies and legacy planning services. We take a leadership role to see that everyone is on the same page."
~ The Sharma Group~
Founded in 1987 by Raj Sharma in Boston, Massachusetts, The Sharma Group is a full-service wealth management team with a national scope. Our team members have over 100 years of collective experience providing customized advice and guidance to a select group of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, ultra-high-net-worth families, foundations and endowments. We combine the attentive, responsive and professional service of a small group with access to the intellectual capital, in-depth due diligence and top-quality research and technology of one of the largest global financial services companies. We draw on our experience, market acumen and professional skills—together with the investing insights of Merrill and access to the banking convenience of Bank of America—to help you grow and preserve your wealth during your lifetime and beyond.
Investment Philosophy and MethodologyWe are ardent practitioners of a disciplined global asset allocation approach encompassing several asset classes to create a portfolio that is designed to help meet a specific set of outcomes such as a client’s financial independence, income, retirement, philanthropy and other uniquely personal goals. Our approach has two components: a strategic asset allocation designed for the long term and a tactical overlay focused on taking advantage of the short term inefficiencies of the market. We are constantly studying markets to identify profitable and durable long term themes and sectors that may align with clients' risk tolerance, liquidity needs, time horizon and long and short-term goals.
We believe investment vehicles such as exchange traded funds, mutual funds, hedge funds and SMA’s (separately managed accounts) are only a means to an end. To help pursue clients’ specific goals, we carefully design portfolios using a variety of investment vehicles using our open-architecture model – a platform that provides us access to some of the industry's best investment managers. In addition, using BofA Global Research’s proprietary, award-winning research*, we may suggest to clients that they add additional sleeves to a portfolio for equity and fixed income management.
Another cornerstone of our philosophy involves using tax minimization strategies, which we focus on all year round as opposed to a reactive, last minute approach. Our portfolio objective is to help manage volatility and downside risk while maintaining a steady focus on long term wealth accumulation. We employ portfolio rebalancing on a periodic basis to see that portfolios are properly aligned for risk and return.
One of the attributes of our team’s intellectual capital is our strong and nuanced understanding of global economics and wealth creation. This perspective helps us work with you to design investment portfolios that fully take advantage of the many opportunities that the global markets have to offer.
Assistance With the Many Dimensions of Family WealthA number of client relationships span several generations. The Sharma Group can help clients craft family mission and value statements incorporating their financial, social, philanthropic and intellectual goals and resources. We can also organize family investment meetings, bringing everyone together for advice and guidance about important legacy issues. To assist members of the younger generation in making informed, well-thought-out decisions, our team has a financial advisor dedicated to working with them and providing ongoing education regarding budgeting, wealth management and investing.
The Personalized Attention You Expect and Deserve
Our team works with a select number of clients by design so that we can provide high-touch, concierge-level service and devote significant time and resources to every relationship.
Private Wealth Management ProfessionalsOur private wealth managers and Senior Financial Advisors provide clients with a direct line to all the resources and capabilities of a truly global investment firm—in ways that are more in keeping with a small, very exclusive boutique-like atmosphere. Concierge services, family meetings, and private seminars and events are all part of the experience.
*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.
*Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
*Institutional Investor magazine announced BofA Global Research as one of the Top Global Research Firms in 2020 based on surveys held throughout the year. The magazine creates rankings of the top research analysts in a wide variety of specializations, drawn from the choices of portfolio managers and other investment professionals at more than 1,000 firms. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. For more information about this award, go to https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/b1qbhr3x612gz1/The-Research-Firm-That-Won-2020 . Rankings and recognition from Institutional Investor are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement.
*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.
Our Philosophy
We believe your unique goals should be at the center of all of your financial decisions and form the foundation of your financial strategy. Because significant wealth requires customized goals-based financial strategies, we believe in building lasting relationships with a limited number of clients, taking the time to understand your most important priorities for today, tomorrow and your long-term future. Our philosophy celebrates collaboration. Working with a team of specialists, we draw on the resources and insights of a global financial institution to create strategies that reflect your aspirations for yourself and current and future generations of your family. Finally, we believe that while significant wealth brings complex challenges, our experience, passion and perspectives can help you simplify your life.
A Holistic, Dynamic Approach to Serving Your Needs and Aspirations
"A wealth management strategy is very much like a business plan, but for an individual or family rather than a business. We see our work for you as similar to that of a family office."
~ The Sharma Group ~
We believe that wealth management is about more than investing; it’s about helping you pursue your most cherished goals and aspirations, such as creating a legacy for your children and grandchildren or supporting a charity you believe in.
At the heart of our process is a disciplined approach to defining your financial vision. We spend a significant amount of time talking with you to gain a full understanding of your life situation, financial resources, liquidity needs, risk tolerance, time horizon, concerns, objectives and priorities. What we learn forms the basis for the financial strategies we propose. Our strategies are as dynamic as your life. We meet with you regularly to stay apprised of significant personal events and material changes to your finances and may suggest revisions to your strategies, if necessary, to keep them aligned with your aspirations and values.
Understanding Risk on Your TermsManaging risk is a fundamental aspect of our wealth management approach. Your personal tolerance for risk will affect our allocation strategies and investment selection, which in turn may affect potential returns. In customizing your portfolios, we find that a useful guide is the Merrill Wealth Allocation Framework, which divides your wealth into three segments, associated with three distinct objectives:
- Personal Risk—In this segment, the goal is to avoid jeopardizing your basic standard of living by seeking to reduce downside risk, which may entail accepting below-market returns. For this component, we may suggest cash and cash equivalents, such as short-term bonds and annuities.
- Market Risk—The objective here is to maintain your lifestyle by attaining market performance from a broadly diversified portfolio composed of stocks, bonds and alternative investments.
- Aspirational Risk—The goal for this segment is to enhance your lifestyle by seeking to increase the upside potential of your investment through the acceptance of measured but significant risk.
Deep Intellectual CapitalA notable strength of our group is our ability to complement and collaborate with your circle of advisors—including accountants, attorneys, business advisors and other professionals—to help integrate the various aspects of your financial life. We can also coordinate with internal specialists. We may call on specialists from Merrill, for instance, for assistance in such areas as asset management, insurance and business services. We may also access Bank of America and Bank of America Private Bank(formerly US Trust) specialists for help with private banking, credit and lending, philanthropic services, and trusts and legacy planning.
*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.
Sophisticated Services Tailored to Particular Needs
"We seek to help simplify clients’ lives by relieving them of the burden of managing their day-to-day finances and giving them more time to pursue their passions and live their lives to the fullest."
~The Sharma Group~
Our team members have the experience, skills and knowledge to help address the complex challenges facing a broad spectrum of affluent individuals, families and organizations.
Corporate ExecutivesOur team can assist corporate executives with retirement planning services and complex compensation packages, including option and restricted stock grants and nonqualifed deferred compensation. For concentrated stock holdings, we may utilize sophisticated techniques to help diversify clients’ portfolios and defend the position against adverse market movements.
EntrepreneursHaving built our own team from scratch, we understand the challenges and responsibilities of running a small to midsize business. We can help entrepreneurs and business owners integrate their personal and professional financial goals through risk management and investment strategies, benefit plan services, insurance, and business-continuation and -succession services. We can provide access to Bank of America's cash and liability management, and credit and lending strategies.
Ultra-High-Net-Worth FamiliesWe can help prepare well-thought-out strategies designed to create a legacy for the next generation. In coordination with your attorneys and Bank of America legacy planning and trust specialists, we can access the resources you need to set up wills, powers of attorney, living trusts, generation-skipping trusts and family limited partnerships.
Foundations and EndowmentsOur experience sitting on numerous boards and committees has given us special insight into trustees’ thinking processes, concerns, responsibilities and needs. We draw on this understanding in working with the Bank of America Global Institutional Consulting group to develop strategies designed to help not-for-profits pursue their missions and fulfill their legal oversight and governance responsibilities.
Philanthropy and Private Family FoundationsCoordinating with Bank of America Wealth Structuring Group trust specialists and representatives from Bank of America Private Bank, we can help you structure trusts, foundations and other vehicles to take your charitable giving to a higher level and complement your broader wealth management goals.
Family OfficesWorking closely with the Merrill Family Office Services Group and your own accountants, attorneys and other professionals, we can provide you with customized, integrated services aligned with your family’s specific objectives, such as:
- Household accounting services, financial statement reporting and bill payment
- Income tax coordination
- Personal cash flow strategies
- Family business entity consulting
- Family partnership/LLC advisory services
- Risk management and insurance services
- Access to lifestyle, concierge and travel services
- Access to Bank of America special asset acquisition analysis
Educational ProgramsWe offer educational programs for clients to enhance their understanding of global markets as well as philanthropy, legacy planning and family dynamics. In addition, we offer programs specifically designed for the next generation in wealth planning and investment strategy.
Behavioral AssessmentBy understanding clients' personal and emotional attitudes and behavior, we are able to navigate market volatility more effectively, Our assessment gives us insight into clients' investment personality including their mind set towards risk, preferred approach and purpose for investing.
*Global Institutional Consulting is part of the Global Wealth & Investment Management business of BofA Corp. Institutional Investments & Philanthropic Solutions (“II&PS”) is part of Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Trust and fiduciary services and other banking products are provided by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A. Global Institutional Consultants mentioned herein are registered representatives with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) and may assist you with investment products and services. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and clients’ rights and Merrill’s obligations will differ depending upon the products and services actually provided. Banking activities may be performed by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Brokerage and investment advisory services are provided by wholly owned non-bank affiliates of BofA Corp., including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and Member SIPC.
*Merrill Lynch Family Office Services are offered through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”). In connection with its Family Office Services, Merrill is not acting in the capacity as a broker-dealer, nor as a registered investment adviser. Accordingly, through its Family Office Services, Merrill is not offering, and its clients are not paying for, advice with respect to securities, the purchase or sale of securities, or the
valuation thereof, nor do Merrill Lynch's Family Office Services encompass financial planning, discretionary account management, or any other securities-related accounts, products or services. Merrill offers a broad array of brokerage and investment advisory accounts, products and services through other parts of its business outside of Family Office Services, which are subject to separate agreements, disclosures, and fee arrangements, and may be procured by applying or
enrolling and contracting through those other business channels. Please contact your Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor with questions regarding Merrill's brokerage or investment
advisory offerings.
Professional Asset Management
"We have a strong and deep background in understanding global economics, financial markets and wealth creation. We take a quantitative perspective on active global allocation and risk management, seeking to find a suitable mix of assets to help you pursue your desired outcomes."
~The Sharma Group~
We believe that disciplined asset allocation is a key factor for investors pursuing long-term financial goals while looking to reduce portfolio volatility. Our investment methodology is designed to help clients construct an efficient portfolio of diversified assets that reflects the opportunities in the global economy.
Discretionary ManagementYou can delegate to Raj Sharma, a specially qualified Portfolio Manager, investment management responsibilities for your portfolios, meaning that he has discretion over certain investment decisions surrounding your investment strategy. Once he has confirmed your goals and life priorities, as well as identified your portfolio investment objective, time horizon, risk factor, liquidity needs, and the costs associated, he will recommend targeted asset allocations for your portfolios to help meet your specific investment objectives. Granting Raj authority allows them to respond to market changes, price volatility and global events with the ability to make adjustments, if needed, to help your portfolio stay on track to pursue your goals. A Portfolio Manager can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis his own personalized or defined strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies.
Chris Kemp 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.
To help you track and assess performance, we will periodically review your portfolio with you and you will receive regular communications including monthly statements, quarterly portfolio summary updates and annual performance reports.
A Commitment to Service
Merrill Private Wealth Management is committed to providing a select group of clients with highly personalized one-on-one service. When you work with us, our knowledgeable, rigorously trained private wealth advisors will gain a deep understanding of your goals, help you develop a multigenerational wealth strategy, and help you update your strategy as needed. We are committed to providing you access to the investment insights of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America, and Merrill will continue to invest in client tools and new technology to enhance your overall experience as you and your private wealth advisor pursue what’s most important to you.
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