John Thiel RIA Edge>RIA News Former Merrill Lynch Leader John Thiel Launches RIA Thiel has founded the new RIA alongside a number of former Merrill veterans.

Elaine Misonzhnik | Nov 04, 2024

Former head of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management John W. Thiel is launching an independent RIA, Indivisible Partners, in the first quarter 2025, he announced on LinkedIn.com.

“It is with immense pride and excitement that I, along with my co-founders, announced the formation of Indivisible Partners, a privately-owned independent advisory firm,” Thiel said, in a LinkedIn post. “We have been listening to advisors throughout our careers and continued to hear a similar theme: a fervent desire for a different model. One where a more entrepreneurial advisor could draw on the expertise of others who have a long track record of coaching and supporting advisors in growing their business.”

Related: Merrill’s John Thiel Steps Down; Thundering Herd Has a New Leader

Thiel has registered the Clearwater, Fla.-based RIA with the Securities and Exchange Commission, but lists no assets under management as of Oct. 1. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of privately-owned Forabya LLC, a holding company that lists Thiel as a director. Under services offered, Indivisible lists portfolio management for individuals and businesses, financial planning, pension and profit-sharing plan services and selection of other advisors. The firm will use Fidelity for custody.

Thiel will serve as founder and executive chairman of the new firm. His co-founders include John Hogarty, former COO of Merrill Lynch; Peter Cieszko, a former head of enterprise strategic relationships at American Century; Paul T. Lambert, a former division executive at Merrill; Bill Lorenz, a former division executive and managing director at Merrill; Tom Corra, former head of corporate financial planning and analysis at Fidelity; Tom Fickinger, a former divisional market executive at Merrill; Michael Adornetto, a former COO of Merrill; Alok Kapoor, a former managing director at Merrill; and Stephen Hostetler, former COO of global wealth and retirement solutions at Merrill.

Related: Merrill Lynch Names Thiel to Run U.S. Brokerage

Thiel previously spent 27 years at Merrill Lynch, including five years as head of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management business from 2011 to 2016. He subsequently spent a year as vice chairman of global wealth management and investment management business at Bank of America.

Thiel currently sits on the board of directors of Franklin Templeton, Cohen & Steers Income Opportunity REIT Inc. and Decker Communications, among other organizations. He did not immediately return requests for comment.

In recent years, several former Merrill Lynch executives have launched their own support platforms for RIA firms, including Sanctuary Wealth and NewEdge Advisors.

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