The steady stream of brokers exiting Merrill Lynch continues as the Ruccio Group, based in Miami and managing $1.37 billion, left for RBC Wealth Management. The team is led by Jeremy J. Ruccio and is composed of 2 advisors and 6 client associates. 

In a statement, Ruccio attributed the decision to wanting to retain the group’s personalized attention and smaller firm feel with the resources, leverage, and insights of a global financial institution. Ruccio started at Merrill Lynch in 2008 and was ranked #24 on Forbes’ best in state wealth advisors list this year and #29th on the America’s best next generation wealth advisors list in 2021.

Currently, RBC has around 2,100 brokers and has $544 billion in client assets. Although its wealth management division is smaller than many of its peers, it’s had success in recent years luring brokers from larger firms. To compare, Merril Lynch and parent company, Bank of America, have over 19,000 advisors across its wealth management division. 

Last week, it lured a $450 million team from Morgan Stanely which was based in Philadelphia. In September, it recruited a 41-year Merrill broker who managed $340 million in assets. In the prior month, RBC landed a UBS team based in Atlanta which had $5.5 billion in client assets and $22 million in annual revenue. 

Finsum: RBC is having success luring brokers from larger competitors. It recently landed the Ruccio Group, based in Miami which manages $1.37 billion in client assets.