Rachel Barzilay recognized among top women advisers

Rachel Barzilay, managing director, wealth management, and a wealth management adviser at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Boca Raton, was recently named to Forbes’ inaugural “America’s Top Women Advisors 2017” list. She was ranked No. 70 out of 200. It’s an honor to be recognized by an independent, third-party organization, says Barzilay, 31, who joined the financial firm in 2008. The recognition provides her with more visibility for her experience and expertise. After meeting the minimum requirements as developed by SHOOK Research, including thresholds, compliance and years of experience, she filled out a survey and was interviewed several times to “dive even deeper into my mindset and practice and illustrate my value add to clients,” said Barzilay.

About: My father, Arthur Barzilay, is my role model. Ever since I joined his practice, The Barzilay Group, eight and a half years ago, he continues to be my role model, as he teaches, guides and advises our clients. We are employed by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and the business segment we are part of within the overall firm is called Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. We work with a limited number of highnet-worth families, helping them manage their investment portfolio by taking a goals-based approach. My group focuses on customized wealth management plans for individuals and families. Strategies Professional development: I’ve earned the following professional

designations: Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor.

Professional satisfaction: Comes from conversations with clients when we show them they can do more than just meet their goals.

Industry wisdom: I’ve learned not only how volatile markets can become, but also how human emotions can take a role in portfolios. This has taught me to make sure I fully understand how clients’ emotions will come into play in order to help them stay on track for meeting their goals.

RACHEL BARZILAY