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MERLIN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Taking the Complex and Making it Simple
We manage financial complexity, one relationship at a time

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We place a priority in knowing every aspect of our client’s financial life and providing unparalleled service.

Our people, and the client relationships we’ve built over the past two decades, are our most valuable resources. Merlin Wealth Management has relationships that span two, three and even four generations. Our deep connection with families provides us with the ability to weave together a mission statement that includes financial, investment and philanthropic strategies while being mindful to include and consider the next generation.

 

“For more than two decades, our team has assisted entrepreneurs, family businesses, corporate executives and high-net-worth families in the creation and maintenance of significant wealth.”

Michael Merlin, Founder

Taking the Complex and Making It Simple: The MWM Educational Podcast

Join us for the second installment of Taking the Complex and Making it Simple: The Merlin Wealth Management Educational Podcast.

This week Michael Merlin, Founder of Merlin Wealth Management, has a conversation around estate planning and more with Abbey Flaum, J.D., LL.M., longtime friend and Partner in the Estate Planning Group at Cohen Pollock Merlin Turner based in Atlanta, GA.

Download this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or click the link below:

MWM Podcast on Apple Podcasts
MWM Podcast on Spotify

At Merlin Wealth Management, we know “the future depends on what we do in the present.”—Mahatma Gandhi.

That’s why you’ll find our unwavering commitment to your goals, and custom wealth and investment strategies to help you achieve them.

MICHAEL MERLIN

Founder, Merlin Wealth Management 
Head of MWM Family Office 
MMerlin@rockco.com
(404) 942-3060
Biography +

AMBER BLANCHARD

Senior Vice President 
Head of MWM Practice Management 
ABlanchard@rockco.com
(404) 942-3061
Biography +

ADAM ABRAMSON

Senior Vice President 
Head of MWM High Net Worth and Corporate Services 
AAbramson@rockco.com
(404) 942-3062
Biography +

ADAM COMPTON

Senior Vice President 
Head of MWM Asset Management 
ACompton@rockco.com
(404) 942-3063
Biography +

MICHAEL ATHANAS

Senior Vice President
Private Wealth Advisor 
MAthanas@rockco.com
(404) 942-3064
Biography +

EMERY BOURNE

Vice President
Manager, MWM Family Office Services 
EBourne@rockco.com
(404) 942-3065
Biography +

APRIL GAY

Vice President 
Head of MWM Service & Operations 
AGay@rockco.com
(404) 942-3066
Biography +

AVERY ROWE

Operations Analyst
ARowe@rockco.com
(404) 443-2704
Biography +

JOHN WAGNER

Analyst
JWagner@rockco.com
(404) 942-3070
Biography +

RENE BRACEY

Executive Assistant to Michael Merlin, AVP
RBracey@rockco.com
(404) 942-3068
Biography +

LINCOLN NYINGI

Associate Vice President
Trading and Reporting Specialist
LNyingi@rockco.com
(404) 410-8796
Biography +

STEFEN KUTZMAN

Associate Vice President 
Client Associate 
SKutzman@rockco.com
(404) 410-8799
Biography +
A leading private wealth practice…
Customized Investment Strategy Design

We diagnose and evaluate your financial situation and design a tailored investment strategy for you, combining long-term goals and near-term opportunities.

Portfolio Management & Optimization

We manage your complete financial ecosystem including tax & estate planning, insurance, retirement entities, and your investments.

Investment, Tax & Legal Advisor Coordination

We work with your Tax Advisor to manage your investments in a tax-efficient manner and coordinate with your Attorneys to help plan your estate, structure business transactions, and manage charitable donations.

Risk Management

We align your portfolio with your tolerance for risk and monitor your allocation for unexpected behavior in multiple market conditions.

Cash Management, Optimization, & Access

We handle all cash activity and cash equivalents including loans, banking products, and mortgages.

Ongoing Monitoring & Performance Analytics

We provide you with a high level of transparency through advanced analytics and regular meetings with our team.

Customized Investment Strategy Design

We diagnose and evaluate your financial situation and design a tailored investment strategy for you, combining long-term goals and near-term opportunities.

Portfolio Management & Optimization

We manage your complete financial ecosystem including tax & estate planning, insurance, retirement entities, and your investments.

Investment, Tax, & Legal Advisor Coordination

We work with your CPA to manage your investments in a tax-efficient manner and coordinate with your attorneys to help plan your estate, structure business transactions, and manage charitable donations.

Risk Management

We align your portfolio with your tolerance for risk and monitor your allocation for unexpected behavior in multiple market conditions.

Cash Management, Optimization, & Access

We handle all cash activity and cash equivalents including loans, banking products, and mortgages.

Ongoing Monitoring & Performance Analytics

We provide you with a high level of transparency through advanced analytics and regular meetings with our team.

merged with holistic advisory and family office services.
The Rockefeller difference is our combination of holistic and specialized services, designed to complement customized wealth planning and advisory.
family office
  • Financial Accounting & Bookkeeping
  • Trust & Estate Planning
  • Tax Efficient Planning & Preparation
  • Family Legacy & Governance Advisory
  • Bill payment
  • Philanthropy advisory
  • Human Resources Services
  • Cash flow and liquidity planning
  • Next Gen Financial Education
  • Aggregated Reporting
strategic advisory

Rockefeller Capital Management provides strategic advice to ultra-high-net worth families, family offices, individuals and corporations. Families that own businesses or are interested in purchasing a business can come to Rockefeller Capital Management for thoughtful, tailored advice on whether to sell a business, sell a portion of a business, purchase a business or grow an existing business.
Rockefeller Capital Management also works with corporations seeking customized, innovative solutions and independent advice on strategic transactions. Our focus is to deliver exceptional results for our clients through flawless execution and to help clients achieve their strategic goals.

Rockefeller Capital Management provides securities activities and services through Rockefeller Financial LLC, its registered broker-dealer, member FINRA, SIPC.

• Differentiated, independent advice for entrepreneurs and business owners

• Execution across private and public companies owned or operated by our clients

• Mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, capital raises

• Real estate advisory

• Sports franchise advisory

asset management

In much the same way as we have been fortunate to accompany our clients in their lifecycle journey, businesses, like people, go through their own lifecycle and, no different than any of us, are valuable in each of those various phases but for different reasons.

One common link we have all been bound by is the idea that the identification and ownership of great growth businesses is the best way to achieve investment success over long periods of time. Part of this success comes from knowing where in the business lifecycle a great company resides and understanding the risk/reward trade-offs based on these characteristics.

Our deep understanding of these characteristics inspires us to establish 3 discretionary equity investment strategies which correlate with the 3 main phases in the lifecycle of a business. We believe these equity strategies combined with our customized fixed income strategies are the ideal toolbox to provide quality asset allocation to any and all investors.

• Exclusive PWM Platform access to Alternative Investments such as Hedge Funds, Real Estate, private Equity and Direct Co-Investments.

life style advisory

Through a series of curated and vetted partners, we bring our clients and their families solution for lifestyle needs from everyday to the extraordinary.

Philanthropic Advisory
• Philanthropy experts provide a functional foundation to help you build and manage your charitable program.

Private Aviation
• A unique private aviation platform designed exclusively for Rockefeller Capital Management Clients.

Concierge Healthcare
• Proactive health and wellness support, travel/emergency contingency 24/7 and complete management of any health concern.

Personal Security
• A total security solution tailored to each client and location, assessing their needs and goals.

Emergency Travel Services
• The world’s leading organization providing medical, security, evacuation, travel risk and crisis management services.

Individualized Charitable Planning Strategies

Legacy Giving Strategies

Efficient Strategies for Current Giving

Lifestyle Concierge Services

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(404) 443-2700         3560 Lenox Rd NE, Suite 1100 | Atlanta, GA 30326 | United States

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“Generations of families and businesses have given us a unique perspective on how to manage complexity and provide customized advice—one relationship at a time.”
Michael Merlin, Founder
“With our consultative approach, we fully understand your vision, preferences and unique circumstances before formulating a wealth strategy for achieving your specific objectives.”
Adam Abramson, Senior Vice President, Head of MWM High Net Worth and Corporate Services
“Our goal is for you and your future generations to enjoy wealth without worry.”
Amber Blanchard, Senior Vice President, Head of MWM Practice Management
“The planning and investment decisions we make today lay the groundwork for a bright and prosperous financial future.”
Michael Athanas, Private Wealth Advisor, SVP
Our Ideas
Margin for Error Chapter 4: Unintended Consequences
Margin for Error Chapter 4: Unintended Consequences
Disco & Debt: Are We Headed for 1970's Inflation and an Aggressive Fed Response?
Disco & Debt: Are We Headed for 1970's Inflation and an Aggressive Fed Response?
Adding
Adding "Resilience" to the ESG Conversation
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News
Business Wire - November 12, 2021
Rockefeller Capital Management Continues Growth of Private Wealth Business With Addition of the Atlantic Group
Business Wire - November 3, 2021
Rockefeller Capital Management Appoints Christopher Dupuy and Timothy O’Hara as Co-Heads of the Rockefeller Global Family Office
Business Wire - August 3, 2021
Rockefeller Capital Management Expands Strategic Advisory Practice with the Addition of Jim Ratigan
Great-West Lifeco - July 21, 2021
Great-West Lifeco U.S. subsidiary agrees to acquire Prudential’s full-service retirement business
Business Wire - May 14, 2021
Rockefeller Capital Management Expands Private Wealth Business into Boston, Welcomes Team of Five to Northeast Division
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck

Rockefeller Financial LLC is a broker-dealer and investment adviser dually registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);Member Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Rockefeller Financial LLC is not a bank. Where appropriate, Rockefeller Financial LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Rockefeller Financial LLC are not FDIC insured, may lose value, are not bank guaranteed, not a bank deposit, and not otherwise insured by any federal government agency.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past Performance is no guarantee of future results and no investment or financial planning strategy guarantees profit or protection.

Rockefeller Capital Management LLC and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
MICHAEL J. MERLIN

MICHAEL J. MERLIN

Founder, Merlin Wealth Management 
Head of MWM Family Office 

 

Michael Merlin is the founder of Merlin Wealth Management and a CFP®.  In his 22 years as an advisor to families, Michael’s focus has always been on demystifying financial, estate, investment, and philanthropic planning for his clients.  With extensive experience in multi-generational planning and advisory techniques, as well as asset management, Michael leads MWM and its clients to partner together and create customized wealth plans that are steeped in the values and best practices of each family.  Having built an institutional-quality asset management practice inside MWM, Michael and his team can even align their clients’ investment plans with these same best practices. 

In January 2020, Merlin Wealth Management combined with Rockefeller Capital Management to marry their high standard for client service, proprietary asset management business, and multigenerational advisory practice with Rockefeller’s legendary family-office services and resources.  Prior to that, Michael led his team as a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley.  He also served as a Corporate Finance Analyst at Bank of America earlier in his career.

Under Michael’s leadership, Merlin Wealth Management has been recognized by Barron’s, On Wall Street, Forbes, and The Financial Times. Michael has also been published several times in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, writing mainly about the importance of financial literacy and communicating planning and best practices with next generations.

Michael lives in Atlanta with his wife Caren and their two sons. Their deep commitment to the community is reflected in Michael’s service to several non-profit organizations and local businesses. He currently sits on several private foundation and family company boards, in addition to his service on the board of the Atlanta Jewish Foundation. The Merlins recently established an endowment for Teacher Innovation Grants at The Epstein School in Atlanta, to inspire creativity and foster new ideas in the way we teach our children. The Merlin family places a priority on ensuring that their children understand the responsibility for giving back, volunteering together for projects with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, the Zaban Paradies Center, and Creating Connected Communities.

Michael graduated Cum Laude from Northwestern University with a BA in Economics in 1997.

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AMBER BLANCHARD

AMBER BLANCHARD

Senior Vice President 
Head of MWM Practice Management 

 

Amber Blanchard is a Senior Vice President, Head of MWM Practice Management at Rockefeller Capital Management. In 2003, she joined the Merlin team, which at that time was part of Smith Barney, later to be acquired by Morgan Stanley. She served as the primary client contact for Merlin Wealth Management for 10 years. Amber’s experience and superior knowledge of Merlin Wealth Management, along with the deep relationships she cultivated over the years, elevated her to the Director of Business Strategy for the group in 2012 and ultimately to Chief Operating Officer in 2018.

Previously, Amber spent four years at UBS Financial Services Group. She is a graduate from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

Amber lives in Atlanta with her husband and daughter. She is an active volunteer at her daughter’s school, where she most recently served on the Gala Committee. Previously, she served on the PTA board, the board of the school’s foundation, as Auction Chair and as Chair of 5th Grade Activities.

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ADAM ABRAMSON

ADAM ABRAMSON

Senior Vice President 
Head of MWM High Net Worth and Corporate Services 

 

Adam Abramson leads Merlin Wealth Management’s High Net Worth and Corporate Services businesses. Adam has spent the last fourteen years helping clients with their financial goals by understanding their objectives and values and delivering the analytical and technical aspects of their investment and financial plans. He was named to Forbes’ list of America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor from 2017 – 2019. Adam holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation.

Prior to joining Rockefeller Capital Management, Adam was an advisor at Morgan Stanley and, in a prior role, a consultant at Accenture. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Adam serves as a coach to his children’s youth sports teams. He has also served in various roles in local non-profits, including previous board positions at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta and the Southeast Region of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

Adam and his wife Allison live in Atlanta with their three children. He is an avid runner in his free time.

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ADAM COMPTON

ADAM COMPTON

Senior Vice President
Head of MWM Asset Management 

 

Adam Compton is Head of Merlin Wealth Management’s (MWM) Asset Management and Co-Manager of our three equity strategies. Adam joined MWM in July 2018 and has over twenty-six years of portfolio management and securities analysis experience. As Co-Manager of the portfolios, Adam has rebuilt the already successful MWM fundamental process with a strong institutional overlay of risk management and controls, while expanding primary research capabilities to reduce reliance on Street resources.

Prior to joining MWM, Adam was a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at GMT Capital, where he spent nine years running a global long-short equities portfolio. Adam’s industry experience has also included roles as an equity portfolios manager and head of U.S. Financial Services Research at Allianz Global Investors in San Francisco, and as a sell-side equity analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Securities, and Smith Barney. Adam also spent three years as a bank regulator for the State of Florida during the banking crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s, and a year at a Santa Clara-based fin-tech, Skuchain, as head of finance.

Adam earned his MBA, with distinction, from Cornell University, and his bachelor’s degree in business, cum laude, from Houghton College where he currently serves on the President’s Advisory Board. For five years, Adam served as a member of the Investors Technical Advisory Committee for the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) where he advised on improving accounting practices for the Banking Industry following the Global Financial Crisis.

Adam lives in Atlanta with his wife, Andrea, and his three daughters. He volunteers with Second Helpings Atlanta and the Central Presbyterian Night Shelter, and he has spent summer weeks doing volunteer construction work at the NAOMI House for Native American children in Arizona.

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MICHAEL ATHANAS

MICHAEL ATHANAS

Senior Vice President
Private Wealth Advisor 

 

In 2018, he joined Merlin Wealth Management as a Senior Vice President, formerly with Morgan Stanley. Michael has been a Financial Advisor for over 30 years.

Previously with Morgan Stanley, where he earned his Family Wealth Advisor designation, Michael was a Senior Vice President and a Senior Investment Management Consultant, since 2008. He began his career at Boston Safe Deposit & Trust Co., then went on to Lehman Brothers, Oppenheimer & Co., and Bear Stearns. He is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association.

Michael graduated from Ithaca College with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. He later earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation from the Wharton School of Business.

He and his wife Kerri live in Atlanta with their family. They are passionate about the fight against autism and support the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta. Michael is also an air-cooled Porsche enthusiast.

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EMERY BOURNE

EMERY BOURNE

Vice President 
Manager, MWM Family Office Services 

 

Emery Bourne is a Vice President and Manager of Merlin Wealth Management (MWM) Family Office Services at Rockefeller Capital Management. Emery has been a member of MWM since 2011 when the group was part of Morgan Stanley. Prior to joining MWM, Emery worked for fourteen years as a Financial Advisor with Smith Barney.

Emery earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont, and she is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School. She also holds the designation of Financial Planning Specialist.

A native of Atlanta, Emery is active in the community and was a founding member of Earn2Give (formerly Project Gift), a program for inner-city public elementary school children that combines the spirit of giving with personal achievement and accountability. Emery also served on the alumni board for Pace Academy and has volunteered for The Whitefoord Community Program, Chastain Horse Park therapeutic riding program, and My Sister’s House.

Emery lives in Atlanta with her husband, Bray, and their two daughters. In her free time she enjoys riding and training horses, hiking, and live music.

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APRIL GAY

APRIL GAY

Vice President
Head of MWM Service & Operations

 

April Gay is Head of Service & Operations with Merlin Wealth Management at Rockefeller Capital Management. In 2014, she joined Merlin Wealth Management, which previously had been part of Morgan Stanley. In her role, April focuses on the client experience, ensuring that whether a new client or one that has been with the team for years, everyone is treated with the urgency, care and attention our team demands.

Before that, April was a Senior Financial Representative within the Stock Plan group at E*TRADE Financial. She also spent six years at Bank of America, where she coached a team responsible for banking customer service and managed banking center operations.

A native of Georgia and Alabama, April earned her bachelor’s degree in History and certificate in Ethical Leadership from Kennesaw State University. She holds the Series 7 and 66 licenses.

April has volunteered with the Atlanta Mission, an organization dedicated to addressing the homeless community in our city. April is also an avid animal lover, and enjoys training.

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AVERY ROWE

AVERY ROWE

Operations Analyst 

 

Avery Rowe is an Operations Analyst for Merlin Wealth Management.  He joined our team in February 2021 and works closely with Service and Operations.  Avery has spent the last several years in the finance industry working with such firms as Advisor Group, Lincoln Financial and SunTrust Bank. His focus in his previous roles was on a variety of operational processes within the industry and to provide the support needed to ensure client needs were met.

Avery is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.   He is a native of Atlanta and enjoys spending time with his daughter.  Avery is an active member of his community volunteering with the MLK Service Project.

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JOHN WAGNER

JOHN WAGNER

Analyst

 

John Wagner is an Analyst on Merlin Wealth Management’s (MWM) Asset Management business.  He joined the team in January 2020 after holding investment analyst positions at Morgan Stanley and SignatureFD. 

John’s primary role is to support the efforts of the Merlin Wealth Management Asset Management in the maintenance, management, and structuring of the team’s five proprietary investment strategies. He is responsible for conducting fundamental analysis, risk management, and structuring of the team’s portfolios. John utilizes Rockefeller’s proprietary portfolio management tool and focuses on GIPS compliant reporting standards. John seeks to develop and further automate the teams forecasting and valuation tools. 

John graduated magna cum laude from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Business Administration and Management, with a Finance Concentration.

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RENE BRACEY

RENE BRACEY

Executive Assistant to Michael Merlin, AVP 

 

Rene Bracey is the Executive Assistant to Michael Merlin, a Private Wealth Advisor at Rockefeller Capital Management and the founder of Merlin Wealth Management. In 2010, she joined the Merlin team, which previously was part of Morgan Stanley.

Rene has more than 20 years of experience. In addition to her role as Executive Assistant, Rene also handles all Merlin Wealth Management events, volunteer initiatives, and charitable activities. She also serves on Merlin Wealth Management’s marketing committee.

She lives in Alpharetta with her husband, John, and two daughters. Rene and her family feel strongly about helping those less fortunate and volunteer for My Sister’s House, a homeless shelter for women and children.

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LINCOLN NYINGI

LINCOLN NYINGI

Associate Vice President 
Trading and Reporting Specialist 

 

As a Trader and reporting specialist for the Merlin Wealth Management Asset Management business at Rockefeller Capital Management, Lincoln executes trades across the firm’s proprietary equity and fixed income strategies. Lincoln holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentrations in finance and accounting. Lincoln’s financial services career has focused on trading Fixed Income and Equities on both an institutional and retail level. In his free time, Lincoln enjoys playing and watching rugby.

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STEFEN KUTZMAN

STEFEN KUTZMAN

Associate Vice President 
Client Associate 

 

Stefen Kutzman joined Merlin Wealth Management as a Client Associate in July 2021.  In his role, Stefen focuses on Operations and the Client Experience. Stefen’s financial services industry experience over the last nine years has included roles with GenSpring Family Offices, and Regions Bank – Private Wealth Management.  Prior to his career in financial services, Stefen worked as an accountant. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Georgia Tech in 2004, and a master’s degree in financial planning from the University of Georgia in 2013. Stefen also holds the Certified Financial Planner designation.  Stefen lives in Midtown Atlanta with his wife and two cats, and he enjoys bowling and following all Atlanta sports teams.  Stefen is an active member in his church.

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