RBC Wealth Management has strengthened its Southern California presence with the addition of two veteran advisors from Bank of America Private Bank. Lisa Behun and Dirk Harris, who together managed more than $2 billion in client assets at their previous firm, have joined RBC's La Jolla office. Behun arrives as a financial advisor and managing director, while Harris takes the role of financial advisor and senior vice president. They are supported by senior financial associate Kevin Wilson and senior client associate Erin Marshall.
Behun's practice focuses on high-net-worth families and business owners, integrating wealth strategy, financial planning, and credit with insights from behavioral finance. Harris, who has over 25 years of industry experience, specializes in helping affluent families and entrepreneurs navigate complex financial situations and plan for long-term goals. Marcel TenBerge, RBC's Southern California complex director, expressed enthusiasm about the hires, noting that clients often seek their guidance during pivotal life events such as liquidity events or retirement planning. He emphasized the team's comprehensive approach to wealth management and their ability to leverage RBC's platforms to enhance client service.
This recruitment marks the second time in roughly a month that RBC's La Jolla office has attracted an advisor from Bank of America Private Bank. Last month, Damon Couch, another former BofA Private Bank advisor, joined the same branch. RBC's summer recruitment push has also included billion-dollar-plus teams from Stifel and UBS, who joined the firm in Dallas and Palm Springs, respectively. These moves reflect RBC's aggressive expansion strategy in key wealth markets.
Meanwhile, Merrill has added Jeff Chanin, a veteran advisor from Wells Fargo, to its Boca Raton, Florida office. Chanin, who has a 30-year track record with FINRA, previously held positions at Merrill, Morgan Stanley, Citi, and Prudential. He reported overseeing approximately $240 million in client assets and generating about $2.8 million in annual production at his former firm. He is joined by registered client associate Tara Mirjah. The Boca Raton office is led by senior resident director Scott Kauffman and operates within Merrill's Florida Tropics Market, overseen by market executive Jason Edelmann.
In Michigan, Wells Fargo Advisors has recruited Robert Henry and Rex Stanczak from Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. in Ann Arbor. The two advisors bring nearly 60 years of combined experience and manage approximately $355 million in client assets. Support staff members Lori Lessel and Katti Jankowski have also made the transition to Wells Fargo. These additions are part of a broader trend of advisor movement across the industry, as firms compete for top talent to expand their regional footprints.
The ongoing reshuffling of advisors highlights the competitive dynamics within the wealth management sector. According to a recent industry report, advisor moves hit a record 11,172 in 2025, underscoring the fluidity of the talent market. Firms are increasingly offering enhanced platforms and support to attract experienced advisors who can bring substantial client assets. As these moves continue, advisors and their clients must weigh the benefits of new affiliations against the disruption of transitions.
For RIAs and broker-dealers, the competition for top producers remains intense. The ability to offer robust technology, research, and practice management support is often a deciding factor. As seen in these recent hires, large wirehouses are leveraging their resources to lure advisors from competitors, while also retaining their own talent. The trend is likely to persist as firms seek to expand in high-growth regions like Florida, California, and Michigan.
