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Casey Franz Named to Lead Digital Strategy at Merrill LynchCasey Franz Named to Lead Digital Strategy at Merrill Lynch

Casey Franz replaces Kabir Sethi as its new head of platforms and capabilities.

Ali Hibbs, Reporter

May 23, 2022

2 Min Read
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Bank of America acquired Merrill Lynch in January 2009.

Merrill Lynch has named Casey Franz as its new head of platforms and capabilities.

Franz will lead digital transformation strategy and ongoing enhancements to the firm’s platforms, said Merrill, describing a “high tech and high touch” client experience delivered by its advisors.

Franz replaces Kabir Sethi, who left the role late last month to lead LPL Financial’s wealth management solutions group. She will report to Merrill Chief Operating Officer Kirstin Hill and work closely with Christian Kitchell, chief experience officer for the company’s wealth management businesses.

Casey Franz Merril Lynch

Casey Franz

“We are continuously investing in and advancing our digital capabilities to surpass the expectations of clients and advisors,” Hill said. “Casey’s experience and track record leading transformative initiatives make her the ideal person for this role.”

A graduate of Virginia Tech university with degrees in finance and accounting, Franz has been with Merrill for 11 years. She served as managing director of operations optimization before heading up Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness and SBA loan review for Bank of America for the past two years, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Having held a variety of digital, client service, product and operations roles across wealth management, Franz has extensive experience integrating wealth management platforms and experiences across the enterprise, Merrill noted.

Related:LPL Lures Merrill’s Head of Digital to Replace Burt White

Part of Bank of America Corp., Merrill provides wealth management and investment services through Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, claiming approximately $3.1 trillion in client balances—including assets under management, client brokerage assets and assets in custody of Merrill entities, as well as loan balances and deposits of Merrill clients held at Bank of America and affiliated banks—as of March 31, 2022.

About the Author

Ali Hibbs

Reporter, WealthManagement.com

Ali Hibbs reported on RIA and M&A for Wealthmanagement.com, as well as the ecosystem of supporting businesses. Originally from Texas, Ali covered local and state politics in New York’s Capital District before moving to New York City in the middle of a global pandemic.