BofA and Merrill Debut Private Market Program for Wealthiest Clients

Group 1: Introduction of New Program - Merrill and Bank of America have launched the Alts Expanded Access Program targeting ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients with a net worth of $50 million or more, set to debut this fall [2] - The program aims to provide access to specialized investment opportunities in emerging themes, niche strategies, and evolving sectors, which are not widely distributed [4] Group 2: Market Trends and Client Needs - There is a growing trend among wealthy Americans, particularly younger high-net-worth investors, showing increased interest in alternative investments, with many planning to boost their allocations in the coming years [4] - The shift towards non-traditional investments is driven by evolving wealth-building needs and market changes, as noted by Mark Sutterlin, head of alternative investments for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank [3] Group 3: Broader Commitment to Client Needs - The introduction of this program reflects the broader commitment of Bank of America to address the complex financial goals of UHNW clients [5]