Stephen Bernstein
Advisor at Merrill
Updated today
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Some details may be added by the advisor after claiming their profile. Refreshed daily • Updated today.
About
Stephen Bernstein is a Senior Financial Advisor and co-founder of GBM Wealth Management, a financial advisory team based in New Jersey. Since beginning his career in financial services with Merrill Lynch in 2014, he has developed a team committed to delivering personalized wealth management services to entrepreneurs, executives, retirees, and their families. His approach emphasizes anticipatory service, clear communication, and consistent processes to provide integrated wealth planning and portfolio strategies aligned with clients’ unique needs and goals.
Stephen's experience and expertise have been recognized through multiple honors, including listings on Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams" from 2023 to 2026, "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" in 2025, and "Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors Best-in-State" in 2024. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. Stephen earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The University of Miami.
Residing in Haddon Township, New Jersey, Stephen is active as the President of The University of Miami Alumni Association – Philadelphia Chapter. Outside of his professional work, he has interests in hiking, traveling—especially to Maine—and spending time with family. He is also engaged in community efforts focused on animal welfare and ecological preservation.
Client services
Portfolio management
Pension consulting
Selection of other advisers
Educational seminars or workshops
Performance measurement reports, allocation modeling, ips, research reports and services, see schedule d
Performance measurement reports, allocation modeling, ips, research reports and services, see schedule d
Expertise
Wealth management
Retirement income strategy
Business sale tax planning
Charitable giving & philanthropy
Demographic focus
Mid-Career Professionals
Established Professionals
Women Professionals
Work history
Bank Of America, N.a.
2015 - Present (11 years)
Merrill lynch, pierce, Fenner & Smith incorporated
2014 - Present (12 years)
Disclosures
Disclosures include customer complaints, regulatory actions, employment terminations, bankruptcies, and certain legal protections.
Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.
Business activities & affiliations
These affiliations may expand the services this firm offers and, in some cases, how they are compensated.
Is active or affiliated with:
Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
Broker-dealer / trader
They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.
Bank
They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.
Trust company
They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.
Real estate agent
They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.
Other specialized services
They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.
Is not active or affiliated with:
-
Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
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Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
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Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
Tyler C
Series 66
Camden, ME
Edward Jones
Hilary G
Series 63, Series 65
Islesboro, ME
Merrill
Hilary Giles is a Private Wealth Advisor at Merrill Private Wealth Management, leading the Giles Group which serves a select clientele including wealth creators in technology, healthcare, and private equity. Her practice focuses on delivering personalized and collaborative advice tailored to the unique dynamics and priorities of each client relationship. She specializes in investment management, liquidity event planning, cash-flow analysis, and trust and estate planning services, and is experienced in creating values-based portfolio strategies and developing custom philanthropic plans. Ms. Giles has extensive experience advising multi-generational families and guiding clients through pivotal financial events such as business sales, initial public offerings, significant venture distributions, and establishing family philanthropic plans. She holds a B.A. from Georgetown University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude, and an M.B.A. from Columbia University, where she was a Merit Fellow. She also holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Outside of her professional work, Hilary Giles is a member of the Tarratine Club of Islesboro Maine. She resides in Portola Valley, California, with her husband and enjoys basketball, boating, cooking, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Thomas G
CFP®, Series 66
Lincolnville, ME
Edward Jones
Timothy P
Series 66
Lincolnville, ME
Edward Jones
David W
Series 63, Series 66
Deer Isle, ME
Deer Isle Research & Management, LLC
James H
Series 63, Series 65
Rockport, ME
James Heavey Wealth Advisors, LLC
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