Scott Macdonald
Advisor at Merrill
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.
Advisor at Merrill
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.
Scott Macdonald is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and founder of the firm’s Special Needs Team. Since joining Merrill in 1987, he has dedicated his career to providing financial advice and guidance tailored to the unique needs of disabled, special-needs, and elder-abuse victims and their families. His practice focuses on wealth planning and investment management for Special Needs Trusts, court-supervised trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships, emphasizing collaboration with attorneys, caregivers, trustees, fiduciaries, and benefits counselors to support clients' near- and long-term financial well-being.
Scott holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics with Honors from the California State University system and carries the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He manages personalized investment strategies on a discretionary basis, integrating individual securities and model portfolios. Over his more than thirty years of experience, Scott has developed extensive expertise in the Uniform Prudent Investor Act, California Probate Code restrictions, and National Guardianship Standards. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for six consecutive years (2020–2025), he also received Merrill’s David Brady Community Service Award in 2016.
Outside of his professional work, Scott is involved with organizations such as the Rotary Club of Tahoe Incline and the Society for disAbilities. He resides in Incline Village, Nevada, with his wife and four children and enjoys boating, fishing, hiking, skiing, and spending time with his family.
Merrill Lynch, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
2003 - Present (23 years)
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