James Brost

Matthew Howell is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, providing financial advisory services since 1996. He works alongside partners Rupert Watson and Brad Stouffer, as well as Registered Wealth Management Client Associates Jo Ann Loubet, Sue Appleby, and Chloe Zaft. Together, they bring over 100 years of combined investment experience to their clients in the Scottsdale area. Mr. Howell holds several professional designations, including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP), CERTIFIED PLAN FIDUCIARY ADVISOR (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa. His expertise includes college education planning, divorce transition planning, family wealth management strategies, LGBT wealth planning, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, socially responsible and ESG investing, women and wealth, tax minimization, and retirement income planning. Committed to community involvement, Mr. Howell volunteers with Family Housing Resources in Tucson, Arizona, and previously contributed as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. Outside of his professional work, he has an interest in adventure sports and outdoor activities such as mountain biking, skiing, backpacking, and mountaineering.

Christiane Copeland is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She joined the firm in 1996 and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. As a qualified Portfolio Manager, Christiane offers clients personalized investment strategies that may include individual securities, Merrill Lynch model portfolios, and third-party investment options. She services clients through the firm’s Investment Advisory Program, where she can manage portfolios on a discretionary basis. Christiane earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona following two years of collegiate basketball at Cochise College. Her advisory expertise covers areas such as college education planning, family wealth management, retirement income, tax minimization, legacy planning, and investment strategy for individuals and corporations. Recognized for her professional achievements, she has been named to Forbes' "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list from 2019 through 2022. Outside of her professional work, Christiane resides in Bellaire with her husband and family. She enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, cycling, and attending Houston Texans football games. Her client approach emphasizes understanding individual priorities to create adaptive wealth management strategies aligned with clients’ life goals.