Former Merrill Lynch Executives Launch Indivisible Partners, a New Independent Advisory Firm

Posted on January 13th, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Former Merrill Lynch Executives Launch Indivisible Partners, a New Independent Advisory Firm

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

John W. Thiel, the former head of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, has announced plans to launch Indivisible Partners, an independent registered investment advisory (RIA) firm, in early 2025. Thiel will serve as the executive chairman, joined by several former Merrill executives who have previously transitioned out of corporate roles.

According to AdvisorHub, Indivisible’s regulatory licenses are still pending; however, Thiel and his team have reportedly engaged with Merrill advisors to gauge interest in joining the new RIA. Key leaders include John Hogarty, former Merrill Chief Operating Officer, now taking the same role at Indivisible; Paul T. Lambert and Bill Lorenz, former Merrill divisional managers, now co-presidents; and Tom Fickinger, a past Merrill divisional leader, as president of advisor teams. Stephen Hostetler, who recently left Merrill, will be Indivisible’s chief compliance officer, while former Merrill COO successor, Michael Adornetto, will oversee operations and service.

AdvisorHub also reports that Indivisible’s team includes executives with backgrounds from Fidelity Investments and American Century Investments. Peter Cieszko, formerly at Fidelity’s Institutional Services, will lead client solutions, while Tom Corra, a former Fidelity executive, will serve as chief financial officer. Alok Kapoor, another Fidelity alum, is listed as a founding member.
 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I learned two important things working with Eccleston Law. First, I made a friend and ally with Jim and Steph for life. Secondly, and this is a crucial life lesson - if you need counsel, then seek out the very best. Jim was referred to me by a most trusted source. I've never had to hire an attorney for anything. Now, I know the value of hiring an important partner. Meticulous, thorough and detailed in preparation is the best way to describe Jim. Brilliant too, I might add. Bottom line, I would highly highly recommend Jim and Stephany for your legal needs. One of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Howard S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

February 2, 2026
California Investors Allege Unsuitable DST Recommendations in FINRA Arbitration

Two investors from the San Francisco Bay Area have filed a FINRA arbitration claim against brokerage firm Realized Financial and its financial advisors.

January 30, 2026
FINRA Arbitration Panel Orders J.P. Morgan to Amend Form U-5, Flags Potential Pattern of Conduct

A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel recently issued an unusually detailed decision in a dispute between J.P. Morgan Securities and former advisor Joshua David Sappi Biering, shedding rare light on how a firm may deploy - and sometimes abuse - the Form U-5 during advisor departures.

January 29, 2026
OFAC Targets Individual Trustee, Sending a Clear Warning to Fiduciaries and Family Offices

In a rare move, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) penalized a former U.S. government official, underscoring that professional gatekeepers can face personal liability for sanctions violations tied to trust administration.