$800M Breakaway Merrill Lynch Team Launches Soteris Private Wealth as Independent Advisory Firm

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Soteris Private Wealth has launched an independent advisory firm focused on delivering disciplined planning and objective advice to help individuals and families preserve wealth, live with confidence, and shape an enduring legacy.

The name “Soteris” – derived from an ancient Greek word meaning “preservation” – reflects the firm’s commitment to helping clients safeguard their wealth and strengthen their financial foundations for the future.

The firm is led by Co-founders and Managing Partners Joshua Erickson, CFP®, CPWA®, CPFA™ and Rob Montierth, CFP®, CRPC®, CPFA™. Prior to Soteris, the partners managed a practice at Merrill Lynch in Walnut Creek, where they served more than 100 families and oversaw approximately $800 million in assets under management, with a focus on comprehensive financial planning and retirement strategies.

Mr. Erickson brings more than 20 years of financial and investment experience and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®), and a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA™). Mr. Montierth has over 15 years of wealth management experience and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®), and a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA™).

“Our purpose as advisors has always been to make a meaningful difference in the lives and outcomes of clients,” said Joshua Erickson. “As an independent firm, we now have the freedom to fully deliver on that purpose – helping clients reduce complexity, make thoughtful decisions, and ensure their wealth supports what matters most.”

Soteris Private Wealth combines deep, personalized planning with a rigorous proprietary process and a full suite of wealth management services, including financial and retirement planning, investment management, tax planning and strategies, risk and insurance solutions, estate and trust planning, and philanthropic services.

“We believe wealth should be protected, nurtured, and aligned with each client’s values and goals,” said Rob Montierth. “By serving as a central advisor, we take a disciplined and intentional approach – coordinating all aspects of a client’s financial life so everything works together more effectively.”

Soteris Private Wealth is supported by Sanctuary Wealth, an industry-leading platform for independent advisors offering an array of technology, infrastructure support, investment vehicles, and unique opportunities. The firm has selected BNY Pershing as its custodian, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding client assets.

Soteris Private Wealth is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and serves clients across the state, region, and throughout the United States.

About Soteris Private Wealth

Soteris Private Wealth is an independent investment advisory firm delivering disciplined planning, objective advice, and comprehensive wealth management services. The firm helps individuals and families preserve wealth, build financial confidence, and create legacies that endure across generations. To learn more, please visit: www.soterispw.com