Merrill Enhances Mobile App Abilities

Clients of Merrill Lynch have joined the ranks of other investors who can use financial institutions’ mobile apps to do business with their broker, bank and financial advisor; the new ML app also offers clients a new spending and budgeting tool that ties into Bank of America accounts.

According to Merrill, the new tool allows clients to categorize and track spending in all linked accounts at BofA and Merrill, see spending patterns that can highlight overages, manage day-to-day finances, customize a budget and identify ways to save money.

Released this week, the new mobile app also gives clients the ability to use their phone camera to scan and send documents to their financial advisors.

“By combining our customized solutions approach with our leading technology program, we’re helping clients connect with their financial advisors, see their full financial picture of banking and investments, and receive clear recommendations with ongoing advice as their lives and markets change,” said Andy Sieg, head of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, in a statement.

According to Merrill, active users of the firm’s mobile platform have increased 20% in the past year. In March, clients using the tool were able to enhance budgeting abilities, including accessing 14 spending categories that showed dynamic spending comparisons for the last 13 months.

The new app also will provide the ability of clients to see transactional activity for BofA credit cards and deposit accounts, real-time money transfers with Zelle, FICO score access and seven years’ worth of statements and documents.

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