Waverly Advisors
47yrs
Top advisor by experience in Birmingham
31yrs
Rick Lessley is a fiduciary financial advisor in Birmingham, Alabama, with 31 years in the industry. Rick joined Merrill in 2020, after 12 years at Wells Fargo Advisors. Merrill offers investment management, retirement plan consulting, and selecting outside investment managers and is paid through a percentage of assets, flat fees, and commissions.
One of 1247 advisors with offices in Birmingham, and one of 1090 fiduciaries.
At a glance
Experience31 years (since 1995)
How that compares ?Top 14% by experience at Merrill
Office569 Brookwood Village, Birmingham, AL 35209
FirmMerrill
How the firm is paid ?Percent of assets, Flat fee, Commissions
Typical client at the firm ?$860,085
Advisors at the firm25,559
States licensed ?2 states
Services through Merrill
Investment management for individuals and small businessesInvestment management for businesses and institutionsRetirement plan consultingChoosing other investment managersEducational seminars and workshopsOther services
Specialties, designations like CFP®, and languages spoken appear here when advisors claim their profiles.
Licenses
Exams passed, from the official record. Tap a license to see what it allows.
Career
- 2020 – nowMerrillCurrent firm
- 2007 – 2020Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLCPreviously
- 1995 – 2007MerrillPreviously
Questions to ask Rick
Tailored to Rick’s registration and firm.
- What's your succession plan, and who would work with me if you retire?
- At a firm this size, will I work with you directly or with a service team?
- If you use outside managers, how are they chosen and what do they cost on top of your fee?
- Where would my money be held, and will I get statements directly from that firm?
- What would I pay in total each year, in dollars, including fund and trading costs?
My notes and scorecard
Sign in to keep private notes, score your first meeting, and track this advisor alongside others.
About Rick
How do I contact Rick?
Call Merrill at 800-637-7455 and ask for Rick Lessley. Rick works from the Birmingham, AL office.
How long has Rick been a financial advisor?
Rick has been in the industry since 1995, about 31 years. Top 14% by experience at Merrill.
What licenses does Rick hold?
Series 63, Series 65. Tap any license on this page to see what it allows.
Is Rick a fiduciary?
Rick is registered as an investment advisor representative, which carries a fiduciary duty when giving investment advice.
How is Rick paid?
Merrill reports being paid by a percentage of the assets they manage, flat or fixed fees, commissions on some products. Ask Rick for your total yearly cost in dollars.
Official record as of October 3, 2026.
This profile is for information only and is not financial advice or a recommendation.
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