William Blair &
47yrs
Top advisor for experience in Illinois
47yrs
Francis Roche
Financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
At a glance
Experience47 years (since 1979)
How that compares ?Top 1% for experience in Chicago
Office110 N Wacker DR, Chicago, IL 60606
How the firm is paid ?Percent of assets, Flat fee, Commissions
States licensed ?1 state
Services through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
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.
Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination
Career
- 1998 – nowMerrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith IncorporatedCurrent firm
Questions to ask Francis
Tailored to Francis’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?
About Francis
How do I contact Francis?
Call Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith at 800-637-7455 and ask for Francis Roche. Francis works from the Chicago, IL office.
How long has Francis been a financial advisor?
Francis has been in the industry since 1979, about 47 years. Top 1% for experience in Chicago.
What licenses does Francis hold?
Series 63, Series 65. Tap any license on this page to see what it allows.
Is Francis a fiduciary?
Francis is registered as an investment advisor representative, which carries a fiduciary duty when giving investment advice.
How is Francis paid?
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith reports being paid by a percentage of the assets they manage, flat or fixed fees, commissions on some products. Ask Francis for your total yearly cost in dollars.
Official record as of October 2, 2026.
This profile is for information only and is not financial advice or a recommendation.
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