Merrill Lynch is not in financial trouble; rather, the historic brand operates safely and securely as the premier wealth management and retail brokerage division of Bank of America, one of the largest and most well-capitalized financial institutions in the world. Following its acquisition by Bank of America during the global financial crisis, Merrill Lynch was integrated into a massive corporate parent boasting robust capital adequacy ratios, high liquidity reserves, and strong regulatory compliance backing. Its ongoing operations are fully insulated by Bank of America's multi-trillion-dollar balance sheet stability.