Merrill Lynch—widely known as Merrill and formally operating as Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated—is a primary wealth management, brokerage, and investment subsidiary affiliated with Bank of America Corporation. Following Bank of America's acquisition of Merrill Lynch, the brokerage and investment operations were fully integrated into the corporate family, utilizing Bank of America's extensive banking infrastructure. Investment accounts, advisory services, and securities products offered through Merrill maintain close operational ties with Bank of America, allowing clients to seamlessly combine their everyday consumer banking, checking accounts, and mortgages with high-end wealth management and brokerage portfolios.