At a time when many banks and financial institutions are cutting costs and reducing staff, Bank of America has announced it will be expanding some services in two states. The banking giant recently said it was looking to hire more than 160 professionals with finance and investment experience on their resume in Southern California and Arizona by the end of the first quarter of 2012. The hires will serve as Merill Edge Financial Solutions Advisors (FSAs) in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and Phoenix as part of the companies' commitment to expand its offerings to its preferred customers with assets between $50,000 to $250,000. Linda Shelby, west division manager for Bank of America, said the new FSAs will offer their financial expertise to help often underserved customers manage their banking and investment needs. "By placing more Merrill Edge FSAs in banking centers throughout the Southern California and Arizona, we will be able to offer our Preferred customers in-person attention and support with their saving, investing and financial planning," Shelby added. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment for personal financial advisors are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, by 30%, through 2018. |