The latest moves in North America's wealth management sector.

Raymond James has appointed former Merrill Lynch market executive Jeremy Silvas to join its operations in Dallas, Texas.

Silvas had previously worked in the Greater Houston area for Merrill Lynch, and worked in that area for 17 years. In his new role his focus will change slightly; he will be responsible for the North Texas/Arkansas Complex, including branches in a number of locations. Silvas is taking over from former manager Michael Hilger, who will switch over management responsibilities in the coming 14 months.

Previous responsibilies included a period as market executive and director at Merrill Lynch in Louisiana, Mississipi and Texas. Silvas is a graduate of Stephen F Austin State University.

Commonwealth
Commonwealth Financial Network, which says it is the largest privately held RIA/independent broker-dealer in the US, has added Michigan-based Center for Wealth Management to its network.

Center for Wealth Management used to be affiliated with MML Investors Services. The team, which brings over $220 million in account assets, includes associates Robert J Moore, Justin M Williamson and Jeffrey R Steele. The group focuses on pre-retirees and retirees, but has also developed a niche business looking after engineers and young professionals.

Commonwealth was founded in 1979 and is based in Massachusetts and California. In total, it has about 1,950 financial advisors nationwide.