New York, NY – March 26, 2018 – Focus Financial Partners (‘Focus’), a leading international partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms, today announced the formation of Sound View Wealth Advisors (‘Sound View’), an independent wealth management firm based in Savannah, Georgia. Sound View is led by former Merrill Lynch advisors Kelly Bouchillon, Melissa Bouchillon, Emerson Ham, III and Edward Ambrose. The firm was launched with the help of Focus Independence, a division of Focus that helps advisory teams successfully launch their independent wealth management businesses.

Sound View’s founders got their first taste of entrepreneurship in 1994 when they formed the Bouchillon & Ham Group within Merrill Lynch, which later evolved to Bouchillon, Ham & Dekle Group. For more than two decades, the team has offered comprehensive wealth management services to a growing client base across Georgia and beyond. Mr. and Mrs. Bouchillon bring in-depth experience in trust and estate planning and fixed income investing, while Mr. Ham and Mr. Ambrose serve as investment strategists and portfolio designers.

Following their move to independence, Mr. & Mrs. Bouchillon, Mr. Ham and Mr. Ambrose will be Senior Partners at Sound View. Mrs. Bouchillon will also serve as Managing Partner, and Mr. Ambrose as Partner. Lydia Moore will join the group as a Wealth Planning Advisor. The entire team is recognized not only for their professional achievements, but also for their dedication to the different communities through involvement in numerous civic organizations.

“We are honored to have been able to use our professional expertise to help families navigate various life stages over the last 20+ years,” said Emerson Ham, III, Senior Partner at Sound View. “Going independent is a natural step for us as we have always endeavored to put our clients first and believe this move will best enable us to do that. We are excited to work with Focus, who will preserve our autonomy and enable us to continue to operate under a fiduciary standard. With access to Focus’ capital and resources, we hope to continue to strengthen our business and further expand our service offerings,” Senior Partner Kelly Bouchillon added.

“Clients will continue to receive the sophisticated, holistic wealth management services they have come to expect from us. We are excited about continuing to serve our clients to the best of our abilities,” said Managing Partner Melissa Bouchillon.

“Sound View’s longstanding commitment to excellent client service and the founders’ drive to grow makes them a great fit for Focus,” said Chris Dupuy, President of Focus Independence. “The founding mission of the Focus Independence program is to help elite advisors fully realize their entrepreneurial potential and serve in the clients’ best interests. This fundamental principle is embedded in Focus’ foundation.”

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About Focus Financial Partners

Focus Financial Partners is a leading partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms. Focus provides superior access to best practices, resources, and continuity planning for its partner firms who serve individuals, families and institutions with wealth investment and family office services. Focus partner firms maintain their operational independence, while they benefit from the synergies, scale, economics and best practices of a market leader to achieve their business objectives. For more information about Focus Financial Partners, please visit www.focusfinancialpartners.com.

About Sound View Wealth Advisors

Based in Savannah, Georgia, Sound View Wealth Advisors is an independent fiduciary registered investment advisor firm. The firm offers comprehensive wealth management services for individuals, families and institutions. For more information, please visit www.soundviewwealthadvisors.com.

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Daijing Lin
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