Alyssa M. Soto
Lambertville,USA
Summary
Accomplished professional in workplace benefits and retirement plan operations, with a robust understanding of ERISA regulations. Collaborates closely with workplace benefits specialists and advisors to assess client needs and deliver tailored solutions, ensuring smooth implementation and improved client satisfaction.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Workplace Benefits Sales Support
Bank of America
Pennington, USA
08.2024 - Current
- Partner with Workplace Benefits Specialists and Advisors to support the sales process for retirement and workplace benefits solutions, including Defined Contribution, Defined Benefit, Nonqualified Deferred Compensation, Equity Compensation, and Health Benefits.
- Support collaboration with Employee Benefits and Investing (EBI) to identify client needs and assist with retirement plan opportunities within existing relationships.
- Prepare proposals, RFP responses, and client meeting materials to support business development efforts.
- Coordinate the end-to-end sales process by working with implementation, underwriting, pricing, legal, operations, and product specialists to facilitate successful client onboarding.
- Research client information and assist advisors in developing tailored retirement and workplace benefits strategies.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for advisors throughout the sales cycle, ensuring timely communication and resolution of client requests.
- Manage and maintain an active sales pipeline, ensuring accurate tracking of opportunities from prospecting through close.
- Maintain knowledge of retirement plan regulations, ERISA requirements, and industry trends to support advisors and clients effectively.
Registered Wealth Management Associate
Merrill Lynch
Doylestown, USA
01.2020 - Current
- Supported eight-person advisory team managing approximately $1 billion in client assets to enhance retirement plan growth.
- Collaborated with financial advisors on retirement income planning and wealth management strategies, driving new business development.
- Identified opportunities to strengthen retirement investment and banking relationships through consultative client engagement.
- Contributed to asset retention initiatives across IRAs, trusts, brokerage accounts, education savings plans, and advisory portfolios.
- Facilitated execution of securities transactions and complex money movement activities, ensuring seamless client onboarding.
- Assisted with retirement plan distributions and estate settlement processes to transition significant client assets effectively.
- Maintained Salesforce CRM records and documentation for pipeline tracking, sales activity management, and regulatory compliance.
- Advanced overall asset gathering efforts by fostering strong relationships across complex client interactions.
Co-Owner
PairMe Products LLC
Lambertville, USA
06.2013 - 01.2020
- Invented and developed patented wearable technology products, leading end-to-end commercialization from concept through early-stage market development.
- Delivered product and business pitches to investors, retailers, and manufacturers across the United States, securing interest in commercialization opportunities and validating market demand.
- Earned media exposure through features on The Today Show, 6 ABC Action News, and Fox 29 Philadelphia News, highlighting product innovation and entrepreneurial execution.
- Holds multiple issued patents in the United States, with additional granted international patents in Canada and the United Kingdom, protecting core wearable technology intellectual property.
- Coordinated with overseas manufacturers to support product development, prototyping, and potential production capabilities.
- Negotiated licensing and partnership agreements with manufacturers and strategic partners to monetize intellectual property and support go-to-market execution.
- Led business development initiatives including investor presentations, retail positioning strategy, and commercialization planning for scalable market entry.
Retirement Product Manager
Merrill Lynch
Pennington, USA
06.2010 - 06.2013
- Led implementation and launch of new state-sponsored 529 savings plans.
- Negotiated sales agreements with state program managers.
- Delivered advisor education and retirement product training.
- Directed cross-functional implementation projects.
- Served as liaison between product partners and financial advisors.
GWIM Operations Team Manager
Merrill Lynch
Pennington, USA
05.2007 - 06.2010
- Managed team of associates who assist clients directly with retail, retirement, and college saving plans distributions.
- Streamlined business model to enhance client service by expanding paperless offerings using Six Sigma methodology.
- Facilitated training programs for associates to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Conducted monthly one-on-one meetings with direct reports to identify improvement opportunities and provide targeted feedback and coaching.
- Led monthly team meetings presenting information on current events, updates to service model, and revisions to non-qualified and qualified plans.
- Reviewed metrics and dashboards to measure performance and areas for improvement.
- Interviewed candidates and maintained a fully staffed team.
Assistant Supervisor
Merrill Lynch
Pennington, USA
12.2005 - 05.2007
- Managed retirement operations team supporting retail and retirement distributions.
- Coached associates and improved service quality using Six Sigma methodologies.
- Led performance management, training, and process improvement initiatives.
Retirement Plan Advisor
Merrill Lynch
Pennington, USA
10.2004 - 12.2005
- Acted as subject matter expert, clarifying retirement plan policies and procedures for compliance.
- Supported retirement plan operations, enhancing service delivery for financial advisors nationwide.
- Assisted leadership in developing and implementing coaching and training programs to drive operational excellence.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Wilmington University
Wilmington, DESkills
- Sales proposal preparation
- Client relationship management
- Retirement planning
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Sales coordination
- Written and oral communication skills
- Emotional intelligence
- Active listening skills
- Collaboration and partnership
- Presentation skills
Certification
- Series 7 – General Securities / Registered Representative
- Series 66 — Uniform Combined State Law Examination
- Life and Health Insurance License
- Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor
- Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1 Candidate
- Certified Six Sigma Greenbelt
Awards
- Top Sales Award, 2025
- Together We Win Platinum Award, 2025
Timeline
Workplace Benefits Sales Support
Bank of America
08.2024 - Current
Registered Wealth Management Associate
Merrill Lynch
01.2020 - Current
Co-Owner
PairMe Products LLC
06.2013 - 01.2020
Retirement Product Manager
Merrill Lynch
06.2010 - 06.2013
GWIM Operations Team Manager
Merrill Lynch
05.2007 - 06.2010
Assistant Supervisor
Merrill Lynch
12.2005 - 05.2007
Retirement Plan Advisor
Merrill Lynch
10.2004 - 12.2005
Bachelor of Science -
Wilmington University