Jim Hays
President & CEO of Wells Fargo Advisors, and Head of Merrill Lynch Private Banking & Investment Group
Jim Hays is one of the most respected and accomplished executives in the financial services industry, bringing decades of high-level leadership and innovation across wealth management, private banking, and financial advisory platforms.
Jim most recently served as CEO and President of Wells Fargo Advisors, where he also oversaw Wealth Brokerage Services, Private Bank President, and the Private Client Group, leading thousands of financial advisors and driving performance across a comprehensive national platform. His leadership was instrumental in modernizing the advisor-client experience, enhancing productivity, and strengthening the firm’s competitive positioning.
Prior to his role at Wells Fargo, Jim was the Head of the Private Banking & Investment Group at Merrill Lynch, where he helped shape the firm’s high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth strategy, emphasizing customized advice, elite advisor development, and integrated banking solutions for sophisticated clients.
Beyond his role at Fispoke, Jim continues to play a prominent role in shaping the future of wealth management. He serves as a Board Member at Commonwealth Financial Network and Executive Chairman of IFC Advisors. He also advises several innovative fintech and wealth platforms, including SMArtX, BridgeFT, and VRGL Wealth Management, reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing the industry through technology, transparency, and client-centric innovation.