BNY has appointed veteran wealth executive Brian Riley as Global Head of BNY Wealth to lead strategy, growth and client experience across its global wealth platform.
BNY has appointed Brian Riley as Global Head of BNY Wealth, marking a significant leadership addition as the firm looks to capitalise on continued momentum in the global wealth management market. Riley said he was delighted to join the organisation, citing the sector’s strong growth trajectory and BNY’s longstanding reputation as key reasons for taking on the role. He highlighted the firm’s client-focused culture, centuries-long legacy of trust and emphasis on innovation as factors that make this an opportune moment to help shape the next phase of growth for clients and advisers alike.
In his new position, Riley is responsible for setting the strategic direction of BNY Wealth, driving business expansion and enhancing the client experience across the platform. He brings more than 20 years of industry experience, having held senior leadership roles across wealth and private banking businesses in the United States.
Most recently, Riley led the Western United States business at Rockefeller Capital Management, where he played a central role in scaling the private-equity-backed firm to more than $175 billion in assets. Before joining Rockefeller, he served as Executive Vice President of Private Wealth Management at First Republic Bank, where he transformed the division into a boutique-style investment firm focused on high-net-worth clients and almost tripled assets under management within four years.
Earlier in his career, Riley spent 19 years at Merrill Lynch, beginning as a financial adviser in Baltimore before moving into full-time leadership in 2001. During his tenure, he ran the firm’s largest branch office, acted as Regional Managing Director for the Private Bank serving ultra-high-net-worth clients and oversaw West Coast operations across corporate services, venture services and an Asian-focused wealth management business.
