UBS Hired Two Financial Advisors in California
The veteran advisory team, previously with Merrill Lynch, oversees over $575 million in client assets.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Financial Planning
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UBS has recruited financial advisors John Pham and Jimmy Yip to its California operations. The team, which managed $575 million in assets and generated $7.5 million in revenue, joined the firm with three client associates.
Why it matters
This move strengthens the presence of the UBS San Francisco Market in the Silicon Valley region. The acquisition highlights the ongoing competition among major financial firms to secure high-performing advisory teams with established client bases.
The team brings $575 million in assets and $7.5 million in annual revenue to UBS. John Pham contributes over 22 years of experience to the firm, while Jimmy Yip has been active in financial services since 2004.
The players
John Pham
He is a veteran financial advisor with over 22 years of industry experience.
Jimmy Yip
He is a financial advisor who has worked in the financial services industry since 2004.
UBS
This global financial services firm provides investment banking and wealth management services.
Merrill Lynch
This wealth management division of Bank of America provides financial advisory and investment services.
The details
John Pham and Jimmy Yip moved their practice from Merrill Lynch to the UBS San Francisco Market to serve clients in Palo Alto and San Jose. They are supported by a staff of three client associates who joined the team as part of the transition.
Timeline
Jimmy Yip began his career in financial services in 2004.
The advisory team officially joined UBS on September 25, 2026.
Market Landscape
The move reflects the ongoing wealth management advisor recruitment war among wirehouses, where firms compete for established talent. This acquisition follows the industry pattern of wirehouses aggressively poaching established teams to capture high-net-worth assets.
Clients of the team will transition their accounts to the UBS platform under the continued management of Pham and Yip. This shift may introduce new service offerings or account fee structures consistent with UBS standards.
The takeaway
Clients should review their current portfolio agreements to ensure alignment with the new firm's account guidelines. Establishing early contact with the team during this transition period can help clarify changes to service accessibility.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest professional moves in the Financial Planning sector.
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