Oregon advisers blaze their own trail

Team from Merrill Lynch that advises on $700M in assets forms RIA partnership

A group of Portland, Ore.-based Bank of America Merrill Lynch veterans that advises on more than $700 million in client assets has broken away to form its own registered investment advisory firm, according to a statement issued Tuesday by the firm's platform provider.

Three advisers — David Christian, Jeffrey Krum and Brian Hefele — are starting Cable Hill Partners, according to the new firm's investment and technology platform provider, Dynasty Financial Partners. The advisers will be joined by three client service associates, the statement said.

Fidelity Investments will be the firm's primary custody and clearing service provider.

Mr. Christian was ranked as a Barron's top adviser in Oregon for 2014, the statement said. The three advisers hold a number of credentials: two certified financial planners, two certified investment management analysts and one chartered adviser in philanthropy.