A longtime Merrill Lynch father-son team with $500 million in assets has left to join RBC Wealth Management in Chicago, according to a news release.

The Birkhauser Group is led by Ryan Birkhauser, managing director and financial advisor, and his father, John Birkhauser, vice president and senior financial associate. They are joined by Tabitha Kenney, associate vice president and senior financial associate, and Cassandra Spindler, client associate, the release said.

John Birkhauser had been at Merrill Lynch since 1979, when he started his career. He was joined there by his son, Ryan, in 2011, who had previously worked at a hedge fund in Chicago, according to his bio on the firm’s website.
  
In making the move to RBC, Ryan Birkhauser said they were looking for a firm with a smaller feel and strong culture, that also shares our focus on the client-advisor relationship. “The culture, along with the financial stability and global resources of RBC, make it the right place for us,” he said in a statement.

Justin Ferdula, RBC Chicago complex director, said just seeing how much the team cared about their clients throughout the due diligence process was an indication that they would be a great fit for RBC. “The Birkhauser Group takes pride in fostering deep client relationships that span generations and developing customized wealth management strategies to help clients navigate their lives.”

Founded in 1909, RBC Wealth Management–U.S. has $528 billion in total client assets with more than 2,100 financial advisors operating in 181 locations in 42 states.