Which investment bank was founded by Charles Merrill in 1914?

The investment bank founded by Charles Merrill in 1914 was Merrill Lynch.

Charles E. Merrill opened Charles E. Merrill & Co. at 7 Wall Street in New York City on January 6, 1914. His business initially focused on securities and investment banking, helping broaden access to investments for American customers. Edmund C. Lynch joined Merrill a few months later, creating the partnership that became identified with both men’s names.

The firm’s name was officially changed to Merrill, Lynch & Co. in 1915, so references may describe 1914 as the founding of Merrill’s original firm and 1915 as the beginning of the Merrill Lynch partnership. The comma was eventually dropped from the name in 1938.

Merrill Lynch is also commonly confused with the modern company structure. Its retail brokerage business was spun off in 1930, while the firm later became a major financial-services company. Bank of America acquired Merrill Lynch during the 2008 financial crisis, and the Merrill brand continues in wealth management.