Wilmington Trust has opened its first Washington, D.C., office targeting high-net worth-clients with $3 million or more in net worth.
The new office, located at 1350 I St. NW, opened in December and follows M&T Bank’s
Wilmington Trust had been interested in establishing an office in the D.C. area for some time, and the new office opening coincides with M&T’s already strong presence in the area, according to Managing Director Bill LaFond, who heads the new office.
“The timing made terrific sense, both because of our merger with M&T and because we think our business is growing,” LaFond said.
With the new office, Wilmington Trust has hired four new staff members from Wells Fargo. They include Albert Behar, who serves as senior fiduciary advisor; Bruce Hoffmeister, senior financial planner; Jast Sohi, senior private banker; and Eric Schoener, private client advisor.
An additional eight staff members come from M&T’s Bethesda office. They include Robin Bell, who serves as fiduciary advisor; Mike Derosa, private client advisor; Debra Spinetta, fiduciary advisor; Glynis Noyes, senior private banker; Luis Iraheta, assistant private banker; Shellie Peters, financial planner; and Candace Brintall, administrative assistant. Senior Private Banker Anita Lustig continues to be based out of Tyson’s Corner, Va.
The Greater Washington team of Wilmington Trust targets successful families and business owners, according to LaFond. The $3 million net worth threshold can include their house or business.
LaFond has been employed with Wilmington Trust for eight years, most recently leading the national business development for the firm’s family wealth group from Wilmington, Del., before he relocated to Washington, D.C. for his current position.
Lorie Konish writes for
