Wirehouse advisors

Over a nine-year period, he allegedly defrauded clients of more than $2.1 million.

The Bay Area advisors had worked at Merrill for nearly two decades.

The bank has picked up a few notable recruits this year, including a $6.6 billion team in April.

Claims and counterclaims fly as arbitration panel orders an advisor to repay $1.66 million in promissory notes, but that's not the last word in this nearly five-year long dispute.

Advisor Chuck Cooper says he hopes the new practice will be a home for breakaway wirehouse and IBD-affiliated advisors.

This is the 14th new location the regional BD has opened so far this year.

Each of the three advisors has more than 20 years of experience in the business.

The bank has been courting wirehouse talent, but took a hit when a top team quit in June.

The new recruits come from Merrill Lynch and Stifel, with $165 million in total client assets.