Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca logo

Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca in New York, NY

No stored Google rating available.

The Candella Group is a Merrill Lynch Wealth Management team in New York providing comprehensive financial advisory services to individuals, families, and small businesses.

Data compiled from public sources

Visit Website

Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca Review

The Candella Group operates as part of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, a division of Bank of America, and is based at 200 Park Avenue in New York. Led by Managing Director Ted Candella (Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor 2019-2022), the team includes five advisors with credentials including CKP®, CPFA®, CRPC™, CPWA®, and CFP® designations. Steven LaBanca serves as Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with CKP® and CPFA® credentials.

The firm offers a comprehensive suite of financial services including personal banking, lending products, investment management, retirement and savings account planning, insurance products, and wealth planning. They provide access to Merrill's investment solutions combined with Bank of America banking products, positioning themselves as a full-service financial partner. The team emphasizes personalized planning through tools like the Investment Personality Assessment to understand client investing preferences and behavioral finance principles.

The Candella Group distinguishes itself through a concierge-service model with ongoing advice and guidance, focusing on helping clients reach financial goals rather than pursuing assets under management as a primary metric. They explicitly target individuals, families, and small businesses with customized financial plans developed through initial discovery conversations about client priorities and obligations. The firm provides tiered access to multiple advisors with listed credentials and complementary experience context.

This is a legitimate, established wealth management firm operating within the Merrill Lynch/Bank of America infrastructure. However, prospective clients should note this is high-touch advisory for affluent clients with significant assets, not a service provider for credit repair, debt relief, or personal lending needs. The firm's positioning and team structure indicate a minimum asset threshold likely applies to new clients.

Services & Features

Commercial and personal lending solutions
Comprehensive wealth planning and financial goal setting
Concierge client service and relationship management
Estate planning consultation and coordination
Financial planning tools and calculators
Insurance product advisory and placement
Investment Personality Assessment and behavioral finance guidance
Investment management and portfolio strategy
Ongoing portfolio monitoring and rebalancing
Personal banking products through Bank of America partnership
Retirement account planning and optimization
Savings account structures and planning

Feature Checklist

AI-Powered Tools
Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Debt Validation
Credit Education
Goodwill Letters
Personal Advisor
All Three Bureaus
Credit Monitoring
Cease & Desist Letters
Identity Theft Protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Team includes Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor recognition (Ted Candella, 2019-2022)
  • Multiple advisors hold advanced credentials (CKP®, CPFA®, CRPC™, CPWA®, CFP®)
  • Comprehensive services spanning banking, lending, investing, retirement, insurance, and wealth planning
  • Access to both Merrill investment solutions and Bank of America banking products in single relationship
  • Concierge service model with ongoing guidance and relationship management
  • Investment Personality Assessment tool customizes approach to individual investor behavior and preferences
  • Established practice with team structure designed for affluent clients and small business owners

Cons

  • Located only at 200 Park Avenue New York—no geographic flexibility for non-NYC clients
  • Appears to be high-net-worth advisory with likely significant minimum asset requirements not disclosed
  • No pricing transparency, fee structures, or service level agreements visible on website
  • Limited information about specific investment strategies, performance, or product offerings
  • Not appropriate for consumers seeking credit repair, debt relief, or personal lending assistance

Research Secured Credit Card Options

While repairing your credit, a secured card can add payment-history context when it reports to the bureaus. Compare deposits, fees, bureau reporting, and any no-credit-check claims directly.

See Secured Card Profiles Card Eligibility Profiles

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Credit Repair consumers in New York, NY. It does not confirm that Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

New York Department of Financial Services

Consumer protection

New York Attorney General Consumer Frauds Bureau

Credit and debt help rules in New York

Relevant law: New York Credit Services Business Act (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law Article 28-BB, §§ 458-a through 458-k)

Registration: Required with New York Department of Financial Services

Upfront fees: Listed as prohibited in the current CreditDoc state summary

  • Credit services organizations must provide written disclosures before any contract is signed, including a statement of the consumer's right to cancel within 3 business days
  • Prohibited from charging or collecting fees before delivering promised services to the consumer
  • Cannot make false or misleading claims about ability to improve credit records or remove accurate negative information

Key state rules to check

  • Payday lending is banned; civil usury cap of 16% and criminal usury cap of 25% make it illegal.
  • The Department of Financial Services actively enforces against online payday lenders targeting NY residents.
  • Licensed lenders under the Banking Law may charge rates agreed upon for certain loan types.

Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca offer?

Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca offers 12 services including Personal banking products through Bank of America partnership, Commercial and personal lending solutions, Investment management and portfolio strategy, Retirement account planning and optimization, Savings account structures and planning, and 7 more.

What profile signals are listed for Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca?

Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca has profile signals associated with High-net-worth individuals and families seeking comprehensive wealth management and financial planning, Small business owners needing integrated banking, lending, and investment advisory services, NYC-based clients prioritizing personalized, concierge-level financial guidance.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca?

Key strengths: Team includes Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor recognition (Ted Candella, 2019-2022); Multiple advisors hold advanced credentials (CKP®, CPFA®, CRPC™, CPWA®, CFP®); Comprehensive services spanning banking, lending, investing, retirement, insurance, and wealth planning. Areas to consider: Located only at 200 Park Avenue New York—no geographic flexibility for non-NYC clients; Appears to be high-net-worth advisory with likely significant minimum asset requirements not disclosed.

How does Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca compare to similar companies?

In the Credit Repair category, comparable providers include Apex Credit Solutions, Inc., Contact USA, Credit Repair Specialists. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
1 Bryant Pk 5th Floor, New York, NY 10036
BBB Accredited
No
Visit Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca

The Candella Group is a legitimate Merrill Lynch Wealth Management team designed for affluent individuals, families, and small business owners seeking comprehensive financial advisory services—not a company that addresses credit repair, debt relief, or personal lending needs. This firm requires substantial assets and professional credentials, making it inappropriate for the current 'credit-repair' category classification.

Profile Signals

  • High-net-worth individuals and families seeking comprehensive wealth management and financial planning
  • Small business owners needing integrated banking, lending, and investment advisory services
  • NYC-based clients prioritizing personalized, concierge-level financial guidance
Updated 2026-05-14

Similar Companies

Apex Credit Solutions, Inc. logo

Apex Credit Solutions, Inc.

Apex Credit Solutions is a credit repair company offering dispute services, creditor interventions, and credit restoration programs since 2003. They provide personalized credit analysis and targeted assistance to help consumers address negative items on their reports.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Consumers with inaccurate negative items on credit reports seeking professional dispute assistance, Individuals overwhelmed by credit report complexity who want guidance context through the process

View Details
Contact USA logo

Contact USA

Founded in 1993, Contact USA claims to be America's oldest credit repair company, offering dispute services and credit monitoring across all 50 states.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Consumers with multiple derogatory items (collections, charge-offs, judgments) seeking experienced dispute representation, New York metro-area clients who prefer a local firm with a long track record

View Details
Credit Repair Specialists logo

Credit Repair Specialists

Super Lawyers is a legal directory and referral platform connecting consumers with credit repair and bankruptcy attorneys in Flushing, NY and surrounding areas.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Consumers seeking lawyer referrals specifically vetted through peer nomination, New York residents needing credit repair or credit-related legal representation

View Details

Compare Your Needs With Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca

Answer 3 quick questions to review category, service, and profile context.

1. What's your primary financial goal?

Related Questions

View all
Does credit score increase car insurance? Does credit score affect visa application? Does credit score affect opening checking Does credit score affect interest rate?

Quick Summary

  • Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca is listed as a Credit Repair provider in New York, NY on CreditDoc.
  • Use this page to check contact details, location, listed services, review signals, FAQs, and similar providers before deciding what to do next.
  • If you need a loan, account, installment option, credit help, or debt support, start with the fit quiz and compare alternatives before contacting a provider.
  • For broader context, continue into the free Credit Fundamentals course or a relevant financial wellness guide.

Next Steps

Find contact or location Check phone, address, map, and website availability. Check specific services See whether the provider lists the help you need. Review fit context Use the quiz to compare category, service, and public-rating fields. Compare alternatives Review similar providers before making contact. Improve your position The Ultimate Guide to Negotiating with Creditors Learn the basics Start the free Credit Fundamentals course.

Financial Wellness Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Negotiating with Creditors

Facing overwhelming debt? This guide provides actionable steps and scripts to negotiate with creditors, settle debts for less, and take back control of your finances.

Read guide →

How to Raise Your Credit Score in 90 Days (2026 Playbook)

A day-by-day action plan for raising your credit score in 90 days — covering disputes, utilization, accounts, and the specific moves that produce the fastest results.

Read guide →

How to Remove Charge-Offs From Your Credit Report (2026)

A charge-off is one of the worst marks on your credit report, but it's not permanent. Learn exactly how to dispute, negotiate, or wait out charge-offs to rebuild your credit.

Read guide →

Free Credit Fundamentals Course

Learn how credit scores work, how to dispute errors, and build credit from scratch. 10 modules, zero cost.

Borrowing Power Quiz

Find out how much you could borrow in 60 seconds. Free, private, no credit impact.
Financial Terms Explained (23 terms)

New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.

Interest & Rates

Penalty APR — Penalty Annual Percentage Rate

A higher interest rate that kicks in when you violate your card agreement — usually by paying late or going over your credit limit. It can be nearly double your normal rate.

Why it matters

One late payment can trigger a penalty APR of 29.99% on your entire balance, and it can last 6 months or longer. Read your card agreement to know the triggers.

Example

Your credit card rate is 19.99%. You miss a payment by 61+ days. The bank triggers a 29.99% penalty APR. On a $5,000 balance, that's $125/month in interest instead of $83.

Credit & Scoring

Credit Bureau — Credit Reporting Agency (Bureau)

A company that collects and sells information about your credit history. The three major bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Why it matters

Not all lenders report to all three bureaus, so your reports may differ. It can be useful to check all three reports because an error on one could affect the terms you see.

Example

Your car loan only reports to Equifax and TransUnion. Your Experian report doesn't show that good payment history, so your Experian score is 15 points lower.

Credit Freeze — Security Freeze / Credit Freeze

A free tool that locks your credit report so no one (including you) can open new accounts until you lift it. It's one of the strongest consumer protections against identity theft.

Why it matters

A credit freeze prevents criminals from opening loans in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. It's free by law and doesn't affect your credit score.

Example

Your data was in a breach. You freeze your credit at all 3 bureaus (takes 10 minutes online). A thief tries to open a credit card in your name — denied because the lender can't pull your frozen report.

Credit Mix — Credit Mix (Types of Credit)

The variety of credit accounts you have — credit cards (revolving), auto loans (installment), mortgage, student loans, etc. Having multiple types shows you can manage different kinds of debt.

Why it matters

Credit mix accounts for about 10% of your FICO score. Having only credit cards isn't as strong as having a card, an installment loan, and a mortgage.

Example

Borrower A has 3 credit cards. Borrower B has 2 credit cards, a car loan, and a student loan. Even with the same payment history and utilization, Borrower B may be scored differently.

Credit Report — Consumer Credit Report

A detailed record of your borrowing history maintained by credit bureaus. It lists every loan, credit card, payment history, collection, and public record tied to your name.

Why it matters

Credit reports can contain errors, so checking them periodically is useful. Checking your report regularly is the first step to reviewing and disputing errors.

Example

You pull your free report from AnnualCreditReport.com and find a $2,400 medical collection you already paid. You dispute it, the bureau verifies it's resolved, and your report reflects the updated status.

Credit Score

A 3-digit number (300-850) that summarizes how reliably you've handled borrowed money. Higher scores can affect lender risk assessment and the terms shown to you.

Why it matters

Your credit score is one factor lenders may use when reviewing eligibility and pricing. Score differences can materially affect total interest over a loan term.

Example

On a $250,000 30-year mortgage: different score ranges may be associated with different rates, monthly payments, and total interest.

Credit Utilization — Credit Utilization Ratio

The percentage of your available credit that you're currently using. If you have $10,000 in credit limits and owe $3,000, your utilization is 30%.

Why it matters

Utilization is the second-biggest factor in your credit score (after payment history). Lower utilization can support credit-score context; very low utilization is often viewed more favorably.

Example

You have 3 cards with a $15,000 total limit. You're carrying $4,500 in balances (30% utilization). Paying down to $1,500 (10% utilization) could change your score context.

FICO Score — Fair Isaac Corporation Score

The most widely used credit scoring model, created by Fair Isaac Corporation. FICO scores are widely used in lending decisions.

Why it matters

FICO has many versions (FICO 8, 9, 10). Mortgage lenders still use older versions (FICO 2, 4, 5), so your mortgage score may differ from what free apps show you.

Example

Your FICO 8 score (used for credit cards) is 740. Your FICO 5 score (used for mortgages) is 725 because it weighs collections differently. Same credit history, different scores.

Hard Inquiry — Hard Credit Inquiry (Hard Pull)

When a lender checks your credit report because you've applied for credit. Each hard inquiry can affect your score and stays on your report for 2 years.

Why it matters

Multiple hard inquiries in a short period suggest you're desperately seeking credit, which can be a risk signal. Exception: mortgage and auto loan shopping within 14-45 days counts as one inquiry.

Example

You apply for 5 credit cards in one month. Each application triggers a hard inquiry. Your score can change from the inquiries alone, making each subsequent application harder.

Soft Inquiry — Soft Credit Inquiry (Soft Pull)

A credit check that does NOT affect your score. Happens when you check your own credit, when lenders pre-qualify you, or when employers do background checks.

Why it matters

You can check your own credit as often as you want without penalty. Prequalification offers from lenders also use soft pulls, so comparison shopping can be done without a score impact.

Example

You use Credit Karma to check your score (soft pull — no impact). A credit card company sends you a pre-screened offer (soft pull). You then apply for the card (hard pull — small impact).

VantageScore

An alternative credit scoring model created by the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Same 300-850 range as FICO but uses a slightly different formula.

Why it matters

Many free credit monitoring apps show VantageScore, not FICO. Your VantageScore may be 20-40 points different from the FICO score a lender actually uses.

Example

Credit Karma shows your VantageScore 3.0 as 720. You apply for a mortgage and the lender pulls your FICO 2 score: it's 695. Different model, different number, different rate offered.

Fees & Costs

Late Fee — Late Payment Fee

A charge added to your account when you miss a payment deadline. Most credit cards charge $29-$41 per late payment, and many loans have similar penalties.

Why it matters

The fee itself hurts, but the real damage is to your credit score. A payment 30+ days late stays on your credit report for 7 years and can drop your score 60-110 points.

Example

Your credit card payment of $150 is due March 1. You pay on March 18. The bank charges a $39 late fee. If it's 30+ days late, it gets reported to credit bureaus and your 760 score drops to 670.

Service Fee — Monthly Service Fee

A recurring charge for maintaining a financial account or receiving ongoing services, such as credit monitoring, credit repair, or loan servicing.

Why it matters

Monthly service fees add up quickly. A $79/month credit repair service costs $948/year — make sure the value justifies the ongoing expense.

Example

A credit repair company charges $79/month to dispute items on your report. After 6 months ($474 spent), they've removed 3 negative items and your score went up 65 points. Was it Evaluation Guide Depends on your situation.

Setup Fee — Setup Fee / First Work Fee

A one-time fee charged at the beginning of a service, often by credit repair companies, to cover the cost of your initial credit analysis and account setup.

Why it matters

credit repair with provider claims to verify companies are NOT allowed to charge before they do work (per the Credit Repair Organizations Act). A setup fee before any results is a risk signal.

Example

Company A charges $99 setup fee before doing anything (potential CROA violation). Company B does a free audit first, then charges a $199 work fee only after completing work (legitimate).

Legal Terms

CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.

Why it matters

The CFPB is your most powerful ally against high-cost lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.

Example

A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.

CROA — Credit Repair Organizations Act

A federal law that regulates credit repair companies. It bans them from charging upfront fees, making false promises, and requires written contracts with a 3-day cancellation right.

Why it matters

CROA protects you from credit repair warning signs. If a company demands payment before doing any work, they're likely violating federal law. Companies following consumer-protection rules charge after results.

Example

A company says 'Pay $500 upfront and we claim we can remove all negative items.' That violates CROA on two counts: upfront fees and specific result claims. Companies following consumer-protection rules charge monthly after work begins.

FCRA — Fair Credit Reporting Act

The federal law that regulates how credit bureaus collect, share, and use your information. It gives you the right to see your report, dispute errors, and limit who can access it.

Why it matters

FCRA is the legal basis for disputing errors on your credit report. Bureaus are required to investigate within 30 days and remove inaccurate information. You may have a right to sue if they violate your rights.

Example

You dispute an incorrect collection on your Equifax report. Under FCRA, Equifax has 30 days to investigate. If they can't verify it, they are generally required to remove it. If they ignore your dispute, you may have a right to sue for damages.

FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and are required to stop contacting you if you request in writing.

Why it matters

Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you may have a right to sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.

Example

A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.

Debt & Recovery

Charge-Off

When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.

Why it matters

A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.

Example

You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).

Collections — Debt Collections

When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.

Why it matters

Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.

Example

An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.

Credit Cards

Balance Transfer — Credit Card Balance Transfer

Moving debt from one credit card to another, usually to take advantage of a lower interest rate (often 0% for 12-21 months). There's typically a 3-5% transfer fee.

Why it matters

A 0% balance transfer can save hundreds in interest and help you pay down debt faster. But borrowers are required to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, or the rate jumps.

Example

You owe $8,000 at 22% APR ($147/month in interest). You transfer to a 0% APR card with a 3% fee ($240). For 18 months, $0 interest. If you pay $444/month, you're debt-free before the promo ends.

Minimum Payment — Minimum Payment Due

The smallest amount borrowers are required to pay each month to keep your account in good standing — usually 1-3% of the balance or $25, whichever is more. Paying only this amount keeps you in debt for years.

Why it matters

Minimum payments are designed to keep you paying interest as long as possible. On a $5,000 balance at 22%, minimum payments would take 20+ years and cost over $8,000 in interest.

Example

You owe $5,000 at 22% APR. Minimum payment: $100/month. At that rate, it takes 9 years to pay off and you pay $5,840 in interest — more than you originally borrowed.

Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.

Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Steven LaBanca and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Compensation does not determine whether a provider can be covered; visible star ratings use stored Google review ratings when available. Learn more.