HONG KONG - Merrill Lynch Wealth Management has hired a former regional director from Smith Barney, Wilson So, to head its global wealth management advisory business in North Asia, acording to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

So will start his new role in early December and report to Anthony Hung, head of Asia-Pacific Wealth Management.

Wilson, a 28-year industry veteran, will be responsible for developing the bank's presence in North Asia, honing its strategy and working closely with the global team.