Raj Kalyandurg

Raj Kalyandurg

Raj Kalyandurg is an esteemed Private Wealth Management Advisor for Merrill Lynch with more than 25 years of experience. Outside his professional life, Raj Kalyandurg is a philanthropy-driven individual who is actively taking steps to better his community and the people around him through nonprofit leadership and investment. 

“Having 23 doctors in my family, I grew up thinking that I would follow in their footsteps and go into medicine. However, I realized in college that, through finance, I could help empower people to own their wealth and pave a life of impact.” 

At the University of Texas at Dallas, Raj Kalyandurg studied Economics and Finance, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1998. As a student, Raj began day trading as he learned more about financial markets and honed his craft. His professor noticed his passion, and impressed by his ingenuity and drive, introduced him to a recruiter for Merrill Lynch, where he then interned before finishing his degree. He accepted a position with the company right out of college and has continued his career with Merrill for the past 25 years.

Awards and Accolades

During his career, Raj Kalyandurg has received the following professional recognition.

  • Forbes: Team Member – Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (2023)
  • Forbes: Team Member – America’s Top Wealth Management Teams: Private Wealth (2022)
  • #14 – Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors (2022)
  • Barron’s “Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams” list in 2022 and 2021

Rapid rise through the ranks

Upon setting out on his career, Raj quickly proved himself as a trusted advisor and colleague. He currently serves his and team’s clients as the role of Managing Director. Raj holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) designation, an advanced professional certification for advisors who serve high-net-worth clients.

Connecting to a Greater Purpose

Raj Kalyandurg’s professional endeavors have opened doors for him to give back. Raj is in constant pursuit of his philanthropic passions, always finding new ways to leverage his talents and experts to support organization that change lives and communities. With a particular passion for organizations focused on young people and at-risk youth, Raj views philanthropy and civic involvement as not only his responsibility to others, but a critical cornerstone in a purposeful life.

For the last 20 years, Raj has been privileged to work with Pratham, an NGO disrupting illiteracy among children around the world, and currently sits on the board. Financial literacy is one of his major passions, and he believes that focusing on childhood education can help set the stage for a financially successful future.

“Pratham is an organization that is really close to my heart, and I have been fortunate enough to see firsthand the positive work they are doing in India.”

“Homelessness is something that can affect all walks of life. Many people do not have a parachute when it comes to money and basic needs, and it highlights the need for financial literacy and access to resources. We tend to underestimate just how thin the line can that separates people from being unhoused.”

Through his board member position with The Salvation Army, Raj is able to give back locally to support unhoused people. 

Raj is currently the immediate past chairman of the U.S.-India Chamber of Commerce, which focuses on feeding homeless children and providing basic needs for struggling families.

In addition, he serves on the boards of the American Indian Foundation and the Montessori New Beginnings Academy.

“The Chamber of Commerce also provides opportunities for mentorship and teaching financial literacy, both of which are very important to me. Being able to help people in times of need is something that I find very rewarding.”

In the News

Forbes Profile: Raj Kalyandurg

Barron’s Advisor Directory: Raj Kalyandurg

US News Financial Advisor Directory: Raj Kalyandurg

40 Under 40 Alumni: Raj Kalyandurg | People on the Move