Chuck Duddingston is a Senior Vice President, a Wealth Management Advisor, and a founder of the Duddingston Sylvester Group at Merrill.  With more than three decades of industry experience, Chuck works closely with individuals, families, and businesses to identify their financial needs and goals, and pursue those objectives with efficiency and care. He leads a robust team of wealth management professionals who work in concert to support clients in advancing their priorities, streamlining their financial lives, and enacting a more cohesive approach to their wealth. Chuck believes strongly that a trusted advisor should offer more than traditional money management. To that end, he supports clients in advancing their own “financial success stories,” providing them with the knowledge and insight they need to make informed decisions about their lives and legacies.

Chuck has garnered national recognition for his work. Forbes distinguished him as one of the Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023* (published annually Jan - April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.) His areas of focus include multi-generational wealth strategy; family business transition planning; legacy design; tax-sensitive investing; Corporate 401(k) plan design, administration, and transfer; and financial education and stewardship. He leads conversations across multiple generations that strive to engage, educate, and equip families for long-term financial success. A veteran team leader, Chuck also works closely with a client’s external tax and legal advisors, as appropriate, to facilitate clear communication and direction across multiple facets of a client’s personal and professional finances.

Chuck has worked at Merrill since 2014 and began his financial services career in 1984. He earned his B.A. from the University of Minnesota. Committed to professional excellence, Chuck holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation sponsored by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ at the Wharton School.  He is also a specially qualified Portfolio Manager at Merrill. As a Portfolio Manager, Chuck can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis his own personalized or defined strategies, which may incorporate individual stocks and bonds, model portfolios, and third-party investment strategies. 

Active in his community, Chuck has a long history of philanthropic involvement. Previously, he chaired the national board for the American Craft Council (ACC).

Chuck and his wife Andrea live in Uptown Minneapolis and have three daughters and two sons. In his free time, Chuck enjoys spending time with his family at their lake home, boating, and reading.

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.