THE HABAYEB GROUP 

Professional Profile

The Habayeb Group at Merrill Lynch was founded with the goal of delivering the vast resources of one of the world’s most prestigious wealth management firms with all of the intimacy and personal service of a boutique. By taking a more holistic approach to the wealth management process, we aim to assist clients with every aspect of their financial lives.

Our group consists of experienced professionals who take a “hands on” approach to financial guidance. Not only are our team members extremely knowledgeable, but they truly care about helping each client pursue financial stability and independence. We do everything in our power to keep clients focused on where they want to go, advise them on how to get there, and continually remind them of the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach in realizing their dreams.

ZIAD HABAYEB
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT-INVESTMENTS
WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR

Ziad has 23+ years of experience in the financial industry, ranging from banking to security investments. Ziad is a graduate of the University Of South Florida with a B.A. in Business Administration and economics. Ziad began his career at Barnett Bank, Inc. As a financial credit analyst, then joined PaineWebber / UBS as a vice president of investments, and most recently served as senior vice president and portfolio manager at Citigroup Smith Barney. Ziad and his team of five members compromise “The Habayeb Group”.

Additionally, with every recommendation and strategy, Ziad focuses on limiting risk while helping to educate clients about how his investment choices work to support their long-term goals. From retirement planning and insurance solutions to banking and lending resources, Ziad is dedicated to reinforcing his clients’ complete financial lives.

In 2009, Barron’s Magazine recognized Ziad as one of the top 1000 Financial Advisors in the U.S.

Ziad enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures and history. His passion for the culinary arts and cooking stems from his Mediterranean upbringing. Additionally, Ziad is an avid humanitarian, with involvement in numerous charitable organizations in the local community and abroad.


EMILE HABAYEB
FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Emile Habayeb strives to make a difference in investors’ financial lives with in-depth service based on a boutique team approach, complete support and world-class resources. He believes genuine relationships are the foundation of effective wealth management, and he focuses on building true rapport and understanding with our clients. As one of The Habayeb Group’s five members, he shares the team’s commitment to supporting individuals and families’ complete financial needs. Emile believes his team brings a depth of experience and informed, insightful perspective that can help clients protect, preserve and pass on their wealth — no matter their family structures.

Prior to Joining Merrill Lynch, Emile began his financial services career at Smith Barney in 2007. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Florida Gulf Coast University. Emile currently resides in Fort Lauderdale, where he is actively involved in a number of charitable organizations.



DILLON CUTHBERTSON
FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Dillon was a negotiator at the Runyan Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he assisted in the mitigation of distressed assets.
Dillon was a summer associate at Spillane Law Offices in Boston, MA in both 2007 and 2008. During law school, he served as a Legal Intern at the office of GLAD, providing legal assistance to persons throughout New England relative to discrimination, forming families, or seeking benefits and protections under the law.
Additionally, Dillon worked as an Intern in the mediation/negotiation department at Insight Partners, where he co-authored case studies for newly formed mediation courts in Cambodia through Insight’s non-profit sister corporation Insight Collaborative.

Dillon received his B.A., cum laude, in International Affairs from the Florida State University (2006), while interning at the James Madison Institute where he researched and analyzed germane issues in Florida. He received his J.D. from the New England School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts (2009), where he was awarded Deans List in both 2008 and 2009. Additionally, Dillon completed the Program in Negotiation at Harvard Law School (2008). Dillon joined Merrill Lynch in 2011.

Dillon is an active participant in the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association where he plays second base in the softball league. Additionally, Dillon is an avid tennis player, swimmer and golfer.

Dillon does not give legal advice in his current role with Merrill Lynch.


SUSAN PEETS
REGISTERED CLIENT ASSOCIATE

Susan has over 15 years of experience in the securities industry. Her focus is on managing team processes, client communications, and day-to-day client service. Susan currently holds her Series 7 and 66 licenses.

A native Chicagoan, Susan currently resides in Lighthouse Point with her husband and three children. She is the quintessential “baseball mom” when not traveling and spending time with friends. Additionally, Susan is an avid runner and wine connoisseur.


MEREDITH STRICKLAND
REGISTERED CLIENT ASSOCIATE

Meredith has over 20 years of experience in the securities industry. Her professional experience ranges from operational functions, client relations, and account management. On a day-to-day basis, Meredith assists with trade support, client inquires, and maintains our client service commitment.

Meredith currently resides in Plantation with her husband and son.