BofA reaches hiring goal to serve 'preferred' customers; new products start in S.C.

Bank of America announced Monday that it has reached its goal of doubling its number of Merrill Edge advisors, who serve customers with $50,000 to $250,000 in investable assets.

There are now about 1,200 "financial solutions advisors" around the country. Some of the hires were in Charlotte, but the recent hiring of 280 in Texas and Florida put the Charlotte-based bank over their goal, according to a statement.

The bank also announced that it had extended its Platinum Privileges program to eight more states, including South Carolina.

The benefits rolled out to North Carolina customers in September. In essence, they give customers with at least $50,000 in deposits or investments higher rates on some savings products, discounts on services and fee waivers.