“Complementing the Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and US Trust businesses that serve affluent and high net worth individuals, Merrill Edge broadens access to Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch products and services to provide comprehensive financial solutions to the next generation of affluent individuals,” the bank said in a statement.

Merrill Edge clients can choose a self-directed account or an account through the Merrill Edge Advisory Center for financial guidance. Opening Merrill Edge to the mass affluent includes nearly 11 million BofA customers.

The inaugural semi-annual report defines the mass affluent as those with  $50,000-$250,000 in investable assets. It reveals that this group lacks self-confidence in its ability to meet financial goals and as a result sacrifices long-term savings for short-term needs.

Nearly half of the mass affluent surveyed believe they will never be wealthy, even though the majority have a household income in excess of six figures, the survey found.

Balancing short- and long-term financial needs is a priority for a majority of the mass affluent, but they struggle to accomplish both goals. In the last year 28 per cent of the mass affluent have tapped into their long-term investments, such as retirement and college savings accounts, in order to meet short-term financial demands.