B. Riley Wealth Management, a subsidiary of B. Riley Financial, announced the appointment of Michael Markunas as general counsel and chief compliance officer. Markunas assumes the position following the retirement of Jim Ritt, who previously served in the dual role since August 2015.

Since joining the company in 2016, Markunas has served as in-house counsel and CCO to various regulated entities under B. Riley Financial. In addition to his blended role with B. Riley Wealth Management, Markunas also oversees FINRA and SEC regulatory compliance and advises on legal matters as deputy general counsel and CCO for its investment banking affiliate, B. Riley FBR.

Prior to joining B. Riley, Markunas was CCO for Athene Asset Management, a division of Apollo Global Management. He previously served as an attorney with the Securities and Exchange Commission and at the Investment Company Institute.