Bridge Financial Services adds three investment professionals

Bridge Investment Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgehampton National Bank (BNB), has changed its name to Bridge Financial Services (BFS) to better reflect the scope of its work. BFS professionals work with branch managers throughout the BNB network providing financial counseling and investment direction through an agreement with American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. and American Portfolio Advisors, Inc. BFS has also added three new professionals, Robert J. Rosetti for the South Fork market, Michael J. Desmond for the Western Long Island and NYC markets and Steven J. Frascatore for the Southern Nassau market.

“Our focus has become increasing consultative, and this name change reflects that,” said William Araneo, VP, Manager of BFS. We encourage our customers to look beyond products to develop a plan that will help them financially address each phase of their life from wealth accumulation to wealth transfer.” We are very pleased to expand our team to provide our clients improved accessibility to information and professional advice. Robert Rossetti, Michael Desmond and Steven Frascatore bring experience and knowledge to the markets they serve.”

Bridge Financial Services provides BNB customers at all levels, from modest to high net worth individuals and companies, with local access to qualified investment professionals. Clients also come to BFS from the community at large. The company has recently added more risk management products, including insurance, to assist with issues such as income replacement. BFS professionals work with multiple branches and are available for consultation by appointment.

Established in 1910 by farmers and merchants, BNB has grown dramatically in the last five years to over $2 billion in assets, with 29 branches in Suffolk and Southern Nassau counties and lending offices in Riverhead and NYC. It is rated one of the top community banks in the country by American Banker Magazine (April, 2014) In addition, Title Insurance is offered through Bridge Abstract. BNB has a historic reputation for active engagement in and support of the non-profit community in the markets it serves.

Securities are offered through an agreement with American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through an agreement with American Portfolios Advisors, Inc. (APA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Bridge Financial Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgehampton National Bank and neither is an investment Broker-Dealer, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor and or affiliated with APFS or APA.

Robert J. Rossetti, Senior Registered Representative
Bridge Financial Services, South Fork Market

Rossetti brings over 35 years of experience in financial services to BFS. A graduate of C.W. Post with a BA in Business and an MBA in Finance from Long Island University, his successful career has included 14 years managing mutual funds for Morgan Stanley, Prudential Securities Investment Management as a portfolio manager of over 200 clients, working for Merrill Lynch as an analyst, and serving as the Vice President of Investment Management for SwissRe Advisors, Inc. (NYC). He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and an instructor at the New York Institute of Finance. Mr. Rossetti holds NY State Insurance Licenses, Series 66, 63 and 7. He is a Member of AIMR (NY Society of Security Analysts and Market Technicians) as well as the Knights of Columbus and the Southampton Chamber of Commerce. In addition he is the Treasurer of Little Peconic Yacht Club in Southampton, New York. He is a resident of Southampton.
Michael J. Desmond, CIMA, AIF, MBA, Senior Registered Representative
Bridge Financial Services, Western Long Island and NYC Market

 Desmond is recognized as a comprehensive wealth advisor to the affluent. Most recently, he was employed by Sterling National Bank where he managed the NYC/Long Island Wealth Management Division. Previously he helped to establish the Wealth Management Platform for Herald National Bank for the NYC metro area. He has also managed a large portfolio for a division of the Mellon Financial Corporation. Mr. Desmond received an MBA in Banking & Finance, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Dowling College. He received his BS Degree in Marketing from Plattsburg University. Mr. Desmond has earned the Accredited Investment /Fiduciary professional designation from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association and a Certified Investment Management Analysts from the Wharton School of Business. He resides in Nesconset, New York.

Steven J. Frascatore, Registered Representative
Bridge Financial Services, Southern Nassau Market

Frascatore has 20 years’ experience in the banking and financial services industry having held positions as a Financial Planner at Gilman and Ciocia Inc, Investment Coordinator at Bank of America and most recently a Cluster Branch Manager for HSBC. In addition to joining Bridge Financial Services, Mr. Frascatore also serves as the Branch Manager of Bridgehampton National Bank’s Massapequa branch. Mr. Frascatore studied business, before being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1993. After several seasons with the Cardinals, Mr. Frascatore began his career as a Financial Planner in New York. He is a Certified Tax Preparer with the IRS and holds NY State Insurance Licenses, Series 7, 63, Life, Health and Variable Annuities. He resides in Wantagh, New York.

Source: Press release issued by Bridge Investment Services, Nov. 20.