Matthew Sheehan
Managing Director, Private Wealth Management, Private Wealth Advisor
Phone:
(650) 926-7646(650) 926-7646
Alex Oberle
Executive Director, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(650) 926-7619(650) 926-7619
My Mission Statement
Bringing leading edge, private wealth solutions to Silicon Valley executives for over 20 years.
About Me
Early in my life, I developed a habit of working hard to accomplish my goals. Like most kids growing up, I had the dream of playing professional baseball. While I did not reach my dream, I was fortunate to earn a Division I baseball scholarship to attend South Dakota State University. Before going to South Dakota State, I worked part-time at In-N-Out Burger, attended school full-time at a local Junior College, and practiced baseball for 3-4 hours a day. Needless to say, this intense schedule helped me develop the traits needed to manage my business in today's fast-paced environment.
After completing my MBA in 2012, I joined Morgan Stanley's Menlo Park office. I've spent my entire career focused on helping successful Silicon Valley founders, executives, and entrepreneurs with their private wealth management needs. Most of the wealth in the valley is generated from equity compensation, and my focus is helping these clients strategize how to diversify and what structures or entities optimize their net earnings. My goal is to develop long-lasting, personal relationships with a select group of families and their kids, and help them implement effective investment strategies to navigate the capital markets, focus on tax-efficient investing, and advise them on all aspects of their financial life.
My team, Cornerstone Group Silicon Valley, consists of 4 advisors and 5 associates. We built a generational team with the focus on being able to help the parents, kids, and grandkids for many decades. What differentiates me and my team is our laser focus on the client experience, ensuring we're involved in every financial decision, and aligning our clients with the best resources within Morgan Stanley.
Awards:
• 2023-2025 Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: High Net Worth
• 2022-2025 Forbes' Best-In-State Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor
• 2022-2024 Forbes' America's Top Wealth Management Team: High Net Worth (2024: #15 Nationally; #1 in California)
• 2024-2025 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Team
• 2023-2025 Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (#1 in Northern California)
2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2022-2025 Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State (formerly referred to as Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 1,000 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.
2022-2024 Forbes America's Top Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year the award was issued.
2024-2025 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams Source: barrons.com (Awarded May 2024-2025). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month time period concluding in Dec of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: IL, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1393565
CA Insurance License #: 0I22661
NMLS#: 1393565
CA Insurance License #: 0I22661
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
About PWM
Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
• Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
• Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
• Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
• Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
• Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
• Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
- Approximately 300 teams specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $547 billion in AUM
- Comprising 34% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2021
- Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
Family Wealth Services
Our team takes a family office approach to your wealth. We get involved and quarterback each financial decision and advise on anything with a dollar sign associated. We can help you with all areas of your financial life regardless of the complexity. Our job is to keep your financial life organized and remove you from the day-to-day management of your finances. Morgan Stanley has over 90 years of experience in managing the wealth for the wealthiest families in the world and we utilize our in-house experts to provide guidance when needed.
- Create a strategic plan for achieving your financial goals & objectives
- Align you with CPAs and Estate Attorneys within our network
- Connect you with the best resources at Morgan Stanley – estate planning, philanthropy, and lending experts
- Create a portfolio and allocation that aligns with your financial objectives
- Focus on tax-efficient investment solutions: direct indexing, tax-free munis, exchange funds, etc.
- Access to private investments such as private equity, private credit, venture, and real estate
- Implement and execute 10b5-1 plan for corporate executives
- Create a multi-year diversification strategy to achieve financial flexibility
- Utilize exchange funds and DAFs to reduce or eliminate taxable gains
- QSBS stacking – gifting founders shares to other entities
- Coordinate with your CPA to discuss tax impacts when applicable
- Send your CPA quarterly income and cap gains summary
- Strategies to reduce estate tax impact
- Property, casualty, and umbrella insurance to protect your estate against litigation
- Anonymity strategies to protect you and your family identity
- LLCs for real estate assets
- Provide traditional banking services: debit card, check writing, AMEX Platinum, online banking
- Access to lending solutions: traditional mortgages, refinances, and lines of credit
- Direct access to my team for support instead of calling a service center
- Comprehensive reporting: balance sheet summary, investment performance, and tax analysis
- Coordinate with your CPA and estate planning attorney
- Guidance on best practices for setting up a family office or hiring a family office employee
- Strategy discussions regarding the distribution of your estate to your beneficiaries
- Guidance and best practices as around how and when to discuss the wealth with your kids
- Financial education curriculum with our family governance team
- Create a philanthropic mission statement
- Provide best practices and guidance when making grants or commitments to charities
- Determine which non-profits align with your mission
Forming Your Financial Team
Investment Management
Diversification Strategies for Founders & Executives
Tax Planning
Risk Management
Banking Capabilities
Family Office Support
Family Governance & Wealth Education
Philanthropic Planning
Events & Education
We believe that proper financial education leads to better insights into our investment strategy, overall discipline, and ultimately, better long term decisions. For our team, it is very important that our clients are provided with timely and informative resources to assist with their unique situations and financial needs.
Past Event: Market Outlook with Dan Skelly
Our team hosted Dan Skelly, Managing Director and Head of Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management Market Research & Strategy Team, for a discussion on the US stock market outlook, the maturation/global competition for AI, and potential Trump policy impacts.
View the Flyer
Thoughts On The Market Podcast
With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
Listen Here
Market Essentials
Market Essentials is a quarterly resource that breaks down market movements and trends in a digestible way. The content in this report is tailored to the everyday investor who wants to stay informed about what is driving markets without getting bogged down in financial jargon.
Learn More
GIC On the Markets: Monthly Publication
Take a look at the latest edition of “On the Markets,” a monthly collection of the most timely research and strategy from Morgan Stanley thought leaders, such as Chief Investment Officer, Lisa Shalett.
Learn More
Alternative Investments Overview
As a pioneer and innovator in the industry, Morgan Stanley offers access to our platform of alternative investments.
Alternative investments are often speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors can lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. They may be highly illiquid, can engage in leverage, short-selling and other speculative practices that may increase volatility and the risk of loss, and may be subject to large investment minimums and initial lock-ups. They may involve complex tax structures, tax inefficient investing and delays in distributing important tax information. They may have higher fees and expenses that traditional investments, and such fees and expenses can lower the returns achieved by investors.
Watch HereAlternative investments are often speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors can lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. They may be highly illiquid, can engage in leverage, short-selling and other speculative practices that may increase volatility and the risk of loss, and may be subject to large investment minimums and initial lock-ups. They may involve complex tax structures, tax inefficient investing and delays in distributing important tax information. They may have higher fees and expenses that traditional investments, and such fees and expenses can lower the returns achieved by investors.
Private Markets Overview
Many of today’s companies stay private longer, with more of their valuation being created before they become publicly traded. Morgan Stanley Private Markets connects a broad network of potential private investors in an accessible ecosystem, allowing eligible clients to invest directly, or buy and sell shares of private companies.
Watch HereFounders & Executives
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)
Tax planning is riddled with complexities and the endless acronyms render these complexities even more confusing. Nonetheless, we believe that founders, executives and employees of startups should pay attention to one acronym in particular: Qualified Small Business Stock, or QSBS.
Learn More
Pre-IPO Planning
Companies are staying private longer, transforming how executives and early employees think about equity wealth. As such, private company executives’ desire for pre-IPO liquidity has become increasingly important. Some early employees have built sizeable net worth on paper but have limited ready liquidity. Fortunately, the options for pre-IPO liquidity have expanded in recent years.
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Charitable Giving with Donor Advised Funds
Charitable giving is among the highest of human aspirations, woven into the fabric of organizations, countries, and societies around the world. MS GIFT provides a unique way to give to charity through the use of Donor advised funds or, DAFs. Donor advised funds are among the easiest and most tax-advantaged ways to give to charity for donors across the spectrum of wealth.
Learn More
Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATS)
A Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) is an irrevocable trust where the grantor transfers property and retains the right to annuity payments over a term of years. A GRAT allows investors to move the appreciation in an asset to the next generation without using virtually any of their exemption amount.
Learn MoreLocation
2775 Sand Hill Road
Suite 120
Menlo Park, CA 94025
US
Direct:
(650) 926-7619(650) 926-7619
Meet My Team
Daniel Gieseke
Executive Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor
Phone:
(650) 926-7121(650) 926-7121
Seth Novosel
Financial Advisor, Financial Planning Specialist
Dana Kern
Business Development Director
Phone:
(650) 926-7615(650) 926-7615
Kate Kircher
Client Service Associate
Phone:
(650) 926-7229(650) 926-7229
Karina Diaz-Swanson
Client Service Associate
Phone:
(650) 926-7142(650) 926-7142
Patrick Heslip
Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(650) 926-7158(650) 926-7158
About Matthew Sheehan
Matt Sheehan is a Managing Director with Morgan Stanley’s Menlo Park office. He joined Morgan Stanley in 1999 and became part the firm's Private Wealth Management Group in 2015, showcasing him as one of the top 300 advisors. Matt is one of a select few advisors to earn the “Family Wealth Director” designation, given to those who have had extensive experience and education in assisting high net worth families manage their financial and estate planning affairs. He is a Senior Portfolio Management Director, enabling him to offer portfolio services directly to his clients, rather than relying on third-party managers.
Matt holds an Economics degree from Loyola Marymount University and sits on his alma mater's Board of Regents, remaining involved in LMU's community relations, fundraising, alumni, and student engagement. He is also an active Advisor Steering Committee Member at the Catholic Community Foundation. Matt lives in Redwood City with his wife, Paula, and his kids, Natalie and Lucas.
Matt holds an Economics degree from Loyola Marymount University and sits on his alma mater's Board of Regents, remaining involved in LMU's community relations, fundraising, alumni, and student engagement. He is also an active Advisor Steering Committee Member at the Catholic Community Foundation. Matt lives in Redwood City with his wife, Paula, and his kids, Natalie and Lucas.
Securities Agent: MD, MA, OR, CT, CO, CA, AL, OK, AZ, OH, NY, NV, NM, NJ, NH, AK, NE, NC, MT, MO, MN, MI, PA, WY, WI, WA, VT, VI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, KY, KS, IN, IL, ID, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
CA Insurance License #: OED04590
CA Insurance License #: OED04590
About Daniel Gieseke
Dan Gieseke joined Morgan Stanley in 2007. He holds the Senior Portfolio Manager designation, which allows him to offer portfolio services directly to his clients, rather than relying on third-party managers. Dan prides himself on having a personal approach, freeing his clients to think about giving back to their communities with their time, talent, and treasure.
Dan is actively involved in leading men's Bible study, youth sports, and local homeless outreach. He holds a BA in Business/Economics from Wheaton College (IL), where he was a member of the Track & Field Team and competed in the triple jump event. Dan currently lives in Redwood City with his wife and three children.
Dan is actively involved in leading men's Bible study, youth sports, and local homeless outreach. He holds a BA in Business/Economics from Wheaton College (IL), where he was a member of the Track & Field Team and competed in the triple jump event. Dan currently lives in Redwood City with his wife and three children.
Securities Agent: OK, WI, NJ, KY, ID, NY, MA, SC, MT, WY, WA, UT, PA, TN, SD, KS, OH, OR, GA, CO, CT, CA, AZ, NC, MO, NV, MI, MN, TX, VT, VA, NM, MD, NH, IN, AL, DE, FL, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
CA Insurance License #: 0536761
CA Insurance License #: 0536761
About Seth Novosel
Seth Novosel began his career at Morgan Stanley as a Wealth Management Intern in 2019 and joined the Cornerstone Group full-time in 2022. Prior to Morgan Stanley, he was an Enterprise Sales Representative at Amazon Web Services. Working with AWS’s largest enterprise customers in Southern California and Arizona, he is equipped to serve executives, founders, and business leaders with a high level of trust. Seth holds the Financial Planning Specialist and Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation designations, certifying him to advise clients on how to incorporate equity compensation to their financial plan.
Seth earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Southern California. Seth lives in Redwood City and serves on the USC Marshall School of Business Bay Area Alumni Board of Advisors as the Chapter President.
Seth earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Southern California. Seth lives in Redwood City and serves on the USC Marshall School of Business Bay Area Alumni Board of Advisors as the Chapter President.
Securities Agent: WI, WA, MA, KY, NJ, HI, DC, MD, FL, UT, SC, PA, OR, OH, NC, AZ, VA, NV, CO, TN, RI, NY, CA, TX, WY, MO, MN, MI, IL, GA, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
About Dana Kern
Dana Kern joined Morgan Stanley in 2013. As the team's Business Development Director, Dana assists with investment proposals and implementation.
Dana holds a BS in International Business and Finance from Grand Valley State University, as well as her Series 7 and 66 licenses. Dana lives in Redwood City with her boyfriend and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys taking Pilates and ballet classes.
Dana holds a BS in International Business and Finance from Grand Valley State University, as well as her Series 7 and 66 licenses. Dana lives in Redwood City with her boyfriend and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys taking Pilates and ballet classes.
About Kate Kircher
Kate Kircher joined Morgan Stanley in 2020 after interning with the firm in 2019. She focuses on 10b5-1 plans, corporate equity settlement, and retirement planning, helping clients navigate these complex processes.
Kate holds a BS in Psychology and Communication from Santa Clara University, where she was also a Division 1 soccer player. She enjoys running along the water and trying new restaurants.
Kate holds a BS in Psychology and Communication from Santa Clara University, where she was also a Division 1 soccer player. She enjoys running along the water and trying new restaurants.
About Karina Diaz-Swanson
Karina Diaz-Swanson joined Morgan Stanley in 2019 brings over a decade of experience in the Wealth Management industry. She focuses on facilitating money movement and coordinating charitable giving, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience for each client.
Karina holds a BS in Political Science from San Jose State University and lives in Newark with her husband and two daughters. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family.
Karina holds a BS in Political Science from San Jose State University and lives in Newark with her husband and two daughters. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family.
About Patrick Heslip
Patrick Heslip joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. He plays a key role in client onboarding, ensuring a smooth and easy transition for every new relationship. He has a strong commitment to providing excellent service for clients every day needs.
Patrick graduated from UC San Diego with a Joint Degree in Economics and Mathematics and a minor in Business. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Patrick maintains close ties to his community and family. He enjoys hiking, golfing, and always looking for new places to explore.
Patrick graduated from UC San Diego with a Joint Degree in Economics and Mathematics and a minor in Business. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Patrick maintains close ties to his community and family. He enjoys hiking, golfing, and always looking for new places to explore.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Financial Wellness
Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Alex Oberle today.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
