Welcome

Drawing on more than 25 years of international (Mumbai and New York) banking and wealth management experience, Andrella Thomas focuses on HNI business and relationship development and creating customized asset allocation solutions for founders and C-suite executives. Her goal is to help her PWM clients organize their financial lives so they can focus on what they love to do, whether it is building their career or business or spending time with family. She takes a comprehensive approach to providing solutions for education, retirement, asset preservation and legacy planning, seeking to build long and productive relationships with each client she serves.

Andrella has received several awards and international recognitions, such as CEO Culture Hero and Top National Branch and Relationship Manager. She also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation. She has a master’s degree in finance and commerce from Mumbai University, and recently completed the Executive Leadership program at Stanford University. Andrella also speaks five languages.

Andrella lives in Palm Beach, Florida, with her spouse of 25 years and two adorable daughters, ages 20 and 14. She enjoys giving back to the community through the Chamber of Commerce and the largest nonprofit Pan-Asian membership organization for business professionals and executives in North America, Ascend. Her initiative within Ascend is focused on making a positive impact in diversity and inclusion. She loves to read, practice yoga and dead lifting, and create new cuisine dishes with her daughters in her spare time.

Andrella Thomas has been named to Pacesetter's Club at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (2021,22,23, and 24). This accolade recognizes consistent excellence in providing a wide range of investment products and wealth management services to clients. In addition to demonstrating leadership through best practices of wealth management, Morgan Stanley's recognition programs acknowledge the highest professional standards and world class client service.

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Pacesetter's Club members must meet a number of criteria including performance, conduct and compliance standards, revenue, length of experience and assets under supervision. Club membership is no guarantee of future performance.
Capabilities
Securities Agent: MT, TX, AR, CO, VA, OR, PA, MA, GA, SD, SC, IA, CA, RI, WI, WA, WV, NV, NY, NJ, OK, NC, NE, FL, ID, IL, DE, LA, KY, MD, MN, MO, CT, WY, AK, AL, VT, UT, TN, PR, OH, NH, MS, MI, ME, HI, DC, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 918831
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
Private Wealth Management Highlights
  • Approximately 350 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
  • Over $980 billion in AUM1
  • Comprising 23% of the Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams for 2024
  • 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
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, December, 2024

Source: Barron's.com (May 2024) 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams awarded in 2024. The teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. Clients are encouraged to approach a search for an advisor the way they would a search for a doctor—interviewing multiple professionals and getting opinions from multiple third parties. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.

ESTATE PLANNING

Learn more about estate planning by browsing the links below and contact me with any questions.
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    US Legacy Income Trusts Brochure
    The U.S. Legacy Income Trusts (Trusts) are next-generation charitable planned giving instruments established by the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust® (Gift Trust), a tax-exempt public charity offering donor-advised funds.
    Learn More Here
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    Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLAT) Illustration
    View the presentation below to learn more about Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts and contact me with any questions.
    Learn More Here
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    Gifting the Estate Tax Exemption While Maintaining Access
    The gift and estate tax exemption amount is $12.92 million in 2023. Many clients wish to use the exemption but are concerned with maintaining control of the funds and maintaining access should they need it.
    Learn More Here
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    Concentrated Position Toolkit
    The concentrated position toolkit assists in curating and navigating an expansive suite of specialized resources to address concentrated positions.
    Learn More Here
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    Equity Compensation Can Have Complex Implications
    Your Compensation Package may Include an Equity Plan. Learn more about various equity compensation forms below.
    Learn More Here
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    Maximizing Your Equity Compensation
    Learn how executives can define a strategy that efficiently navigates the complexities of equity awards as it relates to their estate plan.
    Learn More Here

Family Office Resources & Modern Wealth Management Tools

Family Office Resources (FOR) provides specialized technical expertise to ultra-high net worth clients across a broad range of family wealth management issues.
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    FOR Overview
    As your family grows and your wealth increases, you may face more subtle and profound wealth
    management issues. As the demands of your family grow and evolve, you will likely need
    professionals who have expanded capabilities.
    Learn About FOR Capabilities
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    Philanthropy Management
    Philanthropy Management supports individuals, families, corporate and private foundations, and nonprofit
    organizations by offering a suite of services to help define and realize clients’ charitable missions.
    Learn About Philanthropy Management
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    FOR Generalists
    The Family Office Resources (FOR) Generalists help clients and Private Wealth Advisors curate and navigate resources so clients can make complicated decisions confidently.
    Learn about FOR Generalists
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    Founders and Private Business Owners Brochure
    View the below Entrepreneur Brochure to learn more about Morgan Stanley's capabilities.
    Learn More Here
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    Affluent Individuals and Multi-Generational Families
    View the Next Generation Journey Placemat below to learn more about the needs and problems facing the next generation financially.
    Learn More Here
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    Senior Executives
    View the below brochure for Senior and Corporate Executives to learn more about our capabilities for this unique segment.
    Learn More Here

FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Below are pertinent resources tailored to the unique needs of business owners. From the life stages of an entrepreneur to business exit planning, please feel free to contact us with any questions.
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    Exiting Your Business: The Transaction of a Lifetime
    Looking to exit your business and retire? You're not alone. View the link below to learn more about the most important transaction in an entrepreneur's life.
    View Factsheet
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    Preparing for Life After Selling a Business
    Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall by reading more below.
    Learn More
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    Life Stages of an Entrepreneur Placemat
    Learn more about the life stages of an entrepreneur and how Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management can help.
    View Placemat
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    Pre-IPO Planning
    After an IPO, you may encounter unfamiliar challenges and opportunities as you address the complex issues that tend to accompany significant wealth.
    Learn More
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    The Business Owner Brochure
    As a business owner, you have devoted your career to building your enterprise. Now, it is time to plan for what comes next: enjoying the substantial rewards of your success, spending more time with your family and pursuing new challenges.
    View Brochure
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    Your Entrepreneurial Journey Placemat
    Making key decisions at the correct junctures accelerates the growth of your business. View the entrepreneurial journey placemat to learn more.
    View Placemat

WORKPLACE FINANCIAL BENEFITS WITH MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

Our mission is to help your company elevate your workplace financial benefits—helping you to attract and retain top talent. Our end-to-end solutions support your company and employees at any stage of growth through a powerful combination of modern technology, insightful guidance, and dedicated service.

    Equity Solutions

    Equity ownership is a powerful motivator. Streamline equity management through our leading-edge technology and provide global audit-ready reporting and insights, alongside customizable participant experiences to engage and educate your employees on how to make the most of their benefits. Our global solutions support private and public companies at any stage of growth.

    • Equity Administration and Financial Reporting
    • Liquidity Events
    • 409A Valuation Services and Cap Table Management

    Learn more
    Retirement

    For your employees, retirement is more than a date in the future—it's a milestone that takes time, hard work, and the right tools. Through our consultative process, we strive to assist with the management of your fiduciary responsibilities and risk, simplify plan management, and help you improve retirement readiness for your employees.

    • Defined Contribution Consulting
    • Solutions-Oriented Plans
    • Fiduciary Investment Oversight

    Learn more
    Deferred Compensation

    Access a range of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation plan services or pick the ones that best fit your needs. We provide recordkeeping and plan design, portfolio construction services, and plan education for your executive talent. We help you determine the appropriate plan design and inform a funding strategy through a needs-based assessment and consultative approach.

    Services include:

    • Recordkeeping and Plan Design
    • Portfolio Construction
    • Wealth Management Services
    Learn more
    Executive Services

    Our dedicated team provides concierge-level support for your executives' equity compensation plans, from 10b5-1 trading plans to form filing related to Rule 144 transactions, to access to wealth management and tax-optimization strategies, so helping them navigate their complex financial needs with greater confidence and certainty:

    • Equity Compensation Services
    • Equity Award Analysis
    • Specialized Solutions
    Learn more
    Saving and Giving

    Saving and Giving benefits can make a real difference in your employees' lives as they can support the things that matter most to them—like saving for education and repaying student loans. Show that you are committed to your employees' priorities with leading-edge solutions that help them chart a path toward financial well-being.

    • College Savings
    • Student Loan Repayment and Refinancing
    • Charitable Giving
    Learn more
    Financial Wellness

    We offer Financial Wellness with every solution we provide. Through a powerful combination of education, digital tools and guidance, Financial Wellness is designed to address the unique needs of your employees and empower their financial journey at every stage. Give your employees the confidence to take charge of their finances.

    • Financial Education
    • Digital Tools
    • Financial Guidance

    Learn more

Location

450 Royal Palm Way 5th
Fl
Palm Beach, FL 33480
US
Direct:
(609) 960-5163(609) 960-5163

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Lauren Akers

Lauren Akers is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Pennsylvania.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Lauren began her career in financial services in 2011 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2013 with the Home Loans Division. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a Credit Analyst at PHH Mortgage.

Lauren is a graduate of Rider University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She and her family currently reside in Chesterfield, New Jersey.

Outside of the office, Lauren dedicates her time to her family and several volunteer activities. She also enjoys spending time with her 2 kitties, cooking, baking, reading, gardening, shopping, traveling, and going to the beach. Lauren remains active by exercising and participating in 5K runs.
NMLS#: 1457897
Private Bankers, Ultra High Net Worth ("UHNW") Specialists, PBG Market Managers, Lending Advisors, Mortgage Consultants, Regional Mortgage Specialist, Cash Management Specialists, Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

This is a video content

Equity Compensation

Helping you make the most of your equity awards and better understand how it may fit into your your larger financial picture – today and tomorrow.

  • Vesting events
  • Option expirations
  • Restricted stock units
  • Tax implications

Managing Significant Wealth

  • Investment Management
  • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
  • Cash Management & Lending
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Lifestyle Advisory
  • Business Services
Compensation Practices of Investment-Focused Family Offices
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Compensation Practices of Investment-Focused Family Offices

Competitive compensation is key to attracting and retaining the best talent for your single family office. Discover the latest trends on relevant pay, benefits and bonus structures in Morgan Stanley's 2025 benchmarking report.

Insights and Outcomes

Thought Leadership for our ultra high net worth clients, which contains thought-provoking articles, authored by leading experts from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources.
Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values
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Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values

The renowned NFL wide receiver shares insights on aligning your investments with your values.

Private Wealth Management Podcast

Bringing you engaging stories and key insights surrounding the complexities associated with significant wealth, including:
  • Intergenerational Planning
  • Philanthropic Giving
  • Non-Traditional Assets
  • Managing Family Wealth
LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art
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LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art

When a passion for collecting evolves into something of considerable value, new issues are raised. Hear what the professionals have to say about the best practices and pitfalls of collecting art and collectibles.
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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3Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

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4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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5Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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6When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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7Investing in the market entails the risk of market volatility. The value of all types of investments may increase or decrease over varying time periods. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable or impact investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability and impact criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

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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.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.

Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.

The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.

Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.

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.

Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.

Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4237142 (02/2025)