Lauren Akers
Private Banker
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Andrella Thomas, CRPC®, CEPA®
Vice President,
Private Wealth Advisor,
Alternative Investments Director,
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor,
Certified Exit Planning Advisor™ (CEPA),
Workplace Advisor - Equity Compensation
Direct:
(646) 995-8932(646) 995-8932
My Mission Statement
Empowering Founders with strategic advice for pre and post-exit financial planning while seeking to integrate with their tax, trust, estate planning, and legacy strategies.
Welcome
Drawing on more than 25 years of international banking and wealth management experience, Andrella Thomas focuses on relationship development and creating customized asset allocation solutions for founders and C-suite executives. Her goal is to help her 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 recognitions, such as CEO Culture Hero and Top National Branch and Relationship Manager. She also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) designation. She has a master’s degree in finance and commerce, and recently completed the Executive Leadership program at Stanford University. Andrella also speaks five languages.
Andrella lives in Princeton, New Jersey, with her spouse of 22 years and two adorable daughters, ages 18 and 12. 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, yoga and creating new cuisine dishes with her daughters in her spare time.
Andrella Thomas Named to Pacesetter's Club at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (2022 & 2023). 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.
Andrella has received several awards and recognitions, such as CEO Culture Hero and Top National Branch and Relationship Manager. She also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) designation. She has a master’s degree in finance and commerce, and recently completed the Executive Leadership program at Stanford University. Andrella also speaks five languages.
Andrella lives in Princeton, New Jersey, with her spouse of 22 years and two adorable daughters, ages 18 and 12. 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, yoga and creating new cuisine dishes with her daughters in her spare time.
Andrella Thomas Named to Pacesetter's Club at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (2022 & 2023). 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.
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
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 300 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $775 billion in AUM1
- Comprising 25% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2023
- 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, 2023
Source: Barron's.com (April 2023) 2023 Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors awarded in 2023. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's during the period from Dec 2020 - Dec 2021. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to Barron's to obtain or use the ranking. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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 HereFamily 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.
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 Capabilitiesmanagement issues. As the demands of your family grow and evolve, you will likely need
professionals who have expanded capabilities.
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 Managementorganizations by offering a suite of services to help define and realize clients’ charitable missions.
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
Founders and Private Business Owners Brochure
View the below Entrepreneur Brochure to learn more about Morgan Stanley's capabilities.
Learn More Here
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
Senior Executives
View the below brochure for Senior and Corporate Executives to learn more about our capabilities for this unique segment.
Learn More HereFOR 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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 PlacematLocation
1200 Lenox Dr.
Ste 300
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
US
Direct:
(646) 995-8932(646) 995-8932
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 New Jersey.
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 as a Regional Transaction Manager for 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, NJ. Outside of the office, Lauren dedicates her time to her family and a number of volunteer activities. Lauren also enjoys spending time with her 2 kitties, cooking, baking, reading, gardening, shopping. traveling and going to the beach. She remains active by exercising and participating in 5K runs.
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 as a Regional Transaction Manager for 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, NJ. Outside of the office, Lauren dedicates her time to her family and a number of volunteer activities. Lauren also enjoys spending time with her 2 kitties, cooking, baking, reading, gardening, shopping. traveling and going to the beach. She remains active by exercising and participating in 5K runs.
NMLS#: 1457897
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy
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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.
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
Article Image
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
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.
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.
3Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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.
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.
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.
7The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG 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.
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.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® 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
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.
3Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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.
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.
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.
7The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG 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.
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.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® 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
CRC 6295606 (3/2024)
