

Ascend Pacific Group at Morgan Stanley

Our Mission Statement
We are focused on providing you with holistic, objective advice and strive to be your trusted advisor by delivering the best of two worlds to you: the personalized service of a consulting boutique, and the resources of a global financial powerhouse.
Our Story and Services
As your Financial Advisors, we can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together we can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You’ll have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Location
1901 Main Street
Ste 700
Irvine, CA 92614
US
Direct:
(949) 809-1335(949) 809-1335
Meet Ascend Pacific Group
About Chris Soto
Chris Soto is a Financial Advisor and Corporate Retirement Director (CRD) at Morgan Stanley - Wealth Management. Only about 2% of all Morgan Stanley advisors meet the requirements to hold the Corporate Retirement Director. As of March 2025, he and his team manage over 110 retirement plans and $500+ million in assets. Since becoming a financial advisor in 2008, Chris has focused on providing business owners, corporate leaders, and families with clear, research-backed financial advice that helps them develop effective retirement strategies.
His extensive experience working with public and private entities, and the people who manage them, allows him to have an in-depth understanding of client needs at an institutional and individual level.
Chris graduated from California State University, Fullerton, and went on to earn the Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist (CRPS) designation from the International College of Financial Planning.
Based in San Juan Capistrano, Chris greatly enjoys traveling the world with his wife, Crystal, and two daughters, Sophie and Charlotte, making lasting memories and exploring new places together.
His extensive experience working with public and private entities, and the people who manage them, allows him to have an in-depth understanding of client needs at an institutional and individual level.
Chris graduated from California State University, Fullerton, and went on to earn the Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist (CRPS) designation from the International College of Financial Planning.
Based in San Juan Capistrano, Chris greatly enjoys traveling the world with his wife, Crystal, and two daughters, Sophie and Charlotte, making lasting memories and exploring new places together.
Securities Agent: VA, AR, WA, NY, CA, WI, TX, PA, MD, MA, UT, FL, OH, NC, KY, CO, OR, DC, AZ, NV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2515209
CA Insurance License #: 0F04202
NMLS#: 2515209
CA Insurance License #: 0F04202
About Me
Adrian Zuloaga is a Financial Advisor and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), at Morgan Stanley - Wealth Management. After becoming a Financial Advisor in 2012, he earned his Certified Financial Planner designation in 2014, which involves completing the rigorous curriculum and passing a 6-hour exam. The CFP ® certification serves as the standard of excellence for the financial planning profession. He is committed to providing consistent and transparent first-class service to each of his clients while supporting them on their retirement journey.
Adrian focuses on utilizing the vast resources of the firm and his extensive experience to consult high net worth individuals and families.
He obtained his bachelor’s in business administration with a focus in finance from California State Polytechnic University. Adrian then earned his Certified Financial Planning designation from University of Irvine.
Outside of the office, Adrian resides in San Clemente, CA, where he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Brittany, and two children Luca and Micah. The family shares a passion for softball, surfing, golf, and attending live concerts.
Adrian focuses on utilizing the vast resources of the firm and his extensive experience to consult high net worth individuals and families.
He obtained his bachelor’s in business administration with a focus in finance from California State Polytechnic University. Adrian then earned his Certified Financial Planning designation from University of Irvine.
Outside of the office, Adrian resides in San Clemente, CA, where he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Brittany, and two children Luca and Micah. The family shares a passion for softball, surfing, golf, and attending live concerts.
Securities Agent: MA, NC, PA, OH, NV, WI, AZ, FL, WA, TX, CO, VA, OR, NY, KY, DC, CA, MD, AR, UT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2513667
CA Insurance License #: 0I18223
NMLS#: 2513667
CA Insurance License #: 0I18223
About DJ Sobrepena
DJ Sobrepena is a Financial Advisor and a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) at Morgan Stanley – Wealth Management. With nearly 15 years of experience in the finance industry, DJ’s previous role was at an independent RIA firm, where he was the lead advisor for 401(k) plans ranging from ~1-50 million in plan assets. He collaborated closely with plan sponsors to best understand their company’s retirement needs and implement strategies that enhanced retirement offerings and participant experience.
In his current role, he continues to work closely and effectively with Business Owners, HR Departments, and CFOs to provide advice on navigating fiduciary responsibilities on a plan level through investment monitoring, analysis, and management in conjunction with the intellectual capital from Morgan Stanley.
Graduating from the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, DJ has a strong background in finance and business. He continued his professional education by earning the Financial Planning Specialist designation.
Outside of work, DJ enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Christina, and their 2 children. He is passionate about sports, both playing recreationally and coaching his kids’ basketball and soccer teams, fostering a love for sports and teamwork in his family.
In his current role, he continues to work closely and effectively with Business Owners, HR Departments, and CFOs to provide advice on navigating fiduciary responsibilities on a plan level through investment monitoring, analysis, and management in conjunction with the intellectual capital from Morgan Stanley.
Graduating from the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, DJ has a strong background in finance and business. He continued his professional education by earning the Financial Planning Specialist designation.
Outside of work, DJ enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Christina, and their 2 children. He is passionate about sports, both playing recreationally and coaching his kids’ basketball and soccer teams, fostering a love for sports and teamwork in his family.
Securities Agent: MD, NV, MA, WI, DC, VA, OH, FL, CA, TX, CO, AR, WA, PA, OR, NC, NY, KY, AZ, UT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2540420
CA Insurance License #: 0F78732
NMLS#: 2540420
CA Insurance License #: 0F78732
About Victor Bui
Victor Bui is a Registered Client Service Associate with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. He also holds a Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist, CRPS designation. Victor supports the Corporate retirement director team by helping analyze the fund options and working with the 401k providers as a liaison to ensure a seamless service model.
In Victor’s work with the team and clients, he ensures that client requests are met with efficiency, knowledge, and extreme attention to detail. He brings a strong work ethic to everything he does and utilizes the firm’s modern wealth digital platform to deliver cutting edge service.
Victor graduated from UC Irvine with a Bachelor of Business Economics in 2022. During his time at UC Irvine, Victor was involved with and elected as the Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Undergraduate Finance Association, allowing him to hone his leadership and organizational skills.
Apart from his professional life, Victor greatly enjoys sports, particularly basketball, swimming, and MMA. Whether playing on the court, or watching the latest game, he enjoys staying active, which reflects his competitive spirit and drive for excellence.
In Victor’s work with the team and clients, he ensures that client requests are met with efficiency, knowledge, and extreme attention to detail. He brings a strong work ethic to everything he does and utilizes the firm’s modern wealth digital platform to deliver cutting edge service.
Victor graduated from UC Irvine with a Bachelor of Business Economics in 2022. During his time at UC Irvine, Victor was involved with and elected as the Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Undergraduate Finance Association, allowing him to hone his leadership and organizational skills.
Apart from his professional life, Victor greatly enjoys sports, particularly basketball, swimming, and MMA. Whether playing on the court, or watching the latest game, he enjoys staying active, which reflects his competitive spirit and drive for excellence.
About Bethany Hsi
Bethany Hsi is a Registered Client Service Associate with Morgan Stanley - Wealth Management. In her role, she prioritizes delivering a high level of professionalism and care to clients while assisting them with their administrative, operational, cashiering, and account maintenance needs.
Initially joining the Morgan Stanley internship program, Bethany proved her skill and commitment and accepted an offer post graduation into a full-time role where she continues to support client needs.
Demonstrating both her academic aptitude and strong work ethic, Bethany earned her Bachelor of Business Management from Colorado State University in two years after graduating high school.
Outside of her career, Bethany enjoys reading and writing. She regularly seeks out opportunities to expand her knowledge both professionally and personally. She enjoys spending time at the beach and outdoors, finding inspiration and beauty in nature.
Initially joining the Morgan Stanley internship program, Bethany proved her skill and commitment and accepted an offer post graduation into a full-time role where she continues to support client needs.
Demonstrating both her academic aptitude and strong work ethic, Bethany earned her Bachelor of Business Management from Colorado State University in two years after graduating high school.
Outside of her career, Bethany enjoys reading and writing. She regularly seeks out opportunities to expand her knowledge both professionally and personally. She enjoys spending time at the beach and outdoors, finding inspiration and beauty in nature.

Contact Chris Soto

Contact Adrian Zuloaga

Contact DJ Sobrepena
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 Leo Gonzalez Souto, CFP®
Leandro “Leo” Gonzalez Souto is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management office in Irvine, California. He is responsible for helping financial advisors with their clients’ and prospects’ financial planning needs.
Leo began his career in financial services in 2015 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position, he worked at Charles Schwab.
Leo graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington and holds his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CERTIFIED EXIT PLANNER ADVISOR designations. Leo lives in Huntington Beach, CA with his wife Isabel. Outside of work, Leo is an avid soccer player and enjoys traveling the world, visiting, and spending time with his family in California, Spain, and Argentina.
DISCLOSURE:
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan 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.
Leo began his career in financial services in 2015 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position, he worked at Charles Schwab.
Leo graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington and holds his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CERTIFIED EXIT PLANNER ADVISOR designations. Leo lives in Huntington Beach, CA with his wife Isabel. Outside of work, Leo is an avid soccer player and enjoys traveling the world, visiting, and spending time with his family in California, Spain, and Argentina.
DISCLOSURE:
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan 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.
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
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
Tax-Smart Ways to Sell Securities
How investors can tap their portfolios in tax-savvy ways.
Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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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
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
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Retirement for Plan Sponsors
End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
- Plan Evaluation
- Investment Management
- Plan Management Support
- Plan Participant Education
State of the Workplace Study 2023
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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 Ascend Pacific Group today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
3When 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.
4When 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.
5Morgan 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.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Morgan 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
8Morgan 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.
9Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
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.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame 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
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
3When 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.
4When 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.
5Morgan 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.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Morgan 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
8Morgan 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.
9Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
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.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame 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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)