Advice Shaped Around Your Life

At Bay Area Wealth Management Group, meaningful financial advice begins with understanding what matters most to each client and the factors shaping their financial decisions. We work with high-net-worth multigenerational families, corporate executives, founders and business owners, and nonprofit organizations as they navigate important financial decisions, complex planning needs, and long-term stewardship responsibilities.

Clients often come to us with considerations such as concentrated stock, equity compensation, business ownership, liquidity planning, lending needs, estate planning strategies, philanthropy, or oversight of an institutional portfolio. Others come to us seeking greater structure and clarity around decisions that affect their family, organization, employees, or legacy.

Our role is to help clients evaluate these decisions with preparation, discipline, and perspective. We combine coordinated wealth planning, disciplined investment oversight, and attentive service with access to the global resources of Morgan Stanley. When appropriate, we also coordinate with clients' CPAs, attorneys, trustees, and other outside professionals to help keep planning, investment strategy, and implementation aligned.

We believe strong relationships are built over time—through integrity, trust, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of each client's priorities. As life, markets, families, businesses, and organizations evolve, we help clients stay organized, informed, and prepared for the decisions ahead.

Tailored advice. Careful oversight. Disciplined follow-through.

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Services Include
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Guidance for the People, Responsibilities, and Decisions That Matter Most

Significant wealth and institutional responsibility can bring decisions that reach far beyond a portfolio. We work with high-net-worth multigenerational families, corporate executives, founders and business owners, and nonprofit organizations—taking the time to understand what matters to them, what they are responsible for, and what they want their wealth or resources to make possible. That understanding helps us bring greater clarity, coordination, and perspective to the decisions ahead.

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    High-Net-Worth Multigenerational Families

    We work with families whose financial lives may span generations, entities, properties, businesses, philanthropic interests, and relationships with multiple professional advisors. Our role is to help bring those moving parts into clearer view, support thoughtful conversations, and help families make coordinated decisions around today's needs and the legacy they hope to build.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • How can we support family members today while preparing thoughtfully for the future?
    • How should our investments, estate planning considerations, philanthropy, liquidity needs, and family priorities work together?
    • How can we prepare the next generation for the opportunities and responsibilities that may come with wealth?
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    Corporate Executives

    Corporate executives often make financial decisions where career, company stock, benefits, taxes, liquidity, family priorities, and retirement converge. We help executives evaluate equity compensation, concentrated stock, trading considerations, benefit elections, career transitions, and retirement timing within the context of a broader, tax-aware wealth management strategy.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • How should my stock options, restricted stock, and other equity awards fit within my broader financial plan?
    • Does too much of my wealth depend on one company—and what choices should I consider?
    • How might a leadership transition or retirement affect my income, benefits, investment strategy, and family priorities?
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    Founders and Business Owners

    For many founders and business owners, years of work and much of their personal wealth are concentrated in the business they have built. We help clients prepare for the financial decisions surrounding a sale, succession, recapitalization, initial public offering, or other transition—and think beyond the transaction to liquidity, diversification, family priorities, and what they want the next chapter to make possible.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • What planning should begin before a sale, succession, recapitalization, or other major business event?
    • How should business value, personal liquidity, taxes, family goals, and long-term investment strategy be considered together?
    • Who should be involved—and how can my financial, tax, and legal advisors stay coordinated?
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    Nonprofit Organizations, Foundations, and Endowments

    Boards, investment committees, and organizational leaders carry responsibility for assets intended to support a larger mission. We help nonprofit organizations, foundations, and endowments bring structure, discipline, and continuity to investment policy, portfolio oversight, governance, spending and liquidity considerations, and long-term stewardship.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • Does our investment policy still reflect our mission, responsibilities, spending needs, and risk considerations?
    • Are our board and investment committee receiving the reporting, education, and context needed for meaningful oversight?
    • How can we preserve continuity as markets, leadership, and committee membership change?

Connected Guidance for the Decisions That Shape Your Wealth

Financial decisions rarely remain in separate categories. A change in one area—investments, retirement, company stock, business ownership, liquidity, estate priorities, philanthropy, or an organization's spending needs—may affect several others. Our team helps clients and organizations see those connections, understand the choices and trade-offs involved, and move forward with a strategy shaped around what matters most.

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    Wealth Planning and Family Strategy

    We help clients organize the many elements of their financial lives and consider how individual decisions may affect the broader picture. Planning may include cash flow, investments, retirement, liabilities, education funding, estate planning considerations, philanthropy, family priorities, wealth transfer, and preparation of rising generations—coordinated with outside tax and legal advisors when appropriate.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • Are the different parts of our financial life working together?
    • What decisions deserve attention now—and what can wait?
    • How can our wealth support the people, priorities, and legacy that matter most to us?
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    Investment Strategy and Portfolio Oversight

    We develop and oversee investment strategies designed around each client's goals, time horizon, liquidity needs, risk considerations, and broader financial circumstances. Our work may include asset allocation, portfolio construction, manager evaluation, alternatives, concentration-risk review, tax-aware investment considerations, and ongoing review as markets and client needs evolve.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • Does our portfolio reflect our goals, liquidity needs, and ability to accept risk?
    • Are we appropriately diversified across investments, accounts, and sources of wealth?
    • When should changing markets or personal circumstances lead us to revisit the strategy?
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    Equity Compensation and Concentrated Stock

    Stock options, restricted stock, employee stock purchase plans, trading windows, 10b5-1 plans, and concentrated company holdings can create opportunity as well as complexity. We help executives evaluate exercise, sale, diversification, and liquidity considerations—and understand how company stock may fit within a broader, tax-aware financial strategy.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • When should I consider exercising or selling company stock?
    • How much exposure to one company is appropriate for my circumstances?
    • How might an equity decision affect taxes, cash flow, retirement, or other long-term goals?
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    Business Transitions and Liquidity Events

    A business sale, succession, initial public offering, recapitalization, inheritance, or other major liquidity event can reshape a client's financial life. We help clients prepare before the event, evaluate the decisions surrounding it, and consider how new liquidity may support diversification, family priorities, long-term investment strategy, and the life they want to build afterward.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • What should be organized before a potential liquidity event?
    • How might I manage and invest a significant amount of new liquidity?
    • Which decisions should be coordinated with my tax and legal advisors?
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    Retirement and Retirement Income Planning

    Retirement planning involves more than choosing a date. We help clients consider income needs, investment strategy, employer benefits, Social Security and Medicare considerations, equity compensation, tax-aware withdrawal planning, health-care costs, and the lifestyle, family, or legacy priorities that may shape the years ahead.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • How much income might I need to support the retirement I envision?
    • How should different accounts, benefits, and income sources work together?
    • How might retirement change my investment strategy, cash flow, family priorities, or legacy plans?
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    Lending, Liquidity, and Coordinated Implementation

    Some financial decisions require access to liquidity without immediately selling long-term investments or concentrated assets. When appropriate, we help clients evaluate lending, cash-management, and liquidity strategies in the context of their broader plan, while coordinating implementation details with Morgan Stanley resources and clients' outside professional advisors.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • How can I meet a significant cash need without unnecessarily disrupting my long-term strategy?
    • Should I borrow, sell investments, or consider a combination of approaches?
    • What risks, costs, timing considerations, and coordination needs should I understand before moving forward?
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    Nonprofit and Institutional Investment Consulting

    We help nonprofit organizations, foundations, and endowments address investment policy, asset allocation, manager evaluation, risk management, spending and liquidity considerations, governance, committee education, reporting, and ongoing portfolio oversight. The work is designed to support fiduciaries as they steward resources in service of the organization's long-term mission.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • Is our investment policy clear, current, and aligned with our organization's responsibilities?
    • Do our board and investment committee have the information and context needed for effective oversight?
    • How should we evaluate performance, risk, fees, spending, liquidity, and mission priorities together?
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    Specialized Experience Across Our Team

    Our team brings together decades of experience across the areas that often intersect in a client's financial life or an organization's stewardship responsibilities. That breadth includes wealth planning, portfolio management, family wealth, executive compensation and concentrated stock, founder and business-owner planning, liquidity events, retirement-income planning, lending and liquidity strategies, nonprofit investment consulting, and ongoing client service.

    Professional credentials and Morgan Stanley designations held across the team reflect specialized knowledge relevant to many of these decisions. They include CIMA®, CPWA®, CFP®, RMA®, Family Wealth Director, Founders Specialist, Senior Institutional Consultant, Investing with Impact Director, Executive Financial Services Director, Workplace Advisor—Equity Compensation, Alternative Investments Director, and Senior Portfolio Management Director.

    These capabilities allow us to bring the right members of the team into a conversation, coordinate the planning and implementation details, and remain engaged as a client's family, career, business, or organization evolves.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • Does the team have experience across the different areas affecting my financial life or organization?
    • Who will help coordinate the planning, investment, and implementation details?
    • Will the team have the depth and continuity to remain engaged as our needs evolve?

A Relationship That Stays Close as Life Evolves

Meaningful advice begins with understanding what matters to you—not simply reviewing the assets you hold. We take the time to learn about your family, responsibilities, concerns, opportunities, and the decisions ahead. From there, our team helps organize the moving parts, coordinate the work, and remain engaged as life and circumstances evolve. You should know who to call, what comes next, and that the people advising you understand the context behind the decisions.

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    Understanding What Matters to You

    We begin by listening—to understand what you value, who depends on you, what is changing, and what you would like your wealth or organization's resources to make possible. These conversations give us the context to recognize what may need attention now and what should remain in view for the future.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • Will the team take the time to understand my full situation—not only my investments?
    • How will my family, business, or organization be reflected in the advice?
    • Can you help me identify questions or concerns I may not have considered yet?
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    Bringing the Full Picture Together

    Complex financial lives often involve accounts, assets, liabilities, benefits, business interests, estate structures, family priorities, charitable intentions, and multiple professional advisors. We help bring the relevant information into clearer view so decisions can be evaluated in context rather than one at a time.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • Where do we begin if my financial life feels fragmented or overly complex?
    • How might one decision affect other parts of my financial plan?
    • Which issues are most important to address first?
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    Developing a Coordinated Strategy

    Based on what we learn, we develop recommendations designed around your goals, time horizon, liquidity needs, risk considerations, and changing circumstances. We explain the choices and trade-offs involved, and when appropriate, coordinate with your outside tax and legal advisors so related planning considerations can be evaluated together.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • How will the recommendations reflect my priorities rather than a standard model?
    • What choices and trade-offs should I understand before moving forward?
    • How will you work with my accountant, attorney, trustee, or other professional advisors?
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    Turning Decisions Into Action

    A thoughtful strategy matters only if the next steps are clear and carefully carried forward. We help coordinate investment implementation, account activity, liquidity needs, and related follow-through—while making it clear what the team is handling, what may require action from you, and where an outside advisor should be involved.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • Who will help keep the different steps organized?
    • How will I know what requires action from me?
    • What happens if circumstances change while the strategy is being implemented?
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    Staying Engaged Over Time

    Implementation is the beginning, not the end. We review progress, maintain consistent communication, and revisit the strategy as markets, tax laws, family circumstances, business events, leadership responsibilities, or priorities change. Just as importantly, we remain available when an unexpected question or important decision cannot wait for the next scheduled review.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • How often will we review the strategy and our progress?
    • What kinds of changes should prompt a conversation with the team?
    • Will someone who understands our history be available when an important need arises?
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    Technology That Supports the Relationship

    Morgan Stanley's secure technology and approved AI-enabled tools can help our team prepare more thoroughly, organize complex information, follow through more consistently, and maintain important context. We use these resources to support the relationship—not replace the judgment, accountability, and personal understanding at the center of the advice we provide.

    Questions clients may be considering

    • How is technology used to support preparation and follow-through?
    • How does the team protect information and keep human review central?
    • Can technology help my advisors see a more complete and coordinated financial picture?

INVESTMENT DISCIPLINE IN SERVICE OF YOUR MISSION

Nonprofit investment assets exist to support a larger purpose. Behind every decision about policy, risk, liquidity, or spending are the programs, people, and communities your organization serves. For board members, leadership teams, and investment committees, investment oversight is both a financial responsibility and a deeply human one.

Bay Area Wealth Management Group works with nonprofit organizations, foundations, and endowments to bring structure, discipline, and continuity to these responsibilities. Our approach is informed by decades of nonprofit experience—including Kevin Sánchez's work with nonprofit leaders since 1994—and supported by the capabilities and continuity of a coordinated team. We begin by listening carefully to understand your mission, financial resources, funding needs, existing policies, governance structure, and the perspectives of those responsible for oversight.

Those responsibilities often raise important questions:

  • Does our Investment Policy Statement clearly define our objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity and spending needs, governance roles, and decision-making responsibilities?
  • Is our portfolio strategy aligned with current obligations, our long-term mission, and any mission-aligned priorities?
  • Are board members and the investment committee receiving the reporting, education, and context they need to participate meaningfully?
  • How will we preserve continuity as markets, leadership, and committee membership change?

A Coordinated Approach to Nonprofit Stewardship

Our team helps leadership, boards, and investment committees create a clear foundation for decisions through investment policy and governance, portfolio design and oversight, committee education, relevant reporting, and disciplined follow-through. We strive to be a prepared, accessible resource—helping leaders understand what has changed, what it may mean, and which decisions deserve their attention.

Key Areas of Focus:

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    Endowment Management

    An endowment strategy should reflect how the assets are expected to support the organization over time. We consider investment objectives, risk, liquidity, spending needs, governance, and mission-related priorities together—then support the strategy through periodic policy review, portfolio monitoring, and clear reporting as circumstances evolve.

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    Spending and Liquidity Considerations

    Near-term programs and obligations can place different demands on investment assets than long-term objectives. Evaluating spending requirements and liquidity needs alongside portfolio strategy can help leadership prepare for expected cash flows, while keeping both current responsibilities and the organization's enduring mission in view.

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

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    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

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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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

1333 N California Blvd
Suite 133
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
US
Direct:
(925) 930-3897(925) 930-3897

Meet Bay Area Wealth Management Group

Photo of Morgan Becker

Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Family Wealth Director, Certified Investment Management Analyst, Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, Executive Financial Services Director, Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation, Alternative Investments Director, Senior Portfolio Management Director, Founders Specialist
Phone:
(925) 746-2929(925) 746-2929

About Me

Morgan C. Becker, CIMA®, CPWA®
Managing Director, Wealth Management | Family Wealth Director | Financial Advisor

Over the past 30 years, Morgan Becker has advised high-net-worth individuals, multigenerational families, corporate executives, founders, and business owners through the financial decisions that often accompany significant wealth. As a founder of Bay Area Wealth Management Group, he brings a thoughtful, steady approach to helping clients simplify complexity, preserve purchasing power, and make informed decisions across market cycles.

Clients often turn to Morgan at important inflection points—before or after the sale of a business, while managing concentrated stock and executive compensation, when preparing for retirement, as they consider transferring wealth to the next generation, or when they want their capital to reflect broader family and philanthropic goals. He begins by understanding what matters most to each client and the people, responsibilities, and opportunities shaping the decisions ahead.

Morgan works with clients to develop coordinated wealth strategies that may include investment management, tax-aware investment considerations, lending and liquidity planning strategy considerations, estate planning strategies, education funding, philanthropy, and multigenerational wealth planning. When appropriate, he coordinates with clients’ CPAs, attorneys, trustees, and outside professionals to help keep related decisions aligned and support thoughtful implementation.

Morgan began his career in 1996 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2000. He earned a degree in Economics from Santa Clara University and holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation and the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation.

Within Morgan Stanley, Morgan is a Family Wealth Director—a designation held by fewer than 2% of advisors firmwide—as well as a Founders Specialist, Senior Portfolio Management Director, Executive Financial Services Director, Alternatives Investments Director, and Workplace Advisor—Equity Compensation. He also serves on Morgan Stanley’s National Financial Advisor Council.

Morgan established the Bay Area Wealth Management Group in 2009 to provide families and business leaders with comprehensive, highly personalized wealth management experience. He has been named a Five Star Wealth Manager for the San Francisco East Bay Area for 15 consecutive years.

Morgan lives in the Bay Area with his family. Outside the office, he enjoys hiking, traveling, playing tennis, and chess.

Five Star Wealth Manager Award 2012 - 2026 Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2012 – 2026. The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional based on objective criteria. The award was not based on a specific time period.

Securities Agent: AZ, AK, SC, CA, WI, WA, RI, NY, AL, TX, NM, NV, VA, OR, IL, GA, FL, AR, PA, NJ, MD, IN, DE, OH, NC, MI, KY, KS, ID, CT, CO, WY, UT, TN, HI; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures

NMLS# 1297669
CA Insurance License #: 0D63600
Securities Agent: HI, CA, VA, OR, IL, GA, FL, AZ, AR, PA, NJ, ME, MD, IN, DE, OH, NC, MI, KY, ID, CT, CO, NV, WI, WA, RI, NY, AL, TX, NM, AK, WY, TN, SC; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1297669
CA Insurance License #: 0D63600

About Kevin M. Sanchez

Kevin M. Sánchez, CIMA®, CPWA®, CFP®
Senior Vice President–Investments, Wealth Management | Senior Institutional Consultant | Investing with Impact Director

With more than 30 years of experience, Kevin Sánchez advises affluent individuals and multigenerational families, as well as nonprofit organizations, foundations, and endowments. As a senior advisor with Bay Area Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, he brings discipline, perspective, and careful preparation to financial decisions involving both family wealth and organizational stewardship.

Since 1994 a central focus of Kevin’s work has been helping nonprofit boards, leadership teams, and investment committees develop prudent investment policies, design and implement portfolios, evaluate spending and liquidity considerations, strengthen governance, and oversee assets in support of their long-term missions. His experience helps organizations connect investment decisions with the programs, people, and communities they are committed to serving.

Kevin also works with affluent individuals and multigenerational families to coordinate investment management, financial planning, retirement and liquidity considerations, philanthropic goals, and long-term wealth strategy. When appropriate, he works alongside clients’ tax and legal advisors to help keep related decisions aligned as family circumstances, markets, and priorities evolve.

Known for his responsiveness and attention to detail, Kevin takes time to understand the context behind each decision. Clients and nonprofit leaders value his ability to make complex issues easier to evaluate while maintaining the disciplined risk management and follow-through their responsibilities require.

Kevin earned an M.B.A. in Finance with honors from the University of Oregon’s Lundquist School of Business. He holds a B.S. from the University of Oregon, graduating cum laude with a triple major in Finance, Management and Marketing. Kevin holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® and the Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designations. Within Morgan Stanley, he is a Senior Institutional Consultant and Investing with Impact Director. He was named a Five Star Wealth Manager in 2026.

His commitment to the financial profession extends beyond his work with clients. Through his leadership with the Investments & Wealth Institute (IWI), including service as a past board president, he has supported the advancement of professional standards, continuing education, and a culture of lifelong learning and integrity.

That same spirit of service extends to his community. As a member of the board of Reflect Kindness, he supports an organization that provides urgent care funding for families in need.

Outside the office, Kevin is pursuing the Seven Summits, the highest mountain on each continent. The preparation, risk awareness, resilience, and long-term commitment required in mountaineering reflect the same qualities he brings to his work with clients and organizations.

In My Own Words
In life, it’s crucial to find your passion.
Something meaningful that speaks to you.
Leave a legacy…

I have always believed that a meaningful life comes from finding something you care deeply about—and then giving it your very best.

For me, that has meant building meaningful relationships with families and nonprofit leaders, helping them pursue goals that matter deeply to them, and challenging myself to climb some of the tallest mountains in the world. I am pursuing the Seven Summits—the highest peak on each continent. I have summited five, and I hope to complete Denali and Mount Everest by 2028.

Mountaineering may seem far removed from wealth management, but each has taught me many of the same lessons. Ambitious goals require preparation, patience, humility, and respect for uncertainty. You study the terrain, anticipate what you can, and remain ready to adjust when conditions change.

What I value most, however, is the confidence people place in me. Helping a family make thoughtful decisions for the people they love—or helping an organization steward its resources in support of a community—is more than work to me. It is a privilege.

I want the people I serve to know that I understand the responsibility they carry and that my goal is to be prepared, responsive, and personally committed to what matters to them. Seeing a family move forward with greater confidence or an organization creating a lasting impact in its community is enormously fulfilling. That is the work I feel fortunate to do.

Five Star Wealth Manager Award 2026 Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2026). The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional based on objective criteria. The award was not based on a specific time period. https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure/

Securities Agent: TX, WA, NJ, MA, DC, CO, AR, AL, TN, PA, NV, RI, NY, MO, MI, CT, WY, VA, SC, MD, HI, CA, AZ, NM, KY, WI, OH, DE, ID, AK, OR, NC, GA, FL, IN, IL; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2495121

Visit my personal website: https://advisor.morganstanley.com/kevin.sanchez
Securities Agent: DE, ID, AK, OR, NC, GA, FL, IN, IL, WA, NJ, MA, DC, CO, AR, AL, TN, PA, NV, RI, NY, MO, MI, CT, WY, VA, TX, SC, MD, HI, CA, AZ, NM, KY, WI, OH, ME; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2495121

About Austin Ballard

Austin Ballard, CIMA®,
Associate Vice President | Financial Advisor | Financial Planning Specialist


Austin Ballard is a Financial Advisor and Financial Planning Specialist with Bay Area Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. He helps clients align their investments and portfolios with personal and financial goals, focusing on quality assurance, risk management, and optimization of investment strategies. Austin works closely with high-net-worth individuals and families to monitor progress and adjust plans as life evolves.

He began his career at Morgan Stanley in 2019, gaining hands-on experience in stock and fund analysis. His work as a Wealth Advisor Associate led to his current role as a Financial Advisor, where he draws on both data and dialogue to create plans tailored to each client’s goals. Austin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Northern Arizona University and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation through the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Austin believes financial planning is most effective when it reflects a deep understanding of each client’s life story. From managing risk and planning for major purchases to reducing debt and building a legacy, he provides steady guidance every step of the way.

Austin lives in the Bay Area with his wife and young daughter. In his free time, he enjoys playing ice hockey and taking walks with his family through Heather Farm Park.

NMLS#: 2266297
Securities Agent: MI, CO, AZ, WI, NC, KY, WA, MD, CT, AL, VA, PA, NY, ID, AR, AK, DE, TX, SC, OR, NJ, HI, GA, TN, IL, CA, WY, OH, FL, IN, RI, NV, MN, ME, NM; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2266297

About Diva Helmy

Diva Helmy, CFP®, RMA®
Associate Vice President | Financial Advisor | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® | Retirement Management Advisor®

Diva is a Financial Advisor with the Bay Area Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. She helps clients with retirement income planning, employee benefits and executive compensation, investment management, and tax and estate strategies. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Retirement Management Advisor®, Diva is known for her warm, thoughtful approach—bringing clarity and calm to complex decisions. In 2025, she earned the Portfolio Management Professional Certificate from the New York Institute of Finance and the AI for Business & Finance Certificate from Columbia Business School.

Diva especially enjoys partnering with multi-generational families, because each stage of life comes with its own investment, tax, and estate planning considerations. She also works closely with Bay Area executives, providing strategies tailored to the region’s unique opportunities and challenges—particularly concentrated stock management and the complexities of equity compensation.

She began her career at Morgan Stanley in 2019 as a Wealth Advisor Associate, where she built a strong foundation in creating tailored plans using the firm’s financial planning tools to support clients through major life transitions.

Originally from the Bay Area, Diva lived abroad while completing her undergraduate and graduate studies. That experience deepened her interest in global economics and the cultural values that shape how people think about money, family, and long-term security. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and surfing in Marin County and San Francisco.

NMLS#: 2365387
Licensed in: OR, IL, AL, WA, SC, PA, NY, MI, AZ, DE, CT, UT, TN, CO, RI, OK, OH, NM, KY, WI, NC, MD, KS, IN, GA, FL, WY, VA, TX, HI, CA, AR, AK, NV, ID, NJ
Securities Agent: PA, NY, MI, AZ, RI, OK, OH, NM, KY, WI, NC, MD, IN, GA, FL, OR, CA, AR, AK, NV, ID, DE, CT, TN, ME, CO, WY, VA, TX, HI, NJ, IL, AL, WA, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2365387

About Nina Chung

With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Nina plays a central role in ensuring the strength and efficiency of the Bay Area Wealth Management team at Morgan Stanley. As Vice President and Group Director, Nina is responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic coordination that allow the team to deliver exceptional service to every client.

Partnering closely with both financial advisors and clients to oversee onboarding, service workflows, compliance, and communication, Nina ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. Her deep industry knowledge, steady leadership, and attention to detail help maintain the team’s high-touch service model and reinforce client trust at every step of the relationship. She is often the first point of contact for clients with time-sensitive needs and plays a key role in making sure each client’s experience is smooth, responsive, and personalized.

Nina holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband and enjoys visiting the wine country spending time with her nieces and nephews, cheering for the Golden State Warriors, staying active with CrossFit, and relaxing with her beloved kitties. Nina is an active supporter of 13th Street Cat Rescue in San Jose and Community Concern for Cats in Walnut Creek.

If you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach Nina directly at:
Nina.Chung@morganstanley.com
(925) 746-2953

About Ashley DeBenedetti

Ashley brings more than 15 years of experience in financial services to her role as Wealth Management Associate at Bay Area Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. A graduate of California State University, Chico, with a B.A. in Marketing, Ashley is known for her poise, discretion, and deep commitment to client care.

As a senior member of the team, Ashley is a trusted resource for both clients and advisors. She plays a critical role in delivering the team’s high-touch service model—ensuring that clients receive timely, personalized, and thoughtful support. Her ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and build lasting relationships makes her an integral part of the client experience.

A Bay Area native, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters in Lake Tahoe. Most weekends, you’ll find her cheering on her daughters at their sporting events.

If you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach Ashley directly at:
Ashley.DeBenedetti@morganstanley.com
(925) 746-2910

About Luke McKernan

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Luke McKernan is a Registered Client Service Associate and Financial Planning Specialist* with Morgan Stanley’s Bay Area Wealth Management team. He works closely with the team’s Financial Advisors to help provide a seamless client experience by responding to client requests, coordinating day-to-day operational needs, and assisting with account opening and ongoing service.

Luke earned Morgan Stanley’s Financial Planning Specialist designation, reflecting knowledge of the fundamentals of wealth accumulation and wealth management for high net worth individuals. This additional expertise strengthens his ability to support the team’s financial planning process and provide informed, coordinated client service. He also holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 registrations.

Luke earned his B.S. in Business Administration, with a concentration in Financial Management, from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he played on the university’s rugby team for four years.

Outside of work, he enjoys golf, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. A lifelong Bay Area sports fan, he proudly supports his hometown teams.

If you have any questions or immediate concerns, please contact Luke directly at: Luke.Mckernan@morganstanley.com
(925) 746-2978

*Disclaimer: This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice

About Ledia Gesses

Ledia Gesses is a Client Service Associate with the Bay Area Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. She joined the group in April 2026, and brings a strong foundation in economics and finance, along with a thoughtful, client-first mindset and a commitment to delivering an organized, responsive, and seamless service experience.

She earned her B.A. in Economics from Claremont McKenna College, graduating with honors including QuestBridge and McKenna Scholar. She complements her academic training with experience conducting competitive market analysis, developing clear, executive-ready communications, and strengthening internal workflows and reporting processes.

Outside of work, Ledia enjoys soccer, pickleball, and reformer Pilates. A Bay Area native, she enjoys exploring local restaurants with friends. She serves as a youth leader at her local church, where she mentors high school and college students and supports them through the college application process.

If you have any questions or immediate concerns, please contact Ledia directly at
Ledia.Gesses@morganstanley.com
(925) 746-2946

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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
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Michelle Walsh

Private Banker
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Cindy W. Lee

Private Banker

About Michelle Walsh

Michelle Walsh is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in California.

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.

Michelle began her career in financial services in 1983 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2020 as a Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Structured Credit Executive at Merrill Lynch/Bank of America where she also served as a Wealth Management Banker. She previously served as a Regional Consumer Market Manager with BB&T Bank.

Michelle is a graduate of Shepherd University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She lives in Danville, CA with her family. Outside of the office, Michelle enjoys traveling with family and friends and volunteering for local food banks.
NMLS#: 637456

About Cindy W. Lee

Cindy Lee is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in California.

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.

Cindy began her career in financial services in 1996 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Custom Residential
Real Estate Specialist at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch where she also served as a Wealth Management Banker and Financial Advisor.

Cindy is a graduate of San Francisco State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She resides in the Bay Area with her family. Outside of the office, Cindy dedicates time to volunteering, enjoys traveling, reading, watching sports and spending time with family and friends.
NMLS#: 637460
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Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

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Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors

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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving

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Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
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  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
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In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Bay Area Wealth Management Group today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

1Morgan 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.

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

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2Morgan 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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3Morgan 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.

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4Investing 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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5Morgan 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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6Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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7Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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8Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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9Morgan 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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10Products 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.
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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11Morgan 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.

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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.

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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025), 4763067 (9/2025)