Welcome

As Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisors, we combine our own talents and experience with the vast resources of a global financial services firm to address the planning, governance, liability management and investing needs of ultra-high net worth families, their businesses, and philanthropic enterprises. We take a holistic approach that is grounded in investment strategy but covers virtually every aspect of your financial life: risk management, liabilities, trusts, and estate structures and even family dynamics and lifestyle management issues. Our goal is to help preserve and grow your financial, family, and social capital so that it can have the greatest positive impact today and for generations to come. Our clients are highly successful executives, entrepreneurs, family offices and foundations from across the United States. Many of our clients are retired and seeking to protect and preserve capital while generating income to support their lifestyle, while others have continued working or founded new ventures and seek to grow their capital.

We work closely with you; every portfolio is customized based on your needs, objectives and "what keeps you up at night"
We work with your attorneys and tax professionals to ensure tax and estate planning optimization.
We believe in the value of diversification; wealth is created through concentration and may be preserved through diversification.
We provide high touch, "white glove" service and pride ourselves on our responsiveness to our clients.
We utilize the full breadth and depth of Morgan Stanley's open investment architecture platform to develop holistic, personalized portfolios.

We are a boutique practice founded by Alternative Investments Directors Jon Berry, Senior Vice President, and Mike Laidlaw, Executive Director, catering to a select group of families with relationships spanning decades. Our practice offers comprehensive, holistic investment, estate planning and lending solutions with a dedication to providing "white glove" service and an unsurpassed experience. We take a unique, customized approach to our clients' asset allocations and utilize the full breadth of Morgan Stanley's institutional capabilities.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

About PWM

Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
  • Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
  • Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
  • Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
  • Approximately 350 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
  • Over $980 billion in AUM1
  • Comprising 23% of the Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams for 2024
  • Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, December, 2024

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

Ultra-High Net Worth Resources

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    Trust Planning
    Among the available tools for protecting and transferring assets, trusts may be the most misunderstood. Put simply, a trust can be a flexible and effective way for families to solve their financial issues and manage many types of challenges involving how to transfer assets and wealth to help ensure a lasting legacy.
    Planning Your Legacy
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    Intergenerational Wealth Planning
    Highly skilled accountants and estate attorneys are vital to constructing sound wealth-transfer plans, but sometimes it is the matters these experts cannot address that pose the greatest challenges.
    Addressing Your Challenges
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    Financial Literacy
    Financial literacy means being equipped with the knowledge to make smart financial decisions during every stage of your life. No matter your current priorities, a strong financial literacy foundation can help you meet your goals.
    Financial Literacy for Any Stage of Your Life
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    Donor Advised Funds
    Let’s say you hold securities that have appreciated significantly. By donating the securities to a DAF, you can eliminate the potential capital gains tax, and you have time to decide when and where to make your charitable gifts. Between the time you make a donation to a DAF and when you finalize your giving strategy, your assets can be invested, with the potential to grow tax-free.
    Philanthropic Planning
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    Signature Access
    A broad range of specialty services are available to enrich and enhance the health, safety, comfort, and interests of affluent families, from private aviation, personal security, art advisory, and household staffing, to private health advisory services and advisory services for single family offices.
    Our Offering
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    CashPlus Account
    Get more value and more protection (along with exclusive benefits and perks!) with a CashPlus Brokerage account, a modern alternative to banking.
    Modern Banking
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    Impact Investing
    How can investors gain insight into the impact of their investment portfolios? Our Morgan Stanley Impact Quotient tool distills complex data and tailors analysis to you.
    Morgan Stanley IQ
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    Alternative Lending
    Using highly-automated models and expansive datasets, alternative lending platforms can rapidly underwrite borrower credit risk.

    Borrowers may access credit in a more streamlined fashion as compared to the traditional lending process, often on terms more attractive than otherwise would be available.

    Loan investors may access attractive credit risk premia historically captured by banks, while diversifying their portfolio fixed income and credit exposures.
    Innovation in Lending
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Beyond viewing your account balance and activity, Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a suite of features that allow you to manage your everyday finances from paying bills and sending money to transferring funds and authorizing transactions with eAuthorizations.
    Learn More About Morgan Stanley Online
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    Total Wealth View
    It’s hard to see the complete picture with only half the details. As a Morgan Stanley client, you can now conveniently view your accounts from other financial institutions on Morgan Stanley Online or by using the Morgan Stanley Mobile App, giving you a more complete financial picture.
    Learn More About Total Wealth View
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    Morgan Stanley Mobile App
    Securely access your Morgan Stanley account from virtually anywhere. Simply download it on your mobile device and use your Morgan Stanley Online username and password to log in. From there you will have resources of MSO on the go.
    Learn More About Our Mobile App
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    Digital Vault
    Easily and conveniently manage and share life’s most important documents, such as wills, deeds and estate plans, as well as financial statements and tax filings. Digital Vault allows for easy document sharing, convenient access, and encrypted files.
    Access Digital Vault
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    eAuthorizations
    With eAuthorizations, you can electronically authorize domestic and international, one-time/recurring transactions through Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App within minutes.
    Enroll in eAuthorizations
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    eDelivery
    eDelivery provides you with the ability to view statements and other Firm documents electronically in lieu of paper. Clients who are registered in Morgan Stanley Online may enroll in eDelivery.
    Enroll in eDelivery

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF RETURN

For the right type of investor, alternatives can create an innovative asset allocation that opens the door to an optimal portfolio. Alternative investments can seem mystifying; we at Berry Laidlaw Group provide these resources because we believe client education enables quality investment decisions.

Our Future

It is no secret that our economy and our world are evolving at a rapid pace, and with that, we must be cognizant of the changes taking place in how we invest. Take a look at these futuristic sectors and click on the links to learn more.
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    Thoughts on the Market Podcast
    Want to stay up to date with these emerging sectors? Join Mike Wilson as he dives into the market, breaking down complex topics in a concise, easy-to-understand format.
    Click here to check out the latest episode..
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    Cybersecurity
    In a world that is now more virtual than ever, cybersecurity is of the utmost importance. Maintaining safe practices online requires a multifaceted and well-informed approach - something that can be grasped by learning to be more careful and astute in your digital practices.
    Click here to learn more
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    Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
    Technology seems to be getting smarter by the minute, and artificial intelligence is on the verge of becoming a more common presence in our everyday lives. Learn about how robots and other forms of AI are taking the world by storm with their new and innovative technology.
    Click here to learn more
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    The Future of Agriculture
    With the global population rapidly on the rise, the way in which we feed our planet is changing. Take a look at this insightful Morgan Stanley report on the future of food, which delineates interesting sustainable tactics that can be used to combat global malnutrition.
    Click here to learn more
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    Healthcare
    Healthcare has been on our minds more than ever as of recent, and it is clear that there is a huge economy behind this massive industry, ranging from pharmaceuticals to research and much more. The future of medicine has the potential to shape our economy and the ways in which we live.
    Click here to learn more
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    Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrency
    Cryptocurrency is becoming more and more well-known, and it is beginning to pique the interest of many investors. While it is certainly a topic of interest, many do not consider themselves well-informed on cryptocurrency, and it is crucial to make educated decisions in regard to your investing.
    Click here to learn more
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    Space and Quantum Communication
    Space is the next frontier, and we are now closer than ever to breaking this extraterrestrial barrier. As has happened with each age of exploration, there is potential for the economy to expand into new sectors.
    Click here to learn more
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    Autonomous, Shared Mobility, and Electric Vehicles
    The future of movement appears to be in electric vehicles, which have taken a larger and larger portion of the transportation marketplace as of recent. This has the potential to create a massive shift in how we get from point A to point B and can possibly lead to other electric means of transportation, such as trains and planes.
    Click here to learn more

Location

233 S Wacker Dr
Ste 9200
Chicago, IL 60606
US
Direct:
(312) 453-9161(312) 453-9161

Meet Berry Laidlaw Group

About Jonathan Berry

Jonathan Berry has spent over twenty-eight years helping highly successful families address their financial needs.  After serving five years as a U.S. Army officer culminating in the rank of Captain, he began his financial services career at Andersen Consulting helping large companies become more efficient through technology. In 1994, after completing an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, he accepted a position at JP Morgan’s Institutional Fixed Income Department servicing large mutual fund and insurance company clients. In 1998, he brought his experience to Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, where he now focuses on managing balanced portfolios, utilizing strategic and tactical asset allocations to help preserve and grow multi-generational wealth.
Securities Agent: PA, NY, MN, MI, WI, TN, NE, FL, CA, CT, NV, MO, MA, TX, MD, HI, WA, VA, KY, KS, IN, NJ, SC, PR, OH, DE, WY, SD, IL, GA, DC, CO, IA, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1253054

About Mike Laidlaw

Mike Laidlaw has also spent over twenty-seven years servicing ultra-high-net-worth families, foundations and companies. Mike graduated from Princeton University and came to Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in 1997 after developing his experience while as a U.S. Listed Trader at  Goldman Sachs and at a newly formed investment firm abroad, Value Investing Partners.  Mike is well-versed on issues regarding intergenerational wealth planning techniques, alternative investments, lending, insurance and estate planning strategies. He and his teammates help their clients grow their wealth and protect their legacy.
Securities Agent: DE, VA, MD, KY, WI, PA, MA, CT, WA, NV, AZ, TN, OH, NY, NJ, MN, WY, NE, HI, FL, DC, TX, SD, PR, MI, CO, MO, IN, OR, KS, IL, CA, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1252901

About Angela Milan

Securities Agent: GA, DE, SC, OR, NV, NC, PA, MD, IN, HI, WY, WI, PR, NY, NM, MT, VA, MO, IL, CO, KS, AZ, TN, NE, MI, FL, CT, AR, NJ, MN, KY, IA, DC, TX, SD, OH, CA, WA, MA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Private Wealth Management Podcast

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

When a passion for collecting evolves into something of considerable value, new issues are raised. Hear what the professionals have to say about the best practices and pitfalls of collecting art and collectibles.

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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Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy

Share a new report in collaboration with the Aspen Institute. The report aims to help climate-oriented philanthropists explore critical issues and align their wealth management strategies with their environmental impact ambitions.

Insights and Outcomes

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

The renowned NFL wide receiver shares insights on aligning your investments with your values.
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.

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.

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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 4237142 (02/2025)