About Mike Laidlaw
Mike Laidlaw is a veteran Private Wealth Advisor with nearly 30 years of experience advising corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and multi-generational families. As a co-founder of the Berry Laidlaw Group at Morgan Stanley, he helps clients navigate the complexities of significant wealth with a focus on global strategy, tax-aware investing, and long-term legacy planning.
Originally from Adrian, Michigan, Mike grew up in a multi-generational family farming business where he developed a strong work ethic and long-term perspective. He earned his A.B. in Political Economics from Princeton University, where he was on the football and crew teams. After an injury ended his athletic career, Mike spent a year working at Value Investing Partners in Paris, which sparked his passion for global finance.
He began his career at Goldman Sachs in Chicago and New York before joining Morgan Stanley in 1997. After rotating through the firm’s institutional business, he returned to Chicago to build one of Morgan Stanley’s most established private wealth teams. Today, the group serves clients nationwide, with a strong presence in Chicago, Naples, Scottsdale, Aspen, St. Louis, and Columbus.
Mike is a Family Wealth Director at Morgan Stanley, placing him among an elite group of financial advisors with extensive experience in assisting affluent families with the multigenerational challenges of managing their wealth. He also holds the firm's Alternative Investments Director designation, highlighting his experience in integrating alternative investments into his practice.
Mike remains actively involved with the Princeton alumni community through his leadership with the Princeton Club of Chicago.
Securities Agent: TN, DE, WY, SC, NE, HI, FL, VA, MD, KY, WI, PA, MA, CT, WA, NV, AZ, OH, NY, NJ, MT, MN, DC, TX, SD, PR, MI, CO, MO, IN, RI, OR, KS, IL, CA, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1252901