Allyson DeFruscio
Registered Client Service Assosciate
Phone:
(610) 940-5134(610) 940-5134
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Christopher Grandieri
Executive Director, Private Wealth Management,
Private Wealth Advisor,
Alternative Investments Director,
Family Wealth Director
Direct:
(610) 260-7449(610) 260-7449
My Mission Statement
Delivering the experience, resources and personalized service required to advise families with multi-generational wealth on their most consequential and bespoke financial needs.
A boutique like group within a global firm, Private Wealth Management is optimized to serve ultra high net worth individuals, families and foundations.
A boutique like group within a global firm, Private Wealth Management is optimized to serve ultra high net worth individuals, families and foundations.
My Story
Chris Grandieri has worked closely with an exceptionally accomplished clientele of ultra-high net worth individuals and families since 2008. In addition to helping them develop, implement and manage highly customized investment portfolios, Chris understands the critical role proper estate planning plays, especially for entrepreneurs and business owners as they prepare for a future liquidity event.
Chris moved with the team to Morgan Stanley from Credit Suisse's Private Banking North America business. After graduating summa cum laude from Gettysburg College, Chris joined Susquehanna Investment Group and worked on the energy and commodities trading desk. He later joined Veritable, LP, where he began his career in the private wealth management industry and subsequently moved on to Credit Suisse to continue this pursuit.
Chris currently resides in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania with his wife, Cailyn, and their four children. He coaches youth CYO basketball, enjoys golfing and has been involved with a number of charitable organizations over the years.
Securities Agent: CT, WY, WA, RI, GA, DC, CA, OR, MD, AL, NJ, FL, DE, CO, VA, PA, NY, AZ, MS, TX, MT, IL, UT, SC, NC, MA, LA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1571570
NMLS#: 1571570
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
About PWM
Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
- Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
- Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
- Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
- Approximately 300 teams specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $1.2 trillion in AUM
- Comprising 26% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2025
- 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, September 2025
Source: Barron's (Awarded March 2025) This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's for the period Oct 2023-Sept 2024. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to Barron's to obtain or use the ranking. This ranking is based on an algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the assessment of Barron's and may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
Estate Planning
Learn more about estate planning by browsing the links below and contact me with any questions.
US Legacy Income Trusts Brochure
The U.S. Legacy Income Trusts (Trusts) are next-generation charitable planned giving instruments established by the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust® (Gift Trust), a tax-exempt public charity offering donor-advised funds.
Learn More Here
Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLAT) Illustration
View the presentation below to learn more about SLATs.
Learn More Here
Gifting the Estate Tax Exemption While Maintaining Access
The gift and estate tax exemption amount is $12.92 million in 2023. Many clients wish to use the exemption but are concerned with maintaining control of the funds and maintaining access should they need it.
Learn More Here
Concentrated Position Toolkit
The concentrated position toolkit assists in curating and navigating an expansive suite of specialized resources to address concentrated positions.
Learn More Here
Equity Compensation Can Have Complex Implications
Your Compensation Package may Include an Equity Plan. Learn more about various equity compensation forms below.
Learn More Here
Maximizing Your Equity Compensation
Learn how executives can define a strategy that efficiently navigates the complexities of equity awards to achieve their personal financial goals.
Learn More HereFAMILY OFFICE RESOURCES
Family Office Resources (FOR) provides specialized technical expertise to ultra-high net worth clients across a broad range of family wealth management issues. Below are pertinent resources that illustrate Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources capabilities.
FOR Overview
As your family grows and your wealth increases, you may face more subtle and profound wealth management issues. As the demands of your family grow and evolve, you will likely need professionals who have expanded capabilities.
Learn More Here
Philanthropy Management
Philanthropy Management supports individuals, families, corporate and private foundations, and nonprofit
organizations by offering a suite of services to help define and realize clients’ charitable missions.
Learn More Hereorganizations by offering a suite of services to help define and realize clients’ charitable missions.
FOR Generalists
The Family Office Resources (FOR) Generalists help clients and Private Wealth Advisors curate and navigate resources
so clients can make complicated decisions confidently. A methodical and comprehensive process that incorporates and distinguishes among structural, behavioral and investment decisions leads to the creation of integrated, holistic and
customized solutions.
Learn More Hereso clients can make complicated decisions confidently. A methodical and comprehensive process that incorporates and distinguishes among structural, behavioral and investment decisions leads to the creation of integrated, holistic and
customized solutions.
Estate Planning Strategies
Our experienced professionals are available to discuss various tax, trust and estate strategies with you
and your advisors, help facilitate the implementation of those strategies, and focus on the integration of your
investment plans. A key first step is to understand what trust, tax and estate structures and planning are in place and frame it pictorially in a trust map to understand how assets might flow from one generation to the next.
Learn More Hereand your advisors, help facilitate the implementation of those strategies, and focus on the integration of your
investment plans. A key first step is to understand what trust, tax and estate structures and planning are in place and frame it pictorially in a trust map to understand how assets might flow from one generation to the next.
Donor Advised Funds
While many individuals and families have a deep commitment to philanthropy, charitable giving is not limited to those with significant wealth. Donor advised funds (DAFs) are among the easiest and most tax-advantaged ways to give to charity for donors across the spectrum of wealth.
Learn More HereTrust Services
Our trustee platform is “open architecture,” meaning that we provide you with access and ability to select an
appropriate third-party corporate trustee for your trust account. Trust Specialists, within Morgan Stanley,
analyze client trust documents and situations and then suggest a fiduciary solution for your needs and goals.
Learn More Hereappropriate third-party corporate trustee for your trust account. Trust Specialists, within Morgan Stanley,
analyze client trust documents and situations and then suggest a fiduciary solution for your needs and goals.
Upcoming Firm Events
The Lessons in Leadership Virtual Event Series will continue throughout 2025.
Check back soon for details on upcoming events.
Location
100 Front St
Ste 600
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
US
Direct:
(610) 260-7449(610) 260-7449
Meet My Team
Kristen Weil
Registered Client Service Assosciate
Phone:
(610) 260-7757(610) 260-7757
About Allyson DeFruscio
Allyson DeFruscio is a dedicated client service professional with experience supporting clients across investment-focused and wealth management environments. She graduated cum laude from West Chester University in 2021 and began her career at Vanguard in a client-facing role, where she helped clients better understand their investment options through educational conversations and meaningful guidance.
In 2024, Ally joined Chris Grandieri’s team at Morgan Stanley, where she serves as a trusted point of contact for clients and helps deliver a responsive, thoughtful service experience. She is committed to helping clients navigate day-to-day needs and next steps with clarity and care. Ally also serves as a Coach for the Greater Philadelphia Market, supporting colleagues through sharing best practices and helping promote consistency across the region.
Ally lives in Havertown, Pennsylvania, with her fiancé, J.T., and their dog, Ralph.
In 2024, Ally joined Chris Grandieri’s team at Morgan Stanley, where she serves as a trusted point of contact for clients and helps deliver a responsive, thoughtful service experience. She is committed to helping clients navigate day-to-day needs and next steps with clarity and care. Ally also serves as a Coach for the Greater Philadelphia Market, supporting colleagues through sharing best practices and helping promote consistency across the region.
Ally lives in Havertown, Pennsylvania, with her fiancé, J.T., and their dog, Ralph.
About Kristen Weil
Kristen joined the team from J.P. Morgan Private Bank in New York, where she worked with the Financial Institutions Group servicing ultra-high-net-worth portfolios for fund managers, asset managers, and insurance executives. In that role, Kristen supported complex client relationships and developed a strong analytical foundation within a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Kristen is a fully registered Client Service Associate and holds her Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 licenses.
Originally from the Philadelphia Main Line, Kristen graduated from The Episcopal Academy where she received All American Honors in addition to being a four-time recipient of the US Squash Scholar Athlete Award. Kristen studied at Princeton University where she also competed on the Women’s Varsity Squash team and majored in Economic Anthropology and Minoring in Spanish. Kristen continues to enjoy racquet sports at local clubs in the Philadelphia region and New York City and is engaged in volunteer efforts supporting youth sports.
Originally from the Philadelphia Main Line, Kristen graduated from The Episcopal Academy where she received All American Honors in addition to being a four-time recipient of the US Squash Scholar Athlete Award. Kristen studied at Princeton University where she also competed on the Women’s Varsity Squash team and majored in Economic Anthropology and Minoring in Spanish. Kristen continues to enjoy racquet sports at local clubs in the Philadelphia region and New York City and is engaged in volunteer efforts supporting youth sports.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
This is a video content
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
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.
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
PWM Leadership Insights & Outcomes
Article Image
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
1Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (the “Firm”) and its affiliates do not currently offer the services provided by this Service Provider(s). The Service Provider(s) is not an affiliate of the Firm. Any review of the Service Provider(s) performed by the Firm was based on information from sources that we believe are reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This referral should in no way be considered to be a solicitation by the Firm for business on behalf of the Service Provider(s). The Firm makes no representations regarding the appropriate or otherwise of the products or services provided by the Service Provider(s). There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. If you choose to contact the Service Provider(s), do thorough due diligence, and make your own independent decision.
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.
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 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.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
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
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (the “Firm”) and its affiliates do not currently offer the services provided by this Service Provider(s). The Service Provider(s) is not an affiliate of the Firm. Any review of the Service Provider(s) performed by the Firm was based on information from sources that we believe are reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This referral should in no way be considered to be a solicitation by the Firm for business on behalf of the Service Provider(s). The Firm makes no representations regarding the appropriate or otherwise of the products or services provided by the Service Provider(s). There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. If you choose to contact the Service Provider(s), do thorough due diligence, and make your own independent decision.
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.
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 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.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4677197 (7/2025)
