Jason Taggart
Private Banker
Christopher M Payne
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(404) 264-4229(404) 264-4229
Toll-Free:
(800) 688-6002(800) 688-6002
My Mission Statement
We manage our client's long-term, generational wealth: From cash management and lending needs to solutions in investment, retirement and philanthropic planning,
My Story and Services
Achieving important financial goals starts with a comprehensive, holistic planning approach to savings and investments. My goal is to help you define what is most important to you and your family, formulate strategies that are appropriate for your needs, and consistently monitor progress towards those long-term objectives.
A goals-based approach to financial planning allows me to fully understand where you currently are and where you want to go. By incorporating every part of your financial life, from taxes to cash management, to legacy planning and charitable giving, we can work together to create the tailored approach that you need to succeed.
I have been helping clients and their family's manage their wealth for over 31 years and hold a Bachelor's of Science in Management from the Georgia Tech. Beyond the office, I am actively involved with philanthropy in my community, including the Northside Youth Organization (NYO) and Daughter's Against Alzheimer's.
A goals-based approach to financial planning allows me to fully understand where you currently are and where you want to go. By incorporating every part of your financial life, from taxes to cash management, to legacy planning and charitable giving, we can work together to create the tailored approach that you need to succeed.
I have been helping clients and their family's manage their wealth for over 31 years and hold a Bachelor's of Science in Management from the Georgia Tech. Beyond the office, I am actively involved with philanthropy in my community, including the Northside Youth Organization (NYO) and Daughter's Against Alzheimer's.
Securities Agent: GA, NC, CA, FL, NY, OK, TN, LA, KY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1700887
NMLS#: 1700887
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
How to Choose a Structure that Secures Your Legacy
Legacy planning may not seem difficult at first, but securing your vision of tomorrow can present numerous challenges. Legacy planning is important because it allows you to give and help loved ones according to your values and purpose. Fortunately, Morgan Stanley offers dedicated support to those who wish to make tomorrow better. Watch the video above to hear how Morgan Stanley Family Office supports legacies or read the brochure below to learn if a private family trust company is right for you.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What are the causes that I am most passionate about?
- What do I want my impact to be?
- How can I create a better world for my children and grandchildren?
Location
3280 Peachtree Rd NE
Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
Direct:
(404) 264-4229(404) 264-4229
Toll-Free:
(800) 688-6002(800) 688-6002
Fax:
(404) 935-9851(404) 935-9851
The Power of Partnerships
By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships
Brian Ford
Private Banker
Jay Zaffos, CFP®
Financial Planning Director, Vice President
About Jason Taggart
Jason Taggart is a Senior Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Georgia.
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.
Jason began his career in financial services in 2002, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch. He also served as an Operations Supervisor at PHH Mortgage.
Jason is a graduate of Florida State University, where he received both a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration in Finance. He lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia with his family. Outside of the office, Jason enjoys spending time with family, attending his kids sporting events, traveling, watching college football, and coaching his daughters’ softball team.
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.
Jason began his career in financial services in 2002, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch. He also served as an Operations Supervisor at PHH Mortgage.
Jason is a graduate of Florida State University, where he received both a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration in Finance. He lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia with his family. Outside of the office, Jason enjoys spending time with family, attending his kids sporting events, traveling, watching college football, and coaching his daughters’ softball team.
NMLS#: 652503
About Brian Ford
Brian Ford is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Georgia.
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.
Brian Ford began his career in financial services in 2006, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Regional Private Banker at Wells Fargo, as well as a Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial.
Brian is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Management. He and his family reside in Cumming, Georgia. Outside of the office, Brian dedicates his time to developing future leaders in youth athletics, serving as a Coach on his children’s baseball teams. When not on the field, he also enjoys running, traveling, watching sports, and spending time with his family.
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.
Brian Ford began his career in financial services in 2006, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Regional Private Banker at Wells Fargo, as well as a Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial.
Brian is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Management. He and his family reside in Cumming, Georgia. Outside of the office, Brian dedicates his time to developing future leaders in youth athletics, serving as a Coach on his children’s baseball teams. When not on the field, he also enjoys running, traveling, watching sports, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 687710
About Jay Zaffos
Jay Zaffos is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Atlanta, Georgia. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.
Jay began his career in financial services in 2012, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to his current position, he supported a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual in a financial planning role.
Jay graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors degree in English and holds his Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations. Jay lives in Marietta, Georgia with his spouse and three children. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with family, playing electric guitar in the worship band at his church, running, and playing chess.
Jay began his career in financial services in 2012, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to his current position, he supported a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual in a financial planning role.
Jay graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors degree in English and holds his Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations. Jay lives in Marietta, Georgia with his spouse and three children. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with family, playing electric guitar in the worship band at his church, running, and playing chess.
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
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
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
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.
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
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
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
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.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Tax-Smart Strategies for Your Retirement
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Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Teaching Your Teenagers About Money
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Christopher M Payne today.
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.
2Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
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.
3Morgan 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
4Morgan 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.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards 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.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
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.
3Morgan 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
4Morgan 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.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards 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.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)