My Story and Services

I believe success in achieving important financial goals starts with a comprehensive wealth strategy. I will help you define what is most important to you and then formulate the strategies that are suited for your needs, whether you are accumulating wealth or investing for income, solidifying your retirement plan or devising a distribution approach that meets your lifestyle and legacy goals.
Services Include
Securities Agent: MS, OK, MI, TX, NY, IL, HI, SC, NV, NM, MD, FL, DC, CO, VA, CA, NC, AL, GA, WY, UT, MA, TN, PA, MT, OR, LA, KY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1285223
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

PLANNING FOR YOUR FAMILY'S FINANCIAL NEEDS

    Icon Image
    Redefining Family Office
    We look forward to learning more about you and your family, and discussing how we can help you safeguard what you have earned and pursue your most important life goals. We deliver an exceptionally attentive level of service and dedicate ourselves to finding solutions to the challenges our clients face, even those challenges that fall well outside the traditional role of wealth managers.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    Philanthropic Planning
    Your set of philanthropic objectives is as personal as your vision of a better world. Determining your objectives, however, can be challenging when there are so many worthy causes and so many unmet needs.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    Trust & Estate Planning
    With you every step of the way. I analyze your tax and estate structures so that their tax characteristics are accurately incorporated in the asset allocation analysis performed for the client.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    Family Governance
    Particularly in the case of an ultra-high net worth family engaged in a common enterprise, such as running a family business, operating a family office, or simply investing together as a family, it's extremely important to have a sound framework within which to make decisions - in other words, a family governance system.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    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.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    Wealth Education
    Financial Literacy means being empowered with the knowledge to make smart financial decisions during every stage of life. Discussing family finances is especially important with adult children, no matter their age. It's not always easy, but starting the conversation is a key step in long-term wealth planning.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    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.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    Business Succession Planning
    Selling a business should be the reward for years of entrepreneurial savvy and hard work. Here’s how to make the process go smoothly.
    Learn More Here

Working With You

Your achievements reflect substantial effort, and Christian will work just as hard to help you on your behalf, committing his experience and skills to helping you achieve your unique goals for your wealth. Moreover, Christian will support you and your strategy with the resources and perspective of one of the world’s largest financial firms.
    Icon Image
    Discovery
    We will discuss your current financial resources, time horizon for your goals, tolerance for risk—even how your liabilities are structured. If you own a business, we also might discuss your current banking and cash management needs.
    Icon Image
    Plan
    Christian will present a plan to help address potential needs such as income and estate planning, asset protection, investment management, strategic borrowing, and business succession. He will also seek to recommend an asset allocation strategy reflecting your risk tolerance and investment time horizon.
    Icon Image
    Implement
    Christian will work closely with you to bring the elements of your plan to life, helping you to select from the hundreds of investment management firms available to you, and identify specific stocks, bonds and other securities that may be suitable for your portfolio. Then he will help closely monitor your portfolio.
    Icon Image
    Review
    You will receive a comprehensive quarterly performance review, helping you track progress toward your objectives. Christian will work with you to help revise your strategy and reposition your assets to reflect your new needs and goals when your circumstances change.

INDIVIDUAL PLANS FOR INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU

Goals you set today will evolve over time. My process is designed to evolve with them - and with the changing circumstances of your life. Holistic in its approach, my planning process will encompass all the elements of your financial and personal life, making sure they align with your current and future goals.

Leveraging a sophisticated suite of analytical tools, as well as decades of industry experience, I can help you take charge of your financial future and achieve your goals.
    Icon Image
    Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)
    Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification is the peak international, technical portfolio construction program for investments consultants, analysts, financial advisors, and wealth management professionals.

    Christian holds this designation.
    Icon Image
    LifeView Intelligent Planning
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that we can use with our clients to create a realistic, integrated strategy that incorporates the various aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs.

    Fill out the questionnaire to get started talking with us about creating a personalized strategy for your long-term goals.
    Complete Questionnaire Here
    Icon Image
    Goals Planning System (GPS)
    Goals Planning System (GPS) is Morgan Stanley's own integrated planning tool. Built on the Firm's intellectual capital and capabilities. GPS is an intuitive and efficient platform used to quickly assess whether a client is "On Track" to achieving their financial goals.
    Start Planning Now
    Icon Image
    Spending & Budgeting Tool
    One way to manage savings is by using Morgan Stanley's Spending & Budgeting tool. This tool helps advisors monitor client cash flows across both internal and external accounts. It also tracks spending patterns and produces an income and expense analysis to help clients achieve their goals by adjusting their spending behavior when necessary.
    Start Using the Tool Today
    Icon Image
    Aladdin - Portfolio Risk Tool
    The Portfolio Risk Platform integrates the leading risk analytics engine into Morgan Stanley Wealth Management's platform to improve the quality, transparency, and efficiency of the end to end risk management processes for the Firm and our Clients.
    Learn More About Portfolio Risk Platform
    Icon Image
    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn More About Total Wealth View
    Icon Image
    Board of Advisor for Tyler Perry Studios
    As a member of the Tyler Perry Studios Board of Advisors, I contribute to shaping the future of entertainment alongside esteemed industry leaders. Together, we leverage our expertise to drive meaningful impact in the world of media and beyond.
    Icon Image
    Active Flight Instructor
    As an active flight instructor, I possess the necessary qualifications and experience to provide flight training to aspiring pilots. I offer instruction in various aircraft, including ground training and in-flight lessons, to help students attain their pilot licenses and ratings.
    Icon Image
    Advocate for Aviation in the Local & National Community
    As an advocate for aviation locally and nationally, I'm dedicated to promoting it's importance and benefits. Through outreach and participation in events, I raise awareness about aviation's economic impact, career opportunities, and community connections.
    Icon Image
    Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam
    The General Securities Representative Qualification Examination (GS) — assesses the competency of a registered representative to perform their job as a general securities representative. The exam measures the degree to which each candidate possesses the knowledge needed to perform the critical functions of a general securities representative, including sales of corporate securities, municipal securities, investment company securities, variable annuities, direct participation programs, options and government securities.
    Icon Image
    Series 31 - Futures Managed Funds Exam
    The Series 31, also known as the Futures Managed Funds Examination, qualifies one to sell or supervise managed futures funds or commodity pools. The exam covers topics such as regulations, ethics, and best practices related to the futures industry.
    Icon Image
    Series 66 - Uniform Combined State Law Exam
    The Series 66 is meant to qualify individuals as investment advisor representatives or securities agents. The Series 66, also known as the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, covers topics relevant to providing investment advice and effecting securities transactions for clients.

Client Service Team

    Carousel Associate Image
    John Dunlap - Senior Registered Client Service Associate
    Phone:
    (770) 643-7638(770) 643-7638
    Email:John.Dunlap@morganstanley.com
    John is a seasoned financial professional with 19 years of industry experience and a specialty in client service and relationship management. Originally from Cumming, GA, he received his B.S. in Finance at Elon University and his M.B.A. at The University of Georgia. John previously worked as an Investment Associate at JPMorgan Wealth Management for 6.5 years. Prior to JPMorgan, he worked in similar roles at UBS, Fidelity Investments, & Merrill Lynch.

    John lives in Alpharetta, GA with his wife, Carol Ann, and his two daughters, Lochlyn (2.5 yrs.) and Elowyn (3 mos.), and their beloved yorkie, Maddie (14 yrs.). He and his wife are avid travelers having recently surpassed 50 countries visited spanning 5 continents. Besides his love for travel, John enjoys photography, writing, and is a devoted sports fan – always cheering on his Braves, Falcons, & Georgia Bulldogs.

Location

2400 Lakeview Pkwy
Suite 300
Alpharetta, GA 30009
US
Direct:
(770) 643-7615(770) 643-7615
Toll-Free:
(800) 965-3168(800) 965-3168
Fax:
(770) 643-7650(770) 643-7650

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

About Michael Cheung

Michael Cheung is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, he collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, he will evaluate various alternatives and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Michael provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and [received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Michael is originally from Hong Kong and currently resides in New York City, NY.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
Article Image

4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
Article Image

2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
Article Image

Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
Article Image

Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

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
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
Article Image

Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Christian Cherniak today.
1Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

Back to top



2Alternative 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.

Back to top



3Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



4Morgan 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.

Back to top



5Morgan 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

Back to top



6Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

Back to top



7Investing in commodities entails significant risks. The commodities markets may fluctuate widely based on a variety of factors including changes in supply and demand relationships; governmental programs and policies; national and international political and economic events; war and terrorist events; changes in interest and exchange rates; trading activities in commodities and related contracts; pestilence; weather; technological change; and, the price volatility of a commodity. In addition, the commodities markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions due to various factors, including lack of liquidity, participation of speculators and government intervention.

Back to top



8When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals 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.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



10Morgan 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.

Back to top



11An investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) involves risks similar to those of investing in a broadly based portfolio of equity securities traded on exchange in the relevant securities market, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. The investment return and principal value of ETF investments will fluctuate, so that an investor’s ETF shares, if or when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the ETF. To obtain a prospectus, contact your Financial Advisor or visit the ETF company’s website. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Back to top



12Morgan 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.

Back to top



13Morgan 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.

Back to top



14Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

Back to top



15Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

Back to top



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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)