Welcome

Our Story:
We see the American dream in action every day. Based in Menlo Park, ground zero of the new economy, we serve an impressive group of hard-working, high-achieving people. All of our clients are creating great opportunities for themselves and their families, and some have achieved considerable financial success. They have reached a point where they need help making informed decisions about the complex financial issues in their lives, and putting those decisions into action.

That’s where we come in. Combining our experience with the global capabilities of Morgan Stanley, we supply the insight, information and resources needed to help you and your family address your challenges and work toward your goals. We listen closely, put your interests first and work hard to provide you with thoughtful advice and an outstanding service experience. We will always be respectful of the fact that it’s your money and your future. We are here to provide the help and guidance needed to live the life you want to lead.

Who We Work With:
• Public Company Executives
• Venture Capital and Private Equity Partners
• Founders and Early Employees
• Entrepreneurs

Working With You:
• Simplify your financial affairs and reduce the stress of investing
• Access the intellectual capital of one of the largest investment firms in the globe
• Create a holistic wealth management plan that achieves your financial objectives
• Focus on tax efficient investments strategies

What We Do:
• Investment Management
• Comprehensive Wealth Planning
• Risk Management
• Cash Management & Lending
• Pre-Liquidity Planning
• 10b5-(1) Programs
• Tax, Trust & Estate Advisory
• Philanthropy Management
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 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
  • Over $775 billion in AUM1
  • Comprising 25% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2023
  • 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, 2023

Source: Barron's.com (April 2023) 2023 Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors awarded in 2023. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's during the period from Dec 2020 - Dec 2021. 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 in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking 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 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.

Equity Compensation

Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) Exclusions
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Pre-IPO Planning
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Charitable Giving with Donor Advised Funds
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We believe that proper financial education leads to better insights into our investment strategy, overall discipline, and ultimately, better long term decisions. For our team, it is very important that our clients are provided with timely and informative resources to assist with their unique situations and financial needs.
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    Alternative Investments Overview Video
    As a pioneer and innovator in the industry, Morgan Stanley offers access to our platform of alternative investments.

    Alternative investments are often speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors can lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. They may be highly illiquid, can engage in leverage, short-selling and other speculative practices that may increase volatility and the risk of loss, and may be subject to large investment minimums and initial lock-ups. They may involve complex tax structures, tax inefficient investing and delays in distributing important tax information. They may have higher fees and expenses that traditional investments, and such fees and expenses can lower the returns achieved by investors.
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    GIC On the Markets: Monthly Publication
    Take a look at the latest edition of “On the Markets,” a monthly collection of the most timely research and strategy from Morgan Stanley thought leaders, such as Chief Investment Officer, Lisa Shalett.
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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Listen Here

Awards and Recognitions

We are proud to say that our team has made some incredible accomplishments while servicing our clients. As a result, four members of our team, Matthew Sheehan, Daniel Gieseke, Alex Oberle, and Seth Novosel, have been nominated for various awards and recognitions for their hard work and exceptional service.

Team:
  • 2023-2025 Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (#1 in Northern California)
  • 2022-2024 Forbes' America's Top Wealth Management High Net Worth (2024: #15 overall; #1 in California)
  • 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Team
Matt:
  • 2022-2024 Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Private Wealth
  • 2022-2024 Barron's Top Advisor Rankings
  • 2019 Barron's Member of America's Best Private Wealth Teams
  • 2015-2025 Chairman's Club Member
Dan:
  • 2022-2024 Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: High Net Worth
  • 2017-2023 Forbes' Best-In-State Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor
Alex:
  • 2023-2024 Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: High Net Worth
  • 2022-2024 Forbes' Best-In-State Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor
Seth:
  • 2025 Pacesetters Club Member

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2022-2024 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State
Source: Barron's.com (Awarded 2022-2024) Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2019 Barron's Top 50 Private Wealth Advisory Teams
Source: Barron's.com (Awarded Apr 2019) Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Dec 2017 - Dec 2018.

2022-2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2017-2024 Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State (formerly referred to as Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 1,000 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2017-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.

2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams Source: barrons.com (Awarded May 2024) Data compiled by Barron's for the period Jan 2023-Dec 2023.

Awards Disclosures

Location

2775 Sand Hill Road
Suite 120
Menlo Park, CA 94025
US

Meet Cornerstone Group Silicon Valley

About Matthew Sheehan

Matt Sheehan is a Managing Director with Morgan Stanley’s Menlo Park office. In early 2015, he joined the top 350 Advisors in joining Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Management Group. Matt is also one of a select few advisors who have received the designation “Family Wealth Director” – a designation given to those who have had extensive experience and education in assisting high net worth families manage their financial and estate planning affairs. He is also a member of Chairman’s Club at Morgan Stanley.

Matt was recognized in Forbes Magazine (April 2023) as one of California’s Top Financial Advisors. The Cornerstone Group, the group which Matt helped form in 2020, was also named the #4 best Private Wealth team in Northern California by Forbes Magazine (January 2024). Matt joined Morgan Stanley in 1999 and holds an Economics degree from Loyola Marymount University. Matt lives in Redwood City with his wife, Paula, and his kids, Natalie and Lucas.


2023-2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023, 2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

​2022-2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2023). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: MD, MA, OR, CT, CO, CA, AL, OK, AZ, OH, NY, NV, NM, NJ, NH, AK, NE, NC, MT, MO, MN, MI, PA, WY, WI, WA, VT, VI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, KY, KS, IN, IL, ID, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1290550
CA Insurance License #: 0D04590

About Daniel J Gieseke

Dan Gieseke joined Morgan Stanley in 2007 and has been named a Forbes Next Generation Wealth Advisor every year since 2017. Dan enjoys connecting personally with each of his clients to get to know their families and customize their financial goals to align with their values and priorities. His extensive experience with liquidity planning around IPO's, direct listings, and ongoing sales through 10B5-1 plans makes him a steady and resourceful guide. Dan's personal approach frees his clients to think about giving back to their communities with their time, talent, and treasure. Dan is actively involved in leading men's Bible study, youth sports, and local homeless outreach. He holds a BA in Business/Economics from Wheaton College (IL) and lives in Redwood City with his wife and three children.


2017-2023 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State (formerly referred to as Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 1,000 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (2017-2023. Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.
Securities Agent: OK, WI, NJ, KY, ID, NY, MA, SC, MT, WY, WA, UT, PA, TN, SD, KS, OH, OR, GA, CO, CT, CA, AZ, NC, MO, NV, MI, MN, TX, VT, VA, NM, MD, NH, IN, AL, DE, FL, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1261796
CA Insurance License #: 0H06601

About Alex Oberle

Early in my life, I developed a habit of working hard to accomplish my goals. Like most kids growing up, I had the dream of playing professional baseball. While I did not reach my dream, I was fortunate to earn a Division I baseball scholarship to attend South Dakota State University. Before going to South Dakota State, I worked part-time at In-N-Out Burger, attended school full-time at a local Junior College, and practiced baseball for 3-4 hours a day. Needless to say, this intense schedule helped me develop the traits needed to manage my business in today's fast-paced environment.

After completing my MBA in 2012, I joined Morgan Stanley's Menlo Park office. I've spent my entire career focused on helping successful Silicon Valley executives and entrepreneurs with their wealth management needs. Most of the wealth in the valley is generated from equity compensation, and my focus is helping these clients understand how to incorporate their equity into their financial plan. My goal is to develop long-lasting, personal relationships with a select group of families, and help them implement effective investment strategies to navigate the capital markets, focus on tax-efficient investing, and create customized solutions to accomplish my client’s financial objectives. What differentiates myself and our team is our knowledge around equity compensation for public and private employees and our laser focus on providing an excellent client experience.

Our team, Cornerstone Group Silicon Valley at Morgan Stanley uses a collaborative approach that allows us to best serve our client's needs. We have four financial advisors and five administrative associates.
Securities Agent: IL, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1393565
CA Insurance License #: 0I22661

About Seth Novosel

Seth Novosel began his career at Morgan Stanley as a Wealth Management Intern in 2019 and joined the Cornerstone Group full-time in 2022. Prior to Morgan Stanley, he was an Enterprise Sales Representative at Amazon Web Services, working with AWS’s largest enterprise customers in Southern California and Arizona. Through working with executives, founders, and business leaders at AWS he understands the high-level of trust required to build strong professional relationships and he strives to build that trust with each of his clients. Seth holds the Financial Planning Specialist and Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation designations, certifying him to advise clients on how to incorporate equity compensation to their financial plan. Seth earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Business Economics from the University of Southern California. Seth lives in Redwood City and is an active member of the USC community in the Bay Area. He serves on the USC Marshall School of Business Bay Area Alumni Board of Advisors as the Chapter President.
Securities Agent: WA, SC, WI, MA, VA, NV, CO, TN, RI, NY, CA, TX, NJ, HI, DC, MD, FL, MO, MI, IL, GA, CT, UT, PA, OR, OH, NC, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Paulina Wong

Paulina Wong joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. As the Group Director, Paulina focus on leading the team’s support professionals, continuing to elevate the client experience, and enhancing the operational platforms for business growth. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2021, Paulina spent four years at J.P. Morgan and several other firms, gaining experience in financial planning, client-relationship management, preparation of customized asset allocations, and financial reporting. She further enhanced these skills through her training to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®). Paulina earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance from San Francisco State University. A San Francisco native, she enjoys experimenting with new cooking recipes, traveling the world to explore different cuisines and volunteering at the local food bank.

About Dana Kern

Dana Kern joined Morgan Stanley in 2013. She holds a BS in International Business and Finance from Grand Valley State University, as well as her Series 7 and 66 licenses. Dana focuses on all client service aspects for our clients. Dana lives in Redwood City with her boyfriend and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys taking Pilates and ballet classes.

About Kate Kircher

Kate Kircher joined Morgan Stanley in 2020 and prior to that she interned in 2019. Kate focuses on all client service aspects, 10b5 plans, and corporate equity settlement, as well as processing LifeView planning for clients. She holds a BS in Psychology and Communication from Santa Clara University, where she also played Division 1 soccer. She enjoys going on runs and trying new restaurants. She currently lives in San Francisco with her cream retriever puppy, Camper.

About Karina Diaz-Swanson

Karina Diaz-Swanson joined Morgan Stanley in 2019 and has 10 years of experience in the Wealth Management industry. She holds a BS in Political Science from San Jose State University and
focuses on all aspects of client service needs for our clients. Karina lives in Newark with her husband and two daughters. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family.

About Nate Van Dell

Nate Van Dell joined Morgan Stanley in March 2024. He holds a BS in Public Relations from Gonzaga University, as well as his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. Nate focuses on all client service aspects for our clients. Nate lives in Redwood City and in his free time, is training for an Ironman and enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and spending time with his dog Murphy.
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
You Work Hard, Make Your 401(k) Plan Work Harder
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You Work Hard, Make Your 401(k) Plan Work Harder

It’s important to determine how much money you may need to save for a comfortable retirement. Here are three strategies that can help you optimize your 401(k) plan.

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 
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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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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
CRC 6295606 (3/2024)