My Story and Services

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and an award winning financial advisor, my holistic planning process provides my clients with risk management solutions and customized investment strategies thereby assisting them in achieving their personal and business financial goals.

This personal approach to wealth management allows me to make a positive impact in my client’s lives. With more than three decades of investment experience, my network of clients includes high-net-worth individuals, wealthy families, private businesses and corporate executives. I’m also part of a Morgan Stanley team that provides flexible ERISA services to corporate 401(k)s and solutions for executive based non-qualified plans.

My process covers the full spectrum of customized strategies. We begin by determining your goals and outlining your financial portrait. Next, I will help you build a plan tailored to your specific goals. Once implemented, we will periodically track your progress as you move through life, adjusting your plan when necessary. Committed to helping you protect and grow your assets, I am focused on providing timely, unbiased advice and earning your confidence every day to make a real difference in your life.

Through a comprehensive goals-based wealth management process, my ultimate goal is to help bring clarity and focus on what matters most to you, so you can manage your wealth more effectively in today’s complex global market environment.
Services Include
Securities Agent: AZ, FL, TX, TN, NJ, OH, NC, CA, NY, NM, MO, IL, VA, OR, SC, MD, DE, CO, WA, RI, MA, SD, GA, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 533859
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Education and Associations

Ed Plachter attended the Miami of Ohio and Pennsylvania State University, where he graduated with a BS in Business Logistics. During his span as a financial advisor for more than 3 decades, Ed has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, as well as the Alternative Investments Director title. Ed has obtained the Life Insurance and Variable Annuity License, as well as the Long Term Care Insurance license. For securities, Ed has obtained the Series 7, Series 31, Series 63, and Series 65 licenses.

Ed serves as a member of the Penn State Alumni Association, St Joseph's Preparatory School Steering Committee, member and former Treasurer of the Greene Towne School(2006-2010), The Union League of Philadelphia, and a member of the FPA.

Ed lives in center city Philadelphia with his wife and has 3 children. Ed is an active member of his community having volunteered for many programs and taking on numerous coaching roles for his children’s various sport teams over the years. Ed has also spent many hours supporting programs for Autism including Black Mountain Academy and Foundations Asheville whose missions are to help create independence for young adults on the autism spectrum.

Ed enjoys golf, travel and outdoor activities.
    Five Star Wealth Manager Award
    Source: fivestarprofessional.com (2014, 2015) The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional based on objective criteria. The award was not based on a specific time period.

Managing Business and Personal Wealth

My first goal will be to develop an understanding of your personal aspirations and business priorities – specifically, how you built your wealth, where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow. Together, we will embark on a five-step process to help ensure an all-inclusive plan that is uniquely yours.
    1. Setting Your Financial Objectives
    I’ll begin by thoroughly reviewing your current financial resources, objectives and other circumstances that may influence your investment strategy. We will examine your business’ financial characteristics and performance, its day-to-day cash flow needs and financial requirements for growth.
    4. Providing Business Strategies
    Based on my analysis of your business challenges, I will consult with specialists throughout Morgan Stanley who can structure and deliver services to help take your business to the next level.
    2. Developing Your Financial Management Plan
    After understanding your personal and business objectives, I will develop a comprehensive wealth management plan designed to help meet those goals. My advice will include strategies such as retirement planning, business continuation and succession, debt restructuring, tax minimization opportunities and wealth transfer. I will also provide an asset allocation strategy designed to provide diversification for your portfolio.
    5. Reviewing Objectives and Performance
    Once your plan is in place, I will systematically review your plan with you so it can be adapted as changes in your life occur. Over time, I will work with you to evaluate your investment portfolio, suggesting adjustments as necessary so your investment strategy continuously reflects your evolving needs and goals.
    3. Implementing Your Investment Strategy
    Once we have discussed and refined your strategy, I will work closely with you to bring each element to life. If you prefer to invest in individual securities, I will help identify specific stocks, bonds and other securities that may be suitable for your portfolio. If we decide on using outside money managers, I will conduct in-depth research and analysis to helps select among the qualified investment management firms available. Whatever route we take, I will be committed to keeping your strategy on track.

Ed's Sophisticated Investing

When it comes to alternative investments, Ed utilizes the Morgan Stanley Investment Management platform to help his clients best achieve their goals. As a leading provider of alternative investment strategies with expertise that spans across private equity, private credit, hedge funds, real estate, infrastructure and managed futures markets, there is an individually tailored solution for each client’s unique needs. Ed is dedicated to serving the needs of his clients by delivering exceptional portfolios and custom alternative investment programs.

Over the long term, the best means to deliver attractive, uncorrelated returns is to focus on segments where specialized expertise and a partnership approach is rewarded; structural dislocation, capital supply/demand imbalances and complexity prevail; and Morgan Stanley's resources and reputation provide unique sourcing, information and value-creation advantages. The use of alternative investments is a critical part of Ed’s differentiated portfolio composition process and we look forward to exploring the solution that fits best for your individual needs.

Morgan Stanley Alternative Investments is not a one-size-fits-all-approach. Leveraging our robust platform and working with your dedicated regional team may allow for creative solutions to the unique financial challenges your clients are solving for while maintaining a goals-based approach to their asset allocation.
Income Generation
Products that seek a blend of stable, current income and the potential for capital appreciation that may not be readily accessible in the public markets
Tax Advantaged
Products designed to alleviate UHNW clients’ yearly tax liability while participating in unique alternative investment strategies
Portfolio Diversification
Products that strive to maintain little correlation with traditional products and the public markets
Growth Oriented
Products that offer incremental upside potential in public markets through niche strategies or seek to take advantage of the “illiquidity premium” of private markets
Alternative Investment Terms

Outlooks & Updates

Here at Morgan Stanley, we strive to make complex financial ideas more digestible so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future. Ed is a firm believer of giving his clients as many resources as possible so they can stay informed about the latest market trends, outlooks, and breakdowns. The links below provide detailed analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the finance and business worlds.
Thoughts on the Market Podcast
Listen to podcasts with perspectives from our top investment officers.
Learn More
Morgan Stanley Ideas
Read our perspective on what's shaping the market today and tomorrow.
Learn More
The GIC Weekly
Read weekly market updates and thought-provoking essays that examine the forces shaping the investment landscape.
Learn More

Location

1650 Market St
42nd Fl
Philadelphia, PA 19103
US
Direct:
(215) 854-6048(215) 854-6048
Toll-Free:
(800) 233-1414(800) 233-1414
Fax:
(215) 854-6125(215) 854-6125

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
Photo of Lauren Akers

Lauren Akers

Private Banker

About Lauren Akers

Lauren Akers is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Pennsylvania.

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.

Lauren began her career in financial services in 2011 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2013 with the Home Loans Division. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a Credit Analyst at PHH Mortgage.

Lauren is a graduate of Rider University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She and her family currently reside in Chesterfield, New Jersey.

Outside of the office, Lauren dedicates her time to her family and several volunteer activities. She also enjoys spending time with her 2 kitties, cooking, baking, reading, gardening, shopping, traveling, and going to the beach. Lauren remains active by exercising and participating in 5K runs.
NMLS#: 1457897
Private Bankers, Ultra High Net Worth ("UHNW") Specialists, PBG Market Managers, Lending Advisors, Mortgage Consultants, Regional Mortgage Specialist, Cash Management Specialists, 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

Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Read More about On the Markets
Read "On the Markets"

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
Learn More about Retirement
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
Learn More about Investing
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
Article Image

Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

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
Learn More about Family
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Learn More about Business Planning
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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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
Learn More about Philanthropy
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 Edward R. Plachter today.
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CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan 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.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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3When 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.

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4When 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.

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5Morgan 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.

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6Morgan 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.

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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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8Morgan 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.

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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.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque 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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)