My Story and Services

Elijah Rothschild is a Financial Advisor and Financial Planning Specialist with The Cohn Group at Morgan Stanley. Elijah works with affluent individuals and small businesses to define financial goals and implement custom strategies to reach them. He is involved in the group’s investment research, financial planning and assists the group’s data analytics process to support the portfolio management program.

Elijah provides a comprehensive wealth management experience to clients who are seeking more than just investment management. He works with his clients to see past the numbers and create meaningful plans to help them make an impact and preserve their legacy, their way. His team provides clients with world class portfolio management, financial planning, tax management, and lifestyle advisory to help achieve these goals, backed by the power of Morgan Stanley’s suite of tools.

Prior to rejoining the group in 2023, he advised small businesses and government agencies on accounting and finance matters related to allegations of fraud. His work focused on investigating the misuse of company/customer assets and drafting financial statements. He advised on matters in the real estate, cryptocurrency, and energy industries.

Elijah is a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS ID #2559468), Life & Variable Insurance agent, and holds Series 66 & Series 7 licenses.
Services Include
Securities Agent: WY, AR, OK, NH, LA, IN, FL, CO, WA, NJ, NE, ME, MD, WV, UT, NY, VI, SC, PA, ND, HI, DE, AL, TX, RI, MT, MS, MO, MN, MA, KY, WI, VT, VA, OR, OH, NV, NM, GA, AZ, AK, SD, IL, ID, CT, CA, TN, MI, DC, KS, IA, PR, NC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2559468
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

My Process

As your life changes, not only does your financial strategy become more complex, but your options for implementing it increase as well. My goal is to create a wealth plan that is specifically tailored toward your goals and needs, both long and short term. I hope you will come to regard myself and my team as a trusted resource who help you make informed decisions about any financial issue you may encounter.

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    Step 1: Discovery

    Discover your needs: I conduct a thorough discovery process to understand what is important to you, your risk tolerance, and review your complete financial picture and goals in order to help ensure that we are clear on your exact needs.

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    Step 2: Develop and Present

    Presenting Your Plan: Once we have completed the discovery process, I will develop a personalized plan to meet your goals with input from various experienced professionals. I will present your personalized plan and help you visualize what your path to financial independence will look like as we work together to bring it to reality.

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    Step 3: Implement

    Implementing Your Investment Strategy: Our newfound knowledge on your financial wealth and health will help us implement a tailored portfolio of best-in-class investments supported by the global investment resources of Morgan Stanley that best matches your unique needs. Goal based plannings, investment management, and cash management will be the foundational concepts of your strategy. We will also coordinate your strategy with the other members of your financial team as needed (i.e Attorneys, Accountants).

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    Step 4: Monitor

    Monitoring Your Progress: Myself and my team will consistently monitor your assets and the plan's performance to ensure expectations are being met while addressing any changes in personal goals or market conditions over time. We will have various touchpoints to ensure you are up to date on how you are progressing and to adjust your plan as needed as your life develops.

COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PLANNING

Regardless of what stage your life is in - moving ahead in your career, acheiving financial independence, or somewhere in between, we can help you prepare to reach your milestones through comprehensive financial planning.

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    Wealth Management

    We take a holistic approach to bring all the aspects of your financial life together. We use our analysis and experience to develop a customized plan for you.

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    Financial Independence

    Leading up to and through retirement, we can help you identify the most appropriate ways to obtain the income you need and help ensure that you are on track to achieve financial independence.

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    Managing Investments

    We take care of your retirement accounts and other investments based on your comfort level with risk and your current tax circumstances, tailoring your financial strategy to your unique situation, needs, and milestones.

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    Trust & Estate Planning Strategies

    Regardless of your current financial circumstances, it is crucial to have a backup plan for your money. We regularly review your finances with you and coordinate with your trust & estate attorney to help ensure that your wishes are met in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.

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    Tax Management

    The tax decisions you make today can help you save for years to come. There are many tax-smart strategies for your financial plan. These strategies include: preparing for tax day, tax-efficient investing, tax strategies for retirement, tax-smart giving, and more.

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    Manage Debt

    We thoroughly review your mortgage, car loans, credit cards, and any other debts that you may have in order to help determine where you can save on interest and create a timeline for your debt payments by prioritizing which ones should be paid off first.

MODERN WEALTH MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND RESOURCES

Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital resources has carefully been designed to help enhance each aspect of your financial portfolio. Take some time to learn about some of the many Modern Wealth Management resources that we offer to our clients.

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    Morgan Stanley Online

    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley mobile app! Access your finances and invest in an instant with the help of this handy resource that is available 24/7.

    Learn More About Morgan Stanley Online
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    Total Wealth View

    Complete your financial profile with Total Wealth View. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more educated and holistic wealth planning, and convenient connectivity.

    Learn More About Total Wealth View
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    MS Reserved

    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards clients with over one million dollars in assets and liabilities invested at the firm. The program is designed to enhance your lifestyle and relationship with the firm beyond traditional wealth management services.

    Learn More About MS Reserved
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    2025 Maximum Benefit & Contribution Limits

    This document highlights the maximum benefit contribution limits from 2019-2025.

    View Maximum Benefit & Contribution Limits

Location

111 S Pfingsten Rd
Ste 200
Deerfield, IL 60015
US
Direct:
(847) 291-5547(847) 291-5547

Meet My Team

About Lee Cohn

Lee is a Managing Director, Wealth Advisor, Senior Portfolio Management Director, and Lending Specialist. Lee’s focus includes customized asset allocations and portfolio management. Lee works closely with clients to assess their unique financial profile and then provides realistic solutions for their longer-term financial goals. Lee has worked in the financial services industry since 1985. After five years with Prudential Securities as a Senior Vice President, Lee came to Morgan Stanley in 2000 and is currently a Presidents Club Financial Advisor. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1983 with a B.A. in Economics. Lee was included in the 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list. Lee played collegiate water polo at the University of Illinois, currently competes with Phil's Phish masters swim team, and enjoys mentoring other swimmers.

2019,2021,2022, and 2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019,2021,2022, and 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: LA, DC, CA, NY, NJ, MN, IN, GA, NM, AR, WI, TX, SC, NC, MO, MD, CO, AZ, AL, OH, ME, CT, WA, OR, NV, MI, ND, KS, FL, DE, PA, VA, MA, KY, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Stacey Swarbrick

Stacey is a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley and firm employee since 2000.
She began her career in the financial services industry in 1995, in commercial banking. Stacey is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a BA in Psychology. Stacey earned her securities license in 2008.
For 20 years, Stacey has helped to develop and support all aspects of The Cohn Groups growth. She has proven to be an indispensable resource and has been an integral part in driving our client-centered mission.
Stacey enjoys spending time with her spouse and two sons in Barrington. Stacey is committed to supporting her family as they aspire to reach their milestones.
Securities Agent: IL, FL, VA, OH, MN, LA, AZ, MA, GA, AL, VT, SD, NY, NH, MO, ME, DC, PA, OR, NJ, AK, MD, KY, DE, CT, CA, UT, TX, SC, OK, NE, IN, WY, WV, WI, NV, ND, NC, KS, CO, NM, MS, AR, WA, MI, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Sharon Wierzba

Sharon Wierzba is a Vice President, Wealth Management Associate, who began her financial services career at Smith Barney in 2000. She has been in management for the past twenty (20) years and has experience in Operations, Client Service, and Business Administration. She briefly departed Morgan Stanley Smith Barney to elevate her career in the Independent Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) forum as Director of Operations returning to Morgan Stanley in 2018. Sharon has a Bachelors in Finance from Northeastern Illinois and is registered with her Series 3, 7, 9, 10, 24, 63, 65 licenses.
Sharon currently resides in Riverwoods with her husband and their two cats. She is an avid golfer, enjoys cooking, football, performance driving, and spending time outdoors.

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 Andrew Dittbenner

Andrew Dittbenner is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Illinois.

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.

Andrew began his career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Senior Premier Banker at BMO Harris Bank, as well as a Financial Center Manager with the Fifth Third Bank.

Andrew received a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Northern Illinois University. He and his wife live in Saint Charles, Illinois. When not at the office, Andrew volunteers with the Make a Wish Foundation. He also enjoys attending sporting events, as well as spending time with family and friends.
NMLS#: 718951

About Ashley Duresa

Ashley Duresa is the Financial Planning Director for the Chicago North Complex at Morgan Stanley.

Ashley began her career in financial services in 2017 and has been with Morgan Stanley since 2018. She started as a Client Service Associate and assisted with daily client requests, provided excellent client service, and developed financial plans. As she progressed with developing the financial plans, she became a Certified Financial Planner professional and started a new role as the Financial Planning Director.

As the Financial Planning Director, Ashley assists financial advisors and teams in planning engagement within their book of business as well as connecting firm resources to discover opportunities ultimately to better serve clients. As a CFP professional, she encompasses all aspects of financial planning which includes but are not limited to estate planning, tax management strategies, education planning, and retirement planning.

A magna cum laude graduate of Lake Forest College, Ashley graduated with a degree in Finance. In her free time, Ashley is a competitive bowler and enjoys walking her dog, golfing with her husband, and traveling.

About Mamta Shah

Mamta Shah is the Trust Specialist based in Chicago, covering the Midwest Region. Morgan Stanley provides a full array of personal and institutional trust services to high net worth clients of the firm. Mamta’s responsibilities include educating Financial Advisors and their clients on the open architecture trust service model and helping them identify opportunities to leverage the trust partners on the platform.

Before joining Trust Services in 2010, she was the Wealth Analyst with the Chicago based Wealth Planning Center at Morgan Stanley. Mamta was responsible for providing information and education on a full range of income and estate tax topics and concerns.

Prior to joining the Planning Center team in 2006, Mamta was Vice President of an Independent Investment Advisory Firm. She worked closely with the clients of the firm on a variety of financial planning and investment advisory services.

Mamta obtained her bachelor’s degree from Babson College with a major in Finance/Entrepreneurship. Mamta is a licensed CPA and holds a CFP® designation, She has been in the financial services industry since 1999. She is Series 7, 63, 65 and life/health insurance licensed. She is a member of the AICPA and the Illinois CPA Society. She lives in Chicago with her family.
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

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
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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
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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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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
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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
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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Elijah Rothschild 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.

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2Morgan 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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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

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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.

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5Morgan 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.

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6Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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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’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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9When 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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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.

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11Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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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.

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), 3582895 (6/2024)