About Me

Geoff was recruited by Morgan Stanley in 2007 with over a decade’s experience in the financial services industry and formed The Burns Group in 2020. The Burns Group at Morgan Stanley specializes in working with corporate executives, serial entrepreneurs and their families with a focus on financial planning, portfolio development, estate protection and generational wealth transfer strategies. He earned the title of ‘Portfolio Manager’ in 2015 and is a MS-designated ‘Family Wealth Advisor’. Among Geoff's primary responsibilities are the development and maintenance of our practice's core investment strategies as well as tailoring institutionally managed solutions.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Geoff spent four years with Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor in their Boston office. Additionally, he spent three years with the investment bank CSFB as a high-yield bond analyst in their Manhattan offices. Geoff also spent three years with the Industrial Bank of Japan in its Leveraged Finance Group also in New York.

Outside of work, Geoff was elected to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Board of Trustees for the Northeast Region (3-year term starting Jun’24). He is also an active member of his community having served on his town's Advisory Committee and coaching town sports. Additionally, he and his wife are ardent supporters of breast cancer research and early childhood literacy. Geoff received his BS in Microbiology from the Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst ('96) and holds Series 7, 66, Life, Health and Long-Term Care licenses. Geoff enjoys travel, fishing, skiing and is an avid collector of antiques; he resides with his wife, Elizabeth, and their son in Scituate, MA.

Securities Agent: TX, CT, WY, VA, TN, RI, PA, OR, NY, NJ, NH, NE, NC, MI, ME, MD, MA, KY, KS, IL, GA, FL, DE, DC, CO, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1316492
Services Include
Securities Agent: TX, MD, OR, IL, WY, VA, TN, RI, PA, NY, NJ, NH, NE, NC, MI, ME, MA, KY, KS, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1316492
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
OUR FOCUS
As a Family Wealth Advisory practice, The Burns Group’s focus is on understanding the most important financial, and non-financial, facets of our client’s lives; what we call our clients’ “WHY”. It represents the integration of traditional financial considerations with our client’s philosophical and emotional principles that define their core values. This deep understanding of our clients, combined with ongoing communication between our team and your family, is of paramount importance to a successful Advisory relationship. As said by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “the only constant in life is change” – everything we see is in a state of flux. Whether personal, professional, economic or political, the only way to account for an ever-changing landscape is regular monitoring, updates and when appropriate, the rebalancing of investment portfolio holdings.
GOALS-BASED PLANNING
Our team takes a customized approach to each of our relationships; ‘Goals-Based planning’ is foundational to our practice. It guides us through an exploration of our clients’ intentions and aspirations; their so-called “wishes, wants and needs”. This begins with an in-depth discovery process to help us gain a thorough knowledge of our clients’ objectives, their relative tolerance for risk and the continuum of time horizons associated with each defined goal. It culminates with the development of a comprehensive financial plan and implementation schedule, inclusive of goal-specific portfolio allocation(s). In doing so, we’re able to assist our clients in understanding the financial impact of major ‘life’ decisions; from buying a new home or retiring early to selling a business or philanthropic bequests.

FAQ's

Below are a sampling of the many types of questions The Burns Group @ Morgan Stanley works to help our clients and their families answer. Through in-depth discussions with our team and financial plan development, combined with ongoing communication and detailed financial modeling, we’re able to further define our clients’ goals and provide a clear picture of a financial future that takes into consideration multiple market scenarios. From providing for your family’s rising cost of education, to cash flow needs in retirement, to managing the complexities of concentrated investments to leaving a lasting legacy through trust and estate planning, we're here to answer your financial questions and implement the best strategies for your specific goals and circumstances.
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    Financial Planning
    Life is constantly changing. How do I prepare for a more secure future knowing that certain events – like a divorce or a death in the family – can dramatically impact my plans?
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    Retirement Planning
    Have I saved enough for retirement so I can maintain my current lifestyle without worrying I’ll run out of money? What is the best way to re-invest my 401(k) when I get ready to leave my company and retire?
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    Asset Organization
    I have assets spread across multiple organizations and platforms. How do I get organized and simplify my financial life?
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    Managing Risk
    Life’s risks can reveal themselves in many ways – from loss of life to loss of health. How do I protect myself and my family from life’s unknowns?
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    Professional Portfolio Management
    I have so many things I want to do with my life. How can one investment strategy balance them all?
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    Socially-Responsible Investing
    Is there a way to incorporate my personal values into the way I invest without giving up performance?
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    Charitable Giving
    Are my charitable donations having the impact I want them to have?
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    Growing Older
    Given extended life expectancy, how do I make certain I can afford the health services I may need?

VALUABLE TOOLS AND RESOURCES

The Burns Group offers a comprehensive suite of digital tools designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few of the technologies we have to offer our clients. We have also included resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content.
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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.
    Learn More About MSO
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    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Read The Latest Report
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    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
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    Online Security Center
    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.
    Learn More About Online Security Center
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    MS Reserved
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards Morgan Stanley's most valued clients. 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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    Jessica Birkins
    Jessica Birkins is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Boston, Massachusetts. Jessica began her career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017. Prior to being promoted to her current role, Jessica was an Associate Private Banker serving offices in Boston, Massachusetts. Before joining the firm, she was a Team Leader and Internal Wholesaler at Eaton Vance, an Investment Management firm. Jessica earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Connecticut College. She lives in Scituate, Massachusetts with her husband, son, and daughter. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, running, and reading.
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    Van Liao
    Van Liao has spent her career in the financial services industry focusing on financial planning and wealth management. Van joined Morgan Stanley as a Financial Planning Director for the Boston Complex in November 2022, and prior to that, she was the Senior Financial Planning Consulting at Citizens Securities, Inc. Before joining Citizens Securities, Inc., Van was with LPL Financial as a Sr. Financial Planning Consultant. Van spent 6 years at Wells Fargo Family Wealth, where she worked providing specialized advisory services to high and ultra-high net worth families and business owners with an average of $25 million in investable assets. Van is an active member of the Financial Planning Association of New England. Van also serves on the Women's Initiative Committee and the DEI Committee and is an active advocate for women and minorities. Van is a Certified Financial Planner and a Behavioral Financial Advisor™. Van received her B.A. in Business Management and M.S. in Finance from Clark University. She also holds FINRA Series 65, 7, and 24 licenses. Van resides in Quincy, MA, with her family, including her husband, her little boy, and a beautiful Siamese cat, Yoyo.

Client Service Team

    Carousel Associate Image
    Justin Langway - Client Service Associate
    Phone:
    (617) 589-3325(617) 589-3325
    Email:Justin.Langway@morganstanley.com
    Justin grew up in Southborough, MA and received his Bachelor of Science Business from Babson College in 2022. Prior to joining the firm in May of 2024, Justin began his career at Bank of America Private Bank where he worked with their Trusts Group. Justin currently holds his series 7 license and is in the process of obtaining his series 66. He currently resides in Natick, MA with his fiancée and daughter and in his free time enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family on Cape Cod.

Location

28 State Street 26th
Fl
Boston, MA 02109
US
Direct:
(617) 748-5814(617) 748-5814
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Burns Group today.
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1Morgan 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.

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

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2When 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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3Morgan 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.
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 and other legal matters.

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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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5When 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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6Morgan 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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7Morgan 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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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.

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9Morgan 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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10Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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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. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

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12Morgan 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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)