Jessica Birkins
Private Banker
Isabelle Eckel, CIMA®
Vice President, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(617) 478-6493(617) 478-6493
My Mission Statement
As your Financial Advisor, I can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve based on your risk profile, investment objectives and time horizon.
Working together, I can help you with strategies to help preserve and build your wealth. You will have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices. I focus on the following areas:
- Customized asset allocation strategies
- Investment manager selection
- Financial planning
- Wealth transfer
Working together, I can help you with strategies to help preserve and build your wealth. You will have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices. I focus on the following areas:
- Customized asset allocation strategies
- Investment manager selection
- Financial planning
- Wealth transfer
My Story
Isabelle joined Morgan Stanley in 2013 as a financial advisor.
She focuses on generating new business opportunities and building long-term relationships while educating her clients on topics such as financial planning, portfolio construction, asset allocation and risk management.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Isabelle worked as a retirement actuarial associate in the consulting firm Willis Towers Watson.
Isabelle holds a Series 7 & 66. She has earned the Certified Investment Manager Analyst (CIMA) designation from the Wharton School.
She received her B.S. in Mathematics from University of Nancy (France), and master's degrees in mathematics and international finance from the University of Paris 6 and the management school HEC Paris. Additionally, she completed post-graduate studies in Actuarial Science at Boston University and Financial Management at Harvard University.
Isabelle is native speaker of French and has conversational level in German and Spanish. Isabelle has been involved with different non-profit groups in Boston such as the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) dedicated to developing partnerships that result in the creation of intellectual and economic wealth in the black community and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) which is the nation's leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls.
Isabelle and her family live in West Roxbury, Massachusetts.
Securities Agent: DE, AZ, NV, RI, CA, UT, ID, CO, VT, VA, NJ, CT, WI, PA, NY, MA, IL, SC, GA, FL, NH, NC, ME; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2722981
NMLS#: 2722981
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Client Experience
We measure success by how well we help clients achieve
their goals throughout their life.
From preparing for future health needs with long-term
care planning and investing for education expenses with
a 529 plan, to charitable giving and estate planning -
our focus is you.
their goals throughout their life.
From preparing for future health needs with long-term
care planning and investing for education expenses with
a 529 plan, to charitable giving and estate planning -
our focus is you.
Our Services
You’re not like anyone else. You need a Financial Advisor who understands your situation and your goals. We offer a range of specialists who can give you the advice, guidance and support you need.
Alternative Investments
Alternatives are the investments that go beyond traditional stocks and bonds. They can open doors to unique opportunities to help grow and protect your wealth, and have long sought to offer enhanced returns, portfolio diversification, lower volatility, as well as potential tax efficiency.
Click here to learn moreMorgan Stanley At Work
There’s no better investment your company can make than in the people that power it. That’s why Morgan Stanley at Work delivers workplace financial solutions that can help employees build financial well-being—and help you attract and retain top talent.
Click here to learn moreEstate Planning
Discussing the end of life and what happens to your assets is never an easy conversation to have, especially with family. But this type of planning is essential if you hope to ease what can be a difficult process for the people you love and to ensure that your wishes are respected.
Click here to learn moreTax Management
Taxes act as a drag on your investment performance that can be heavier than any fee you pay. But they might also be the easiest to reduce, with the right strategies in place.
Click here to learn moreLocation
28 State Street 26th
Fl
Boston, MA 02109
US
Direct:
(617) 478-6493(617) 478-6493
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
Van Liao, CFP®
Financial Planning Director, Vice President
Chris Smith
Trust Specialist
About Jessica Birkins
Jessica Birkins is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Massachusetts.
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.
Jessica began her career in financial services in 2010, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017 as a Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Team Leader and Internal Wholesaler at Eaton Vance.
Jessica is a graduate of the Connecticut College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She lives in Scituate, Massachusetts with her family. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, running, and reading.
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.
Jessica began her career in financial services in 2010, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017 as a Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Team Leader and Internal Wholesaler at Eaton Vance.
Jessica is a graduate of the Connecticut College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She lives in Scituate, Massachusetts with her family. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, running, and reading.
NMLS#: 1699963
About Van Liao
Van Liao is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Boston, MA. She is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients’ and prospects’ financial planning needs.
Van began his career in financial services in 2006 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to her current position, she was the Sr. Financial Planning Consulting at Citizens Securities, Inc., working closely with financial advisors and their clients on achieving financial success through a holistic approach of financial planning. Before joining Citizens Securities, Inc., Van was with LPL Financial as a Sr. Financial Planning Consultant, where she coached over 3,800 advisors to create comprehensive, client-focused financial plans. Van also spent about 6 years at Wells Fargo Family Wealth, where she collaborated with financial advisors and investment professionals to provide specialized advisory services to high and ultra-high net worth families and business owners.
Van graduated from Clark University with a B.A. in Business Management and M.S. in Finance. She also holds her Certified Financial Planner®. Van is an active member of the Financial Planning Association of New England. She dedicates her time and effort to promoting the planning profession, empowering financial literacy, and building a strong professional community. Van also serves on the Women's Initiative Committee and the DEI Committee and is an active advocate for women and minorities.
Van is of Chinese descent and was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She speaks fluent Vietnamese and Chinese (both Cantonese and Mandarin). Van believes her multi-cultural background has enriched her life in so many ways, personally and professionally.
Van resides in Quincy, MA, with her family, including her husband, her two boys, and a beautiful Siamese cat, Yoyo. Outside of work, Van enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending precious times with her boys.
Van began his career in financial services in 2006 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to her current position, she was the Sr. Financial Planning Consulting at Citizens Securities, Inc., working closely with financial advisors and their clients on achieving financial success through a holistic approach of financial planning. Before joining Citizens Securities, Inc., Van was with LPL Financial as a Sr. Financial Planning Consultant, where she coached over 3,800 advisors to create comprehensive, client-focused financial plans. Van also spent about 6 years at Wells Fargo Family Wealth, where she collaborated with financial advisors and investment professionals to provide specialized advisory services to high and ultra-high net worth families and business owners.
Van graduated from Clark University with a B.A. in Business Management and M.S. in Finance. She also holds her Certified Financial Planner®. Van is an active member of the Financial Planning Association of New England. She dedicates her time and effort to promoting the planning profession, empowering financial literacy, and building a strong professional community. Van also serves on the Women's Initiative Committee and the DEI Committee and is an active advocate for women and minorities.
Van is of Chinese descent and was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She speaks fluent Vietnamese and Chinese (both Cantonese and Mandarin). Van believes her multi-cultural background has enriched her life in so many ways, personally and professionally.
Van resides in Quincy, MA, with her family, including her husband, her two boys, and a beautiful Siamese cat, Yoyo. Outside of work, Van enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending precious times with her boys.
About Chris Smith
Chris Smith is an Executive Director and Head of Morgan Stanley’s Trust Services Group. As a 30-year employee of Morgan Stanley, Chris is responsible for maintaining the “Open Architecture” trustee platform, which consists of thirteen third-party trust companies who can serve in a fiduciary, agency or custodial role for ultra-high-net worth client trust accounts. Chris and the Trust Services Group help Advisors, clients, prospects and the professional community understand the corporate trustee services available through Morgan Stanley and how our corporate trustee partners can be used to provide fiduciary solutions for clients. This involves reviewing trust document and statements as well as analyzing family dynamics. Chris then uses this information to recommend one or more of the firm’s third-party corporate trustee partners to possibly serve as trustee, co-trustee or administrative agent for a client trust account.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley (Dean Witter), Chris worked in the Retirement Plans department of Prudential Securities and prior to that the District Agency department of Prudential Insurance Company. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication/Journalism and Psychology from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. He lives in Saratoga Springs, NY with his wife Sharon and two boys, Ryan and Michael and has a passion for golf, skiing and horse racing.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley (Dean Witter), Chris worked in the Retirement Plans department of Prudential Securities and prior to that the District Agency department of Prudential Insurance Company. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication/Journalism and Psychology from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. He lives in Saratoga Springs, NY with his wife Sharon and two boys, Ryan and Michael and has a passion for golf, skiing and horse racing.
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
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.
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 trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
Morgan Stanley 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.
Trusts are not necessarily appropriate for all clients. There are risks and considerations which may outweigh any potential benefits. Establishing a trust will incur fees and expenses which may be substantial. Trusts often incur ongoing administrative fees and expenses such as the services of a corporate trustee, attorney, or tax professional.
Trust services are provided by third parties who are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley. Neither Morgan Stanley nor its affiliates are the provider of such trust services and will not have any input or responsibility concerning a client’s eligibility for, or the terms and conditions associated with these trust services. Neither Morgan Stanley nor its affiliates shall be responsible for any advice or services provided by the unaffiliated third parties. Morgan Stanley or its affiliates may participate in transactions on a basis separate from the referral of clients to these third parties and may receive compensation in connection with referrals made to them.
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
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.
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 trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
Morgan Stanley 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.
Trusts are not necessarily appropriate for all clients. There are risks and considerations which may outweigh any potential benefits. Establishing a trust will incur fees and expenses which may be substantial. Trusts often incur ongoing administrative fees and expenses such as the services of a corporate trustee, attorney, or tax professional.
Trust services are provided by third parties who are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley. Neither Morgan Stanley nor its affiliates are the provider of such trust services and will not have any input or responsibility concerning a client’s eligibility for, or the terms and conditions associated with these trust services. Neither Morgan Stanley nor its affiliates shall be responsible for any advice or services provided by the unaffiliated third parties. Morgan Stanley or its affiliates may participate in transactions on a basis separate from the referral of clients to these third parties and may receive compensation in connection with referrals made to them.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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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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.
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Signature Access
- Business Services
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Isabelle Eckel today.
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.
2Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
3Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
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
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
3Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
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)
