Welcome

James Szweda is a Financial Advisor, Second Vice President and Financial Planning Specialist. He has over 30 years of wealth management experience and has been with Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firm since 2010.

By putting his clients first and sincerely caring about their future, James has developed a successful practice dedicated to building and enhancing long term relationships. He focuses on the quality of working with each of his clients individually, discussing their financial goals and planning before investments, and making sure their financials plan are updated annually.

James began his career in finance in 1989 at Paine Webber as a Financial Advisor. He later moved to Smith Barney in 1993 and became a Morgan Stanley employee when the two firms started a joint venture in 2010.
James graduated from The University of Missouri with a major in Economics.

He holds a Financial Planning Specialist designation and is Series 7 and Series 63 licensed.

James is a big believer in giving back to the community. James spent 10 years working in the St. Louis Tax Assistance Program helping low income individuals, and was a mentor in the Mentor St. Louis program for 15 years.

Family is the most important thing to James. His father has had a meaningful impact on his life having spent 50 years as a self-employed CPA. Outside of work, he enjoys playing squash, exercising, and cooking.
Services Include
Securities Agent: KS, DC, NE, AR, OK, UT, MI, IN, NY, IA, CO, CA, MO, FL, OH, MD, IL, TN, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Digital Tools

Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance various aspects of your financial life. Here are a few of the technologies we have to offer our clients.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Learn More About MSO
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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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    Financial Management Tools
    Managing multiple financial accounts across different firms can be complicated. With Morgan Stanley Online, you can link you non-Morgan Stanley accounts and analyze your cash flow all in one place.
    Learn More About Financial Management Tools
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    Goals Based Planning
    Working with us, paired with our technology, is a great way to access advice and build a wealth plan. Read more about the advantages of working with our planning technology in reaching your financial goals.
    Learn About Our Planning Tools
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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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    Portfolio Risk Platform – Powered by Aladdin
    Portfolio Risk Platform – Powered by Aladdin is a risk management platform that provides comprehensive risk estimation and reporting across a broad range of asset classes and security types. This platform provides a holistic view to better enable risk to be effectively monitored and managed.
    Learn More About Portfolio Risk Platform

Working With You

Your achievements reflect substantial effort, and James will work just as hard on your behalf, committing his experience and skills to helping you achieve your unique goals for your wealth. Moreover, James will support you and your strategy with the resources and perspective of one of the world’s largest financial firms.
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    Discovery
    We will discuss your current financial resources, time horizon for your goals, tolerance for risk—even how your liabilities are structured. If you own a business, we also might discuss your current banking and cash management needs.
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    Plan
    James will present a plan to help address needs such as income and retirement planning, asset protection, investment management, strategic borrowing, wealth transfer and business succession. He will also recommend an asset allocation strategy reflecting your risk tolerance and investment time horizon.
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    Implement
    James will work closely with you to bring the elements of your plan to life, helping you to select from the hundreds of investment management firms available to you, and identify specific stocks, bonds and other securities that may be suitable for your portfolio. Then he will closely monitor your portfolio.
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    Review
    You will receive a comprehensive quarterly performance review, helping you track progress toward your objectives. And when your circumstances change, James will work with you to revise your strategy and reposition your assets to reflect your new needs and goals.

Your Guide to Tax-Efficient Planning

The tax decisions you make today can help you save for years to come. Consider these smart tax strategies for your financial plan.
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    Prepare for Tax Day
    The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some steps you can take as the deadline approaches.
    Learn More Here
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    Tax-Efficient Investing
    Tax-efficient investing techniques may help you lower your tax burden and increase your long-term wealth.
    Here Are Some Strategies to Consider
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    Tax Strategies for Retirement
    Taking steps to minimize the impact of taxes on your retirement portfolio can help you enjoy more of your nest egg.
    These Ideas May Help
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    Tax-Smart Giving
    Whether you want to donate to charity or invest in a loved-one’s future, there are tax‐aware ways to make your giving go further.
    Learn More Here

Upcoming Firm Events

The Lessons in Leadership Virtual Event Series will continue throughout 2025.

Check back soon for details on upcoming events.

Location

7733 Forsyth Blvd
Ste 2100
Clayton, MO 63105
US
Direct:
(314) 889-4802(314) 889-4802
Toll-Free:
(800) 325-0630(800) 325-0630
Fax:
(314) 854-5606(314) 854-5606

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 Greg Cole

Greg Cole is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Missouri.

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.

Greg began his career in financial services in 1999 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2011. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Regional Banking Consultant at Wells Fargo Advisors. Greg has also served as an Area Manager with JP Morgan Chase and was a Senior Mortgage Consultant in the Smith Barney division at CitiMortgage.

Greg is a graduate of Rockhurst University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He and his family currently reside in O’Fallon, Missouri. Outside of the office, Greg enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
NMLS#: 801927
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
From My Desk

Wealth Management Brochure


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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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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
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 James E Szweda today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1When 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.

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

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2Morgan 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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3Morgan 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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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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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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 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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7Morgan 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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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)