My Story and Services

James Polyak is a Portfolio Management Director with over 20 years of managing portfolios. Jim is the creator of proprietary strategy portfolios, which takes risk-based approach to portfolio management. Jim’s goal as a Portfolio Management Director is to achieve meaningful investment results over the long-term, for each individual client, through the disciplined application of their risk-based portfolios. He believes adding a risk-based strategy to a diversified portfolio may provide a better opportunity for prosperity then asset allocation alone.

Jim is a graduate of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. Jim is associated with the Fordham Alumni Association, the NYC Downtown Economist Club, the Chamber of Commerce in Bronxville, NY, and the Sierra Club. When Jim is not managing money, his personal interests include traveling, cooking, fishing, exercise, and working with various charities together with his wife Deborah.
Services Include
Securities Agent: FL, OH, TN, NM, ID, GA, NV, MI, DE, CA, AZ, MT, AK, SD, PA, NC, MO, MA, KS, WA, VI, SC, NY, KY, UT, NH, AL, WI, VA, RI, NE, MS, HI, NJ, MN, ME, CO, WV, OK, MD, DC, VT, TX, OR, LA, IN, IL, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1261788
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

My Process To Uncover Your Financial Needs

I believe that identifying financial solutions begins with a solid understanding of each clients' goals, objectives, and risk tolerance. I follow a disciplined process that enables us to work with you to help meet your financial needs.

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My Strategy

I believe that adding a risk-based strategy to a diversified portfolio provides a better opportunity for prosperity than asset allocation alone. My strategy uses a risk-based approach to help mitigate the effects of major declines in the market.

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Online Tools And Features Available To You

Morgan Stanley strives to ensure it serves clients on its technology platforms that are resilient, safe, efficient, and smart. As a part of my services, these resources are readily available to all clients. Learn more about each tool and feature to see how it could easily help to manage your financial journey.

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    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)

    Beyond viewing your account balance and activity, Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a suite of features that allow you to manage your everyday finances from paying bills and sending money to transferring funds and authorizing transactions with eAuthorization.

    Click Here To Learn More About Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)
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    Morgan Stanley Mobile App

    Securely access your Morgan Stanley account from virtually anywhere. Simply download it on your mobile device and use your Morgan Stanley Online username and password to log in. From there you will have the resources of MSO on the go.

    Click Here To Learn More About Morgan Stanley's Mobile App
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    LifeView® Portal

    LifeView® is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that I use with my clients to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of an individual's financial life, including investments and cash management needs.

    Click Here To Learn More About The LifeView® Portal
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    Goals Planning System

    As a Morgan Stanley client with a Goals Planning System (GPS) retirement plan, you can now access and view your plan's status and progress on Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and Morgan Stanley Mobile (MSM).

    Click Here To Learn More About Morgan Stanley's Goals Planning System (GPS)
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    Portfolio Risk Platform

    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.

    Click Here To Learn More About The Portfolio Risk Platform
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    Total Wealth View

    It's hard to see the full picture with only half of the details. As a Morgan Stanley client, you can now conveniently view your accounts from other financial institutions on Morgan Stanley Online or by using the Morgan Stanley Mobile App, giving you a more complete financial picture.

    Click Here To Learn More About Total Wealth View
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    Spending and Budgeting Tool

    Track spending habits, categorize expenses and create budgets across your Morgan Stanley and external financial accounts. Our Spending and Budgeting Tool makes it easy for you and your Financial Advisor to see your complete financial picture.

    Click Here To Learn More About The Spending and Budgeting Tool
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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.

    Click Here To Learn More About Morgan Stanley's Online Security Center
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    Digital Vault

    Digital Vault lets you easily and conveniently manage and share life's most important documents, such as wills, deeds, and estate plans, as well as financial statements and tax filings.

    Click Here To Learn More About Morgan Stanley's Digital Vault
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    eDelivery

    You shouldn't have to wait for important paperwork like statements, tax documents, or trade confirmations. With eDelivery, you'll get email notifications as soon as they're available on Morgan Stanley Online.

    Click Here To Learn More About eDelivery
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    eAuthorizations

    eAuthorizations allows you to approve transactions electronically and securely on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.

    Click Here To Learn More About eAuthorizations
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    eSign

    eSign is a digital, paperless alternative to the traditional means of obtaining signatures from clients on paperwork. There is no registration process for you to begin using eSign; all you need is a valid email address and phone number.

    Click Here To Learn More About eSign

Top Services & Resources

I provide a wide array of services centered on your financial goals. I believe that identifying financial solutions begins with a solid understanding of each clients' situation, goals, objectives, and risk tolerance.

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    Professional Portfolio Management

    I study investment trends and leverage the global resources of Morgan Stanley to develop a personalized investment strategy. I'll develop a customized portfolio to help meet your requirements for growth, income, and wealth preservation within your risk constraints.

    Portfolio Management Overview
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    Financial Planning

    I'm here to help manage the stress around financial decisions by offering knowledge and thoughtful guidance. As your life stage changes, so do your goals. Our platform allows you to look across your assets and liabilities to help you adapt your strategy to meet those changing demands. Whether it is saving for retirement and other expenses, securing retirement income, healthcare planning, taxes, education, or legacy planning, I'm here for you.

    Learn More About Financial Planning
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    Estate Planning Strategies

    Everyone has a unique vision for their legacy. I can review your estate planning strategies in an effort to preserve, manage, and distribute your assets during and after your lifetime, while helping to minimize taxation. This can help to achieve your legacy and assist those you care about the most to preserve your wishes while also balancing the needs of your entire family. Connect with me to learn more about your options and next steps.

    Learn More About Estate Planning
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    Wealth Planning

    For 90 years, Morgan Stanley has been a global leader in financial services, with the scale and stability to help bring you valuable opportunities. My priority is managing wealth with the highest standard of care and providing financial advice to help support your goals at any stage of life.

    Learn More About Wealth Planning
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    Education Planning

    With education costs rising, paying for college has become a major life expense that requires smart planning. Starting to save for college early can truly make a difference.

    Learn More About Education Planning
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    Fixed Income Capabilities

    Morgan Stanley trades all fixed-income assets with embedded credit in a variety of areas, from municipal securities, to investment-grade and high-yield bond and credit derivatives trading.

    Learn More About Morgan Stanley's Fixed Income Capabilities
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    GIC Weekly Research Report

    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.

    View The Latest GIC Weekly Research Report
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    On The Markets Monthly Research Report

    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.

    View The Latest On The Markets Monthly Research Report
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    Morgan Stanley's Research & Insights

    Through timely, in-depth analysis of companies, industries, markets, and world economies, Morgan Stanley has earned its reputation as a leader in the field of investment research.

    Learn More About Morgan Stanley's Research & Insights
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    Thoughts on the Market Podcasts

    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.

    Listen to The Latest Thoughts on the Market Podcasts
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    2026 Income Tax Tables

    Federal Tax Information for 2026, including Income Tax Tables, Contribution Limits, Deadlines, etc.

    Click Here To View The 2026 Income Tax Tables
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    Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Data

    Over the years, cybercriminals have become more sophisticated and employed increasingly complex ways to infiltrate your accounts. As the threat of cybercrime continues to intensify, your digital safety has never been more critical.

    Click Here To Learn More About Cybersecurity Protection

Location

399 Park Ave
23rd Floor
New York, NY 10022
US
Direct:
(212) 893-6517(212) 893-6517
Toll-Free:
(800) 223-0270(800) 223-0270
Fax:
(212) 893-6301(212) 893-6301

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 Ronia Dolabany

Ronia Dolabany is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in New York.

Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and 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.

Ronia joined Morgan Stanley in 2021 as a Wealth Management Branch Analyst serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in the Philadelphia Complex.

Ronia is a graduate of the Hofstra University, where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business and a minor in Finance, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Global Business from Dongbei University of Finance and Economics.

She lives in New York City, New York. Outside of the office, Ronia volunteers with Bridges to Community, Glasswing International, and Frutos Del Cielo, all non-profit organizations focused on improving health, education, housing, and economic development for communities globally. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, cooking and trying new restaurants. Ronia also enjoys playing tennis, and was the Captain of Hofstra University’s Division 1 Women’s Tennis Team.
NMLS#: NMLS# 2437365

About Colin Brady

Colin Brady is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management office at 399 Park Ave in New York City. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Colin began his career in financial services in 2011 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position, he spent the last 5 years working as a Wealth Management Advisor with TIAA. In his time at TIAA, he advised clients in various financial planning needs such as retirement, asset management, income generation, estate & legacy planning, and charitable giving.

Colin graduated from Pace University and holds his Certified Financial Planner® designation. Colin lives in Stewart Manor, New York with his wife, Lauren, and his son, Liam. Outside of work, Colin enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and golfing.
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and 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.

Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Ready to start a conversation? Contact James Polyak today.
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1Morgan 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.

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

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2Morgan 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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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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4Morgan 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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5Investors 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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6Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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7Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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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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9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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10Morgan 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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11Morgan 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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12Morgan 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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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:
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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.

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