
David T Surofchek, CIMA®

Jason Chao brings the discipline of an elite athlete, the perspective of nearly two decades in financial services, and a deep planning focus to his work with clients. Since beginning his investment career in 2005, Jason has specialized in helping corporate executives, senior leaders, and families navigate the complex financial decisions that often come with equity compensation, concentrated stock positions, executive benefits, and long-term legacy planning.
As an Executive Director, Financial Advisor, Executive Financial Services Director, Portfolio Director, and Family Wealth Director at Morgan Stanley, Jason focuses on financial planning for corporate executives, 10b5-1 plans, concentrated stock strategies, and the transition from a successful career to an impactful retirement. His work is grounded in understanding the unique planning complexities executives face and helping clients make thoughtful decisions designed to support their families, their future, and the legacy they hope to build.
Jason holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and the Certified Investment Management Analyst® certification, earned through the Yale School of Management. He has also earned Morgan Stanley's Family Wealth Director designation, a rigorous program completed by fewer than 4% of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors as of December 2022. This designation provides Jason and his team with specialized access to Morgan Stanley's Family Office Resources, supporting their work with ultra-high-net-worth clients and families.
Jason's dedication to clients has earned notable industry recognition. As part of his team, he was recognized on Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams in 2026.
Before his career in financial services, Jason developed the work ethic, resilience, and competitive mindset that continue to shape his approach today. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Writing from Southern Oregon University, where he was a member of the wrestling team and received Academic All-American honors. He later earned his MBA in Finance and Management from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
Jason also trained as an athlete at the Olympic Training Center, competing in Greco-Roman wrestling and participating in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. He remains active in the sport by coaching local youth and high school wrestling teams, giving back to the next generation of athletes.
Outside the office, Jason is an avid scuba diver and mountain biker. Whether working with clients, coaching young wrestlers, or exploring the outdoors, he brings focus, energy, and a commitment to excellence to everything he does.
As a Morgan Stanley Family Wealth Director, Jason Chao provides access to specialized resources designed to help families navigate the responsibilities and opportunities that come with significant wealth.
**What the Designation Means**The Family Wealth Director designation is held by a select group of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors with advanced training and experience addressing the complex needs of highly affluent families. For clients, it means access to broader capabilities, specialized professionals and planning that considers the full financial picture.
Families change. Priorities shift. Life happens.
I serve as a long-term partner—helping families stay aligned, informed, and prepared through each phase of life.
My goal is simple: to help you make confident decisions today while building a legacy that supports your family for generations to come.
Your equity is more than a workplace benefit.
Stock awards can create meaningful opportunities—and increasingly complex decisions. Jason Chao helps executives and employees understand how their equity compensation, concentrated positions and 10b5-1 plans connect to their broader financial picture.
Whether you are approaching a vesting event, evaluating a concentrated position or exploring a 10b5-1 plan, Jason can help you better understand the considerations involved and how they connect to the rest of your financial life.
If you would like to discuss your equity compensation, please contact Jason to set up a meeting.
