Keith Underwood
My Mission Statement
INSIGHTS GROUNDED IN EXPERIENCE
An MBA graduate from the University of Colorado with a BA in Economics from Syracuse University, Keith's distinguished career spans global geographies and diverse specialties—ranging from advising multinational corporations on currency and interest rate risk to empowering affluent private clients and successful business owners manage their portfolios.
Outside of work, Keith and his wife Jocelyn, along with their six children and three dogs, love spending time outdoors and staying active through sports and community involvement. Keith is a member of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, volunteers regularly at Feeding Westchester Foodbank, and supports the CT/NY Blood Centers.
NMLS#: 2670215
Building a Strategy That Evolves With You
A thoughtful, collaborative process designed to align your investments with your life, your goals, and the future you're building. Together, we walk through each step - from understanding what matters most to you, to creating a personalized strategy, to implementing and reviewing your portfolio with care. The goal is simple: to give you clarity, confidence, and a plan that grows with you.
We start with you. I take the time to understand your priorities, goals, and comfort with risk so we can build a strategy that reflects your life—not just market assumptions.
Using what we learn together, I design a tailored investment approach that supports your long-term objectives, whether it's retirement, education funding, or tax-efficient growth—all with a clear, diversified plan.
Once your plan feels right, I bring it to action. I help you select the investment solutions that best fit your strategy, making the process straightforward and aligned with your preferences.
Your financial life evolves, and your strategy should too. I stay connected with you regularly to review progress, adjust when needed, and ensure your plan always reflects your current goals and circumstances.
Make the most out of your equity awards
Equity awards can be one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth, but they can also be complex. I work with clients to help them make sense of their company granted stock options, RSUs and employee stock purchase plan, turning these opportunities into intentional part of a broader financial strategy. Whether it's understanding vesting schedules, managing tax considerations, or building a plan to diversify over time, I will help you make confident, informed decisions that align with your goals.
- Equity Compensation Services
- Equity Award Analysis
- Specialized Solutions
While business leaders are busy driving change for their companies, I help them navigate the complexities that come with executive-level equity compensation. I provide concierge-level support — from 10b5-1 trading plans to Form 144 filings, access to specialized wealth-management strategies, and personalized tax-optimization approaches. My goal is to help clients move with clarity and confidence as their financial needs evolve.
Some of my services include:
Equity awards show up in different forms, each with its own opportunities and tax considerations. I help clients clearly understand how these awards fit into their bigger financial picture — from Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) that vest over time, to Stock Options that offer potential upside, to Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) that allow employees to buy shares at a discount. By breaking down the mechanics behind each award, I help clients make informed decisions about when to hold, sell, or diversify so their equity works in alignment with their long-term goals.
As equity awards begin to vest, taxes and timing suddenly matter a lot more than people expect. I help clients stay ahead of those moments by breaking down what happens when shares vest, how different award types are taxed, and what strategies help them keep more of what they've earned. From planning around vesting schedules to managing capital gains exposure, my goal is to turn complex tax rules into confident, actionable decisions.
When too much of someone's net worth is tied up in a single company's stock, balance becomes essential. I help clients turn concentrated equity into more diversified, resilient portfolios without losing sight of their goals.
Whether it's building a structured 10b5-1 selling plan, managing liquidity events, or aligning sales with appropriate tax considerations, I guide clients step-by-step, so they stay informed throughout the process.
Equity awards can significantly shape long-term wealth — but only if they're used strategically. I help clients explore ways to make the most of their awards today while preparing for the future, including charitable giving strategies and donor-advised funds.
My goal is to align equity decisions with the bigger financial picture, maximizing impact while mapping out what comes next.
Timing is critical — especially for executives and insiders. I help clients confidently navigate blackout periods, insider-trading policies, and pre-clearance requirements.
With structured trading plans and clear guidance, I make sure clients understand the rules, stay compliant, and keep their financial plans on track.
Equity compensation can play a meaningful role in estate and legacy planning. I help clients understand how proper planning can ensure a smooth transition of assets and protect the people they care about most. Whether it's incorporating equity into a broader wealth-transfer strategy or preparing for future generational needs, I support clients in making thoughtful, informed decisions for their loved ones.
Understanding the Tax Side of Your Wealth
Taxes can easily turn a smart financial move into a stressful one if they're not planned for in advance. I work closely with clients to help them understand how different parts of their financial picture - from equity awards and investment gains to charitable gifts and retirement income -affect their tax outlook. The goal isn't just to react at tax time, but to plan year-round so you can make informed, efficient decisions with confidence.
Every client's tax situation is unique. I begin by reviewing how income, investments, and equity compensation fit together from a tax perspective. This first step helps you see where you stand - and where strategic planning can make a real difference.
Not all income is created equal. I help clients identify the best times to realize gains, exercise options, or sell shares - balancing opportunity and tax impact. With careful timing, you can stay aligned with your goals while managing exposure to higher brackets and short-term capital gains.
Equity awards can create sudden tax events that catch people off guard. I help clients anticipate these triggers - whether it's at vesting, exercise, or sale - and works alongside tax professionals to minimize surprises. My focus is on clarity, preparation, and turning complex tax rules into actionable steps.
A tax-smart investment strategy goes beyond picking the right stocks. I guide you structure your portfolio to manage gains, harvest losses when appropriate, and use tax-advantaged accounts to their full potential. The result: a portfolio that's efficient, diversified, and designed for long-term growth after taxes.
Retirement isn't just about reaching your goal - its' about knowing how to draw from it wisely. I guide clients design personalized withdrawal strategies that balance steady income, tax efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The focus is on transforming savings into a reliable income stream that supports your lifestyle and keeps your wealth working for you well into the future.
If charitable giving is part of your values, it can also be part of your tax strategy. I walk you through options like gifting appreciated stock or using donor-advised funds to maximize impact. It's about aligning generosity with efficiency, so your giving creates value in more ways than one.
Modern Wealth Tools
I encourage clients to leverage the modern wealth tools and client resources that Morgan Stanley offers to enhance to enhance their wealth management experience. Please take a look below to explore the resources available to you.
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) digital capabilities and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App provide clients with access to their account information, enriched reporting tools, several cash management solutions and the robust market research. The Morgan Stanley Mobile App provides clients with access to their accounts in just a few taps.
Managing multiple financial accounts across different firms can be complicated. With Morgan Stanley Online, you can link your non-Morgan Stanley accounts and analyze your cash flow all in one place.
Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.
Manage your cash with Morgan Stanley's CashPlus brokerage account. Enjoy a seamless digital experience, zero cash management fees, and more value and protection.
Morgan Stanley's loyalty program allows eligible clients access to exclusive offers and discounts from over 70 premium brands at no cost.
The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
AWARD-WINNING WEALTH MANAGEMENT. FOCUSED ON YOU.
With the guidance of a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor and the strength of a five-time award-winning wealth management platform<sup> <a href="#wm-disclosure-1" class="Link--underline"> <span class="sr-only">Footnote</span> 1 </a> </sup>, you can build, preserve, and manage your wealth with precision and purpose. For every stage of your financial journey.
Location
How Investing in Gold Could Add a New Dimension to Your Portfolio
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
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- Annuities
Financial Wellness
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
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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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4Morgan 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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Please read the important disclosures below.
1) Morgan Stanley Wealth Management secured Money Management Institute/Barron’s Industry Awards for Wealth Manager Platform of the Year. The Wealth Manager Platform of the Year category recognizes a wealth manager platform that exemplifies innovation in delivering better outcomes for investors and Financial Advisors. This award has been secured in 2024, 2021, 2020, 2019 & 2018. The winners were selected by a specially appointed MMI Industry Awards Steering Council. The Steering Council consists of representatives from all segments of the MMI membership. After carefully reviewing the nominations submitted, the Steering Council determined a slate of finalists in each award category. The primary contacts at each of MMI’s 207 member firms were eligible to vote to determine the winners. Nominations were reviewed and evaluated to determine finalists June 2024 - July 2024. Finalists were voted on to determine a winner August 2024. MMI/Barron’s does not receive compensation from the participating firms in exchange for the award and Morgan Stanley did not pay a fee to MMI/Barron’s in exchange for its receipt of the award. Morgan Stanley is a member of MMI and pays a fee to MMI as part of its membership dues. Morgan Stanley’s receipt of this award is not indicative of any future performance. These awards were granted to Morgan Stanley based on the time period from October 2023 to June 2024. There were 6 firms considered for the Wealth Management Platform of the Year Award and 12 firms considered for the Distribution Excellence Award. The Money Management Institute (MMI) is the industry association representing financial services firms and Barron’s is a financial magazine; both groups are responsible for the award. Accolade qualifications for past years may vary; additional information available upon request.
2) Industry’s top tax-optimization technology refers to tax management capabilities developed by Eaton Vance and Parametric, affiliates of Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley is a leading provider of direct indexing strategies. According to Cerulli Associates’ Q1 2026 Managed Account Edition, Morgan Stanley ranked first among 15 firms in Direct Index SMA assets under management based on reported industry assets. The ranking reflects scale of assets and does not evaluate tax outcomes, performance, or quality of technology. Tax outcomes will vary and are not guaranteed.
3) The Celent Model Wealth Manager 2025 Awards for Data and Analytics and Essential and Emerging Technologies were granted to Morgan Stanley following an evaluation process conducted by Celent analysts. To be considered for this award, Morgan Stanley submitted Model Wealth Manager 2025 Nomination Award Worksheets to Celent on or about January 30, 2025. Celent judged each submission on three criteria: (1) Measurable business benefits of live initiatives; (2) degree of innovation relative to the industry; and (3) technology or implementation excellence. In order to win, the initiatives must demonstrate clear business benefits, innovation, and technology or implementation excellence. Celent does not receive compensation from the participating firms in exchange for the award and Morgan Stanley did not pay a fee to Celent in exchange for the award. Morgan Stanley is not affiliated with Celent. Based on their submission on January 30, 2025 for Celent’s 2025 Model Awards program, Celent granted Morgan Stanley their awards in June, 2025 and publicly shared the news in June, 2025. Celent is a global financial services research and advisory firm and is responsible for determining the recipient of this award.
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Industry acclaimed risk platform refers to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s (“Morgan Stanley”) Portfolio Risk Platform. The assumptions used in the Report incorporate portfolio risk and scenario analysis employed by BlackRock Solutions (“BRS”), a financial technology and risk analytics provider that is independent of Morgan Stanley. BRS’ role is limited to providing risk analytics to Morgan Stanley, and BRS is not acting as a broker-dealer or investment adviser nor does it provide investment advice with respect to the Report. Morgan Stanley has validated and adopted the analytical conclusions of these risk models. The analysis provided is illustrative only. Morgan Stanley cannot predict a portfolio’s risk of loss due to, among other things, changing market conditions or other unanticipated circumstances. The analysis is based purely on assumptions made using available data and any of its forecasts are subject to change.
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