Executive Director, Private Wealth Management, Private Wealth Advisor, Family Wealth Director, Alternative Investments Director, Portfolio Management Director
Phone:
(925) 253-5330(925) 253-5330
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
L2L Group
Direct:
(925) 253-5330(925) 253-5330
Our Mission Statement
We provide advisory services for senior executives of public and privately held companies. Our objective is to assist our clients in moving from leveraged, high-risk, high-reward positions to more liquid, diversified and targeted future cash flows.
Our Story and Services
At L2L Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, we are an experienced team of financial professionals with backgrounds in financial planning, portfolio management and investment banking. Our clients have created and/or led successful businesses and often face complex, multidimensional issues that involve sophisticated solutions. In many cases, these are life-changing inflection points, where the actions they take will impact their families for generations to come. We offer the guidance needed to make and implement informed decisions at the intersection of their personal and professional financial lives.
Why L2L Group?
L2L stands for Leverage to Liquidity, an expression of our focusing on helping successful entrepreneurs grow, optimize and monetize their businesses, and to prepare for what comes next.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
About PWM
Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
- Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
- Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
- Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
- Approximately 350 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $980 billion in AUM1
- Comprising 23% of the Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams for 2024
- Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, December, 2024
Source: Barron's.com (May 2024) 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams awarded in 2024. The teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. Clients are encouraged to approach a search for an advisor the way they would a search for a doctor—interviewing multiple professionals and getting opinions from multiple third parties. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
Over the course of our careers, we have facilitated the sales of privately held businesses in multiple industries totaling more than $1.3 billion in value. Most of these engagements were initiated when the owners of these enterprises were in the early stages of considering how to monetize their businesses, pass them to younger generations, or some combination of the two. Combining our own experience with resources of our firm and our investment banking strategic partners, we formed a collaborative team to guide our clients through every stage of their exit strategies, from legal and tax issues to transaction execution and post-liquidity planning. We pay equal attention to the emotional and interpersonal aspects of business transition, often calling in experts in family dynamics for perspective on how to enhance family harmony and unity through the transition.
Executive Resources
The Three Phases of Estate Planning
For many individuals, wading into the process of estate planning can feel daunting—the U.S. tax code is complex and there are a myriad of strategies to choose from; how do you determine which is the right fit? The process may be simplified by breaking estate planning into three phases and creating a roadmap through each phase with well tested estate planning tools and techniques.
Click Here to Read More
Pre-Liquidity Event Planning Overview
Liquidity events such as an initial public offering or a merger or acquisition may provide income tax and transfer tax planning opportunities. Liquidity events also magnify the need to put in place or update certain essential estate planning documents.
Click Here to Read More
The Next Generation Journey
What does it mean to be a member of a wealthy family, and how will that affect your relationships with the important people in your life? What do you want for yourself, and how does that mesh with the expectations others have of you? Here are some steps to take, issues to consider, conversations to have and ways we can help.
Click Here to Read More
Private Markets
Morgan Stanley Private Markets brings together a broad range of private markets solutions to comprehensively service client's needs.
Click Here to Read More
Incomplete Gift Non-Grantor Trusts
The Incomplete Gift Non-Grantor Trust can be a powerful income tax planning technique for business owners in high-tax states.
Click Here to Read MoreLocation
1333 North California Boulevard
Suite 133
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
US
Direct:
(925) 253-5330(925) 253-5330
Meet L2L Group
Phone:
(925) 253-5332(925) 253-5332
Joshua Estes
Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(925) 253-5381(925) 253-5381
About Stephen Platter
Stephen Platter is a financial industry veteran with over three decades of experience serving high net worth individuals, families, and foundations. Stephen has predominantly dedicated his efforts to collaborating with senior executives of publicly traded companies and privately held businesses. The aim of these endeavors is to facilitate the development of a comprehensive plan and strategy that can enable a smooth transition from a position of leverage to a more stable position of liquidity, which is essential in anticipation of significant life changes or retirement.
A Certified Portfolio Manager, Stephen creates customized fixed income and equity portfolios that reflect a dynamic approach to asset management. He is also actively involved in all aspects of his clients’ balance sheets. Earlier in his career, Stephen worked as an investment banker involved with the underwriting of municipal securities and real estate private equity.
Stephen is a Foundation Advisory Board Member for PRIDE Industries, the largest nonprofit employer of disabled adults in the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California and went on to earn an MBA in Finance from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.
A Certified Portfolio Manager, Stephen creates customized fixed income and equity portfolios that reflect a dynamic approach to asset management. He is also actively involved in all aspects of his clients’ balance sheets. Earlier in his career, Stephen worked as an investment banker involved with the underwriting of municipal securities and real estate private equity.
Stephen is a Foundation Advisory Board Member for PRIDE Industries, the largest nonprofit employer of disabled adults in the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California and went on to earn an MBA in Finance from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.
Securities Agent: OH, NV, MD, FL, CO, CA, IL, VA, NH, ID, GA, CT, AZ, PR, MT, DC, NC, DE, TX, MN, MA, UT, NY, NJ, HI, MO, MI, WA, PA, OR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1301111
CA Insurance License #: 0B17290
NMLS#: 1301111
CA Insurance License #: 0B17290
About Shelley Cairns
Shelley Cairns brings more than 25 years of industry experience to L2L Group. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, focusing on comprehensive wealth planning and multigenerational asset management. Shelley is dedicated to helping clients navigate financial complexity to simplify their lives. She is especially passionate about working with women and empowering them through financial education.
Shelley’s wealth management process encompasses an extensive review of trust, estate, legacy, and tax planning strategies in collaboration with her clients’ trusted advisors. She believes cooperation with these key professionals, including accountants and attorneys, is critical to ensuring a coordinated and consistent approach to addressing clients’ financial goals at every life stage. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®), Shelley also assists with monetization planning for owners of privately held businesses.
Shelley obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Accounting from the University of Phoenix. An active volunteer at several nonprofit organizations, Shelley believes in the importance of giving back to the community. She remains an ardent supporter of animal welfare too. Shelley currently resides in the Bay Area with her husband and two children.
Shelley’s wealth management process encompasses an extensive review of trust, estate, legacy, and tax planning strategies in collaboration with her clients’ trusted advisors. She believes cooperation with these key professionals, including accountants and attorneys, is critical to ensuring a coordinated and consistent approach to addressing clients’ financial goals at every life stage. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®), Shelley also assists with monetization planning for owners of privately held businesses.
Shelley obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Accounting from the University of Phoenix. An active volunteer at several nonprofit organizations, Shelley believes in the importance of giving back to the community. She remains an ardent supporter of animal welfare too. Shelley currently resides in the Bay Area with her husband and two children.
Securities Agent: MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, ID, NC, IA, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL, AK, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2466598
CA Insurance License #: 0K61074
NMLS#: 2466598
CA Insurance License #: 0K61074
About Joshua Estes
Joshua Estes delivers white glove service to the clients of L2L Group. Responsible for a broad range of administrative duties, Joshua provides operational support from account opening and maintenance, restricted stock transaction management, and client reporting to trade execution and market analysis.
Joshua began his financial services career at Merrill Lynch in 2016 as a financial advisor before becoming an investment specialist three years later. He joined Morgan Stanley and the L2L Group in 2022. Josh earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an option in Finance from Chico State.
Born in Walnut Creek and raised in the Bay Area, Josh loves to call California home. He spends most of his free time with his wife and extended family, completing home projects and hiking.
Joshua began his financial services career at Merrill Lynch in 2016 as a financial advisor before becoming an investment specialist three years later. He joined Morgan Stanley and the L2L Group in 2022. Josh earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an option in Finance from Chico State.
Born in Walnut Creek and raised in the Bay Area, Josh loves to call California home. He spends most of his free time with his wife and extended family, completing home projects and hiking.
CA Insurance License #: 0M12139
Contact Stephen Platter
Contact Shelley Cairns
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
The Growing Opportunity in Private Markets
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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.
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
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Morgan 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.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
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
Awards Disclosures
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Morgan 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.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
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
Awards Disclosures
CRC 4237142 (02/2025)
