Wendy Williams
Senior Client Service Associate
Maria Montanez, CIMA®
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor,
Family Wealth Advisor,
International Client Advisor
Direct:
(202) 857-5453(202) 857-5453
Toll-Free:
(800) 424-3209(800) 424-3209
My Mission Statement
We focus on helping build and preserve wealth for high net-worth individuals by structuring custom financial plans with the goal of delivering world-class service.
My Story and Services
From the onset of her career, Maria recognized the value of working with families with different objectives and aspirations. Having spent over thirty years advising clients as they transition from early savers to successful retirees, she has developed the expertise to deal with the unique challenges that are presented in each stage of their financial lives such as wealth accumulation, income generation, and legacy planning.
Previously, Maria was Vice President Wealth Management with UBS where she was concurrently Coordinator for Mutual Funds and Insurance for the local office. Prior to that, she joined Merrill Lynch in 1985 in Washington DC where she was recognized for her performance and appointed a Vice President in 1990. During her eleven years with the firm, she began her specialty in advising diplomats and foreign nationals on the rules and regulations of investing in the United States. In 2007, she joined Smith Barney as Vice President Wealth Management.
Maria holds the CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst) designation which she received after completing the necessary educational program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, in February of 2005. She received her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from American University in Washington DC.
She dedicates her efforts to causes that promote education and leadership for young women. She has served on the Board of Directors of her Alma Mater, St. Elizabeth Seton, H.S. with the mission to promote a strong education for adolescent women in high school. She is also a very active member and advisor of the Women’s Foreign Policy Group. Since 2014, she has served on her firm’s Diversity Council, promoting diversity within the firm and our clients. Lastly, she has been a speaker at prestigious international organizations such as The World Bank and InterAmerican Bank, presenting topics such as Retirement Planning.
Previously, Maria was Vice President Wealth Management with UBS where she was concurrently Coordinator for Mutual Funds and Insurance for the local office. Prior to that, she joined Merrill Lynch in 1985 in Washington DC where she was recognized for her performance and appointed a Vice President in 1990. During her eleven years with the firm, she began her specialty in advising diplomats and foreign nationals on the rules and regulations of investing in the United States. In 2007, she joined Smith Barney as Vice President Wealth Management.
Maria holds the CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst) designation which she received after completing the necessary educational program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, in February of 2005. She received her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from American University in Washington DC.
She dedicates her efforts to causes that promote education and leadership for young women. She has served on the Board of Directors of her Alma Mater, St. Elizabeth Seton, H.S. with the mission to promote a strong education for adolescent women in high school. She is also a very active member and advisor of the Women’s Foreign Policy Group. Since 2014, she has served on her firm’s Diversity Council, promoting diversity within the firm and our clients. Lastly, she has been a speaker at prestigious international organizations such as The World Bank and InterAmerican Bank, presenting topics such as Retirement Planning.
Securities Agent: NY, MS, MN, CO, IL, LA, MI, MA, NJ, CA, IN, DE, AK, NC, ME, VA, MD, TX, CT, AZ, WI, NV, FL, PA, GA, PR, SC, WA, OR, NM, DC, RI, NH, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1403981
NMLS#: 1403981
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Our Process
As your dedicated wealth management team, our role is to tailor a personalized financial strategy which fits your needs. Through over 20 years of working with clients, we have developed this step-by-step approach for thoughtful collaboration.
1. Discovery Process
We take the time to fully understand you and your family – whether you’re planning for retirement, purchasing a home, or living out your golden years – we consider all of your challenges, goals, and aspirations when building your financial picture.
2. Forming Your Strategy
Using your life goals as our compass, we create a risk-balanced strategy which maps a clear path to achieving your success.
3. Implementing Your Plan
We apply extensive research and analysis, and also utilize Morgan Stanley’s full suite of resources, to ensure swift decisive action in all market scenarios.
4. Measuring Your Success
We check in with you to deliver metrics around your portfolio, and ultimately measure trajectory towards your goals. Our ultimate mission is your success and well-being.
Women and Wealth
I believe in helping women achieve financial independence and have devoted my professional life to helping extraordinary women and their families make sense of their financial lives. My area of expertise is transitioning and guiding women, especially after a major life change such as divorce, loss of a spouse, or an inheritance, as these often have profound financial implications. The links below provide resources and insights for women who are going through or have had a major life change.
Playbook: A Woman’s Guide to Life & Money
Morgan Stanley has created the Playbook as a resource to help guide you on this financial journey. Filled with articles, infographics, checklists, interviews, and tips that cover 10 major life milestones, the Playbook shares essential money know-how to help you navigate the road ahead and explore new horizons with confidence.
Playbook: A Woman’s Guide to Life & Money
Divorce: Planning for a New Beginning
Divorce can make an emotionally difficult time even more challenging, especially considering the potential financial impact. This factsheet helps women plan and make well-informed decisions to protect their financial independence.
Divorce: Planning for a New Beginning
Planning for Your Financial Future
Armed with education and a plan, women can feel more confident about their financial goals and how they'll achieve them.
Planning for Your Financial Future
Women Changing the Conversation
Gender inequality is a persistent problem for society. Here's how several highly influential women think we can begin to address it.
Women Changing the ConversationOutlooks & Updates
Here at Morgan Stanley, we strive to simplify complex financial ideas so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future. Maria is a firm believer of giving our clients as many resources as possible so they can stay informed about the latest market trends, outlooks, and breakdowns. The links below provide detailed analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the finance and business worlds.
What’s on Tap for U.S. Taxes?
Although markets have been preparing for the notion of tax hikes, a flurry of recent legislative activity may suggest where tax policy will eventually land.
Click Here To ListenThe Final Chapter of the Mid-Cycle Transition?
Although many commentators point to the S&P 500 near all-time highs as a rationale for higher stock prices, markets may be facing a bumpy road ahead.
Click Here To ListenWeekly Global Investment Committee Commentary
A blog version of Lisa Shalett's weekly commentary with the Global Investment Committee.
Check out this week's edition hereOur Suite of Digital Tools
Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Here are a few of the technologies we have to offer our clients.
Morgan Stanley Online
Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
Morgan Stanley Online
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.
Total Wealth View
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.
Online Security Center
eDelivery
eDelivery provides you with the ability to view statements and other Firm documents electronically in lieu of paper. Clients who are registered in Morgan Stanley Online may enroll in eDelivery.
eDelivery
Digital Vault
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. Digital Vault allows for easy document sharing, convenient access, and encrypted files.
Digital VaultLocation
1775 I Street NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
US
Direct:
(202) 857-5453(202) 857-5453
Toll-Free:
(800) 424-3209(800) 424-3209
Fax:
(202) 459-9511(202) 459-9511
Meet My Team
About Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams has been in the financial industry for over 30 years. She began her career as an Assistant Casher in the operational area with Drexel Burnham and Lambert after attending Howard University.
Wendy left the industry for a few years and returned as a Senior Client Service Associate with Morgan Stanley, offering our clients operational and administrative support.
She resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband.
Wendy left the industry for a few years and returned as a Senior Client Service Associate with Morgan Stanley, offering our clients operational and administrative support.
She resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband.
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
Tolu Adeyemi
Private Banker
About Tolu Adeyemi
Tolu Adeyemi is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Washington D.C. and Maryland.
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.
Tolu began his career in financial services in 2007, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Senior Client Advisor at PNC Private Bank. He also served as a Wealth Management Banker and Investment Service Adviser for Merrill Lynch.
Tolu is a graduate of Kean University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He lives in Fulton, MD with his wife and two sons. Outside of the office, Tolu enjoys playing golf, fishing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
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.
Tolu began his career in financial services in 2007, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Senior Client Advisor at PNC Private Bank. He also served as a Wealth Management Banker and Investment Service Adviser for Merrill Lynch.
Tolu is a graduate of Kean University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He lives in Fulton, MD with his wife and two sons. Outside of the office, Tolu enjoys playing golf, fishing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
NMLS#: 643728
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Maria Montanez today.
1Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
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.
4Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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.
6When 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.
7Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
8Products 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.
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.
9Morgan 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.
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.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame 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
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
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.
4Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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.
6When 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.
7Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
8Products 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.
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.
9Morgan 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.
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.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame 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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)
