Mario Donati
Executive Director, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor,
Financial Planning Specialist
Direct:
(415) 984-6944(415) 984-6944
Toll-Free:
(800) 289-9060(800) 289-9060
Industry Award WinnerMy Mission Statement
Safeguarding your assets and earning your trust through exemplary service.
My Story
As a third-generation San Franciscan, I take great pride in making my clients feel assured about uncertain markets by monitoring their assets with award-winning technology, some of which was developed right here in the Bay area.
Long-standing clients and professionals partner with me because I focus on:
Reaching out to them regarding matters important to their evolving lives and portfolios
Demonstrating that I have truly heard their comprehensive concerns and objectives
Disciplined portfolio construction backed by over 30 years of knowledge and experience
My clients ̶ entrepreneurs, small business owners, retirees, executives and families ̶ expect platinum service anchored in consistency and responsiveness. Exceeding their expectations is based on a simple operating ethos: the golden rule of treating them that way I would want to be treated. My investment philosophy is based on protecting their wealth, in part by avoiding emotional decisions and not chasing trends.
One of the things I enjoy most about being an advisor is that my clients and I share the same core values of integrity, dedication and caring. We are accomplished but humble. We appreciate engagements that add value, and most importantly, we care very much about those with whom we do business. At the end of the day, my clients trust me with their financial lives. They feel secure about their assets and financial future, which is why I started my practice, and how I will continue running it.
Long-standing clients and professionals partner with me because I focus on:
Reaching out to them regarding matters important to their evolving lives and portfolios
Demonstrating that I have truly heard their comprehensive concerns and objectives
Disciplined portfolio construction backed by over 30 years of knowledge and experience
My clients ̶ entrepreneurs, small business owners, retirees, executives and families ̶ expect platinum service anchored in consistency and responsiveness. Exceeding their expectations is based on a simple operating ethos: the golden rule of treating them that way I would want to be treated. My investment philosophy is based on protecting their wealth, in part by avoiding emotional decisions and not chasing trends.
One of the things I enjoy most about being an advisor is that my clients and I share the same core values of integrity, dedication and caring. We are accomplished but humble. We appreciate engagements that add value, and most importantly, we care very much about those with whom we do business. At the end of the day, my clients trust me with their financial lives. They feel secure about their assets and financial future, which is why I started my practice, and how I will continue running it.
Securities Agent: IL, MT, MA, CA, AZ, IN, DC, AL, TX, PA, NY, NV, FL, CO, WI, OR, HI, WY, ID, VA, OH, MI, GA, CT, WA, UT, NM, MD, TN, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1253123
CA Insurance License #: 0A55715
NMLS#: 1253123
CA Insurance License #: 0A55715
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
My Clients
Although highly accomplished and successful in their respective fields, my clients are humble people. They are entrepreneurs, small business owners, retirees, executives and families. They don’t stand on pretense or flaunt their wealth. They appreciate the simple things in life, while placing the highest value on the bonds of family and friendship.
They enjoy the partnership, and friendship, that develops as we work together to create their wealth management plan. During this multiphase planning process, a shared trust results from mutual engagement and execution of their financial plan. They appreciate that I call just to say hello, as well as to communicate timely and impactful information.
Together, we find an ideal balance for:
Communication
Full financial disclosure, transparency and plan reviews communicated in the method and frequency preferred
Specialist Coordination
Working in concert with your team of CPAs, attorneys and other specialist advisors to achieve your goals
Succession Planning
Leveraging the Firm’s numerous educational resources to prepare heirs for sudden and substantial wealth.
They enjoy the partnership, and friendship, that develops as we work together to create their wealth management plan. During this multiphase planning process, a shared trust results from mutual engagement and execution of their financial plan. They appreciate that I call just to say hello, as well as to communicate timely and impactful information.
Together, we find an ideal balance for:
Communication
Full financial disclosure, transparency and plan reviews communicated in the method and frequency preferred
Specialist Coordination
Working in concert with your team of CPAs, attorneys and other specialist advisors to achieve your goals
Succession Planning
Leveraging the Firm’s numerous educational resources to prepare heirs for sudden and substantial wealth.
Working With You
Over the last 30 years, my reputation at Morgan Stanley has been built by providing sound investment advice and implementing the Firm’s world-class resources. The process detailed below is customized to you and based on an in-depth understanding of your concerns, and short- and long-term goals. The first phase of the process is critical, for only by getting to know you may I accurately tailor a plan for your financial future and those you cherish.
Discovering
Our relationship begins with a thorough understanding of you, your needs, your lifestyle and family, and your objectives for the future.
Formulating
I work with you to develop a roadmap to help you achieve and protect the outcomes you envision. The vigilant focus is on long-term preservation of your capital.
Executing
As appropriate, we help you implement investment, retirement, cash management and insurance solutions suited to your needs. These may include:
Investments: Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds; Fee-Based Investment Management
Cash Management and Lending Solutions
Retirement Planning: Traditional, Roth, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs; Lump-Sum/401(k) Rollovers; Asset consolidation
Estate Planning Strategies: Trust and Estate Specialist
Education Planning: Education Planning Analysis: 529 Plans and UGMA/UTMA Custodial Accounts
Long Term Care, Life Insurance and Annuities
Succession Planning
Monitoring
Achieving your goals requires vigilance and flexibility. I help you monitor your progress and adjust your plan as your life evolves and your priorities change.
You may monitor your account via the Firm’s award-winning digital technology: rest assured that we invest significant capital in ever-advancing cybersecurity for Morgan Stanley Online, the Morgan Stanley Mobile App and eDelivery.
Discovering
Our relationship begins with a thorough understanding of you, your needs, your lifestyle and family, and your objectives for the future.
Formulating
I work with you to develop a roadmap to help you achieve and protect the outcomes you envision. The vigilant focus is on long-term preservation of your capital.
Executing
As appropriate, we help you implement investment, retirement, cash management and insurance solutions suited to your needs. These may include:
Investments: Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds; Fee-Based Investment Management
Cash Management and Lending Solutions
Retirement Planning: Traditional, Roth, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs; Lump-Sum/401(k) Rollovers; Asset consolidation
Estate Planning Strategies: Trust and Estate Specialist
Education Planning: Education Planning Analysis: 529 Plans and UGMA/UTMA Custodial Accounts
Long Term Care, Life Insurance and Annuities
Succession Planning
Monitoring
Achieving your goals requires vigilance and flexibility. I help you monitor your progress and adjust your plan as your life evolves and your priorities change.
You may monitor your account via the Firm’s award-winning digital technology: rest assured that we invest significant capital in ever-advancing cybersecurity for Morgan Stanley Online, the Morgan Stanley Mobile App and eDelivery.
2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Mario Donati Named Best-in-State Wealth Advisor
Click here: Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor to visit site
"2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award. "
"2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award. "
Client Service Team
Nacole Carson - Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(415) 984-6658(415) 984-6658
Email:Nacole.Carson@morganstanley.com
Location
555 California St 35th
35th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
US
Direct:
(415) 984-6944(415) 984-6944
Toll-Free:
(800) 289-9060(800) 289-9060
Fax:
(415) 508-3477(415) 508-3477
Awards and Recognition
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
2018-2025 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Mario Donati today.
1Morgan 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
4Morgan 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
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.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Morgan 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.
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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 | Morgan Stanley
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
4Morgan 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
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.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Morgan 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.
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
