Mark Leighton
Managing Director, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(207) 871-7329(207) 871-7329
Toll-Free:
(800) 442-6722(800) 442-6722
My Mission Statement
Experienced wealth planning services for your life and legacy goals
My Story and Services
Mark Leighton is a financial advisor and Executive Director at Morgan Stanley in Portland, Maine. Working with a range of clients from high-net worth individuals to small- and medium-sized businesses, Mark is always looking to avoid a “cookie cutter experience.” Mark takes great care to tailor his investment recommendations and financial advice to each of his clients unique set of circumstances.
For over 30 years, Mark has created successful strategic plans and investment portfolios with a deliberate approach. During the discovery process, he takes his time to develop a thorough understanding of each client’s financial situation, long and short-term goals, and appetite for risk.
Educating clients is a top priority for Mark. He explains his plans in a detailed and transparent manner and delivers important market information regularly to clients via email and phone communications. Keeping clients well-informed helps manage expectations, and breeds comfort and confidence with the practice.
Mark’s hard work has earned him recognition from both Forbes as a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor from 2019-2023 and nationally from Barron’s as part of their Top 1200 Financial Advisors: State-By-State (2021,2023). Lastly, Mark earned his place among Morgan Stanley’s prestigious President’s Club in both 2021, 2022 and 2023.
A lifetime Mainer, Mark joined Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms in 1993, and is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine. When not working with clients, Mark enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Victoria and their dog Wyatt in addition to being an active member of his church. Mark’s sons Dylan and Griffin have left the nest to spread their wings, but never hesitate to ask dad for a financial tip or two.
To learn more about Mark, his team, or to see if you could benefit from some highly sought-after advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mark at mark.leighton@morganstanley.com.
2019-2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019-2023). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2021, 2023 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2021, 2023). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.
For over 30 years, Mark has created successful strategic plans and investment portfolios with a deliberate approach. During the discovery process, he takes his time to develop a thorough understanding of each client’s financial situation, long and short-term goals, and appetite for risk.
Educating clients is a top priority for Mark. He explains his plans in a detailed and transparent manner and delivers important market information regularly to clients via email and phone communications. Keeping clients well-informed helps manage expectations, and breeds comfort and confidence with the practice.
Mark’s hard work has earned him recognition from both Forbes as a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor from 2019-2023 and nationally from Barron’s as part of their Top 1200 Financial Advisors: State-By-State (2021,2023). Lastly, Mark earned his place among Morgan Stanley’s prestigious President’s Club in both 2021, 2022 and 2023.
A lifetime Mainer, Mark joined Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms in 1993, and is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine. When not working with clients, Mark enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Victoria and their dog Wyatt in addition to being an active member of his church. Mark’s sons Dylan and Griffin have left the nest to spread their wings, but never hesitate to ask dad for a financial tip or two.
To learn more about Mark, his team, or to see if you could benefit from some highly sought-after advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mark at mark.leighton@morganstanley.com.
2019-2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019-2023). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2021, 2023 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2021, 2023). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: MA, VT, OK, AZ, AK, RI, GA, FL, NJ, MT, IL, VA, PA, OH, NM, MI, DE, CO, CA, NH, TN, WA, SC, NY, MO, IN, DC, MD, CT, OR, NC, MN, ME, ID, WY, TX; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1369850
NMLS#: 1369850
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Working With You
As your dedicated wealth management advisor, my role is to tailor a personalize financial strategy which fits your needs. In my experience working with clients, we have developed a step-by-step approach to service:
Step 1: Introductory Meeting
Our relationship begins with an initial discussion aimed towards getting to know you, your lifestyle and your future goals.
Step 2: Discovery Meeting
During the discovery meeting, we will work together to establish your financial goals by reviewing your current financial situation and developing an appropriate risk tolerance that can help you achieve the financial outcome you envision for yourself.
Step 3: Financial Plan Presentation
Financial plan presentations map our essential factors that play into your financial success such as your employee and employer contributions, liquidity events, and insurance coverage. Examining relevant financial information provides a holistic asset allocation analysis for your accounts, helping ensure a comprehensive financial plan.
Step 4: Action Items/Next Steps
After the financial plan presentation, I will follow up with you regarding our analysis and recommendations, which may include adjustments to your financial plan, investment allocation, company benefits and insurance coverage.
Step 5: Implementation Meeting
The implementation meeting focuses on creating prospective strategies custom designed for your specific needs. Recommended changes could include logistics, tax impact, asset allocation adjustments, and saving/benefit modifications.
Step 6: Monitoring and Tracking Performance
Finally, I will be constantly monitoring your assets and analyzing your performance tracking data seeking to ensure your financial expectations are being met and adjusted accordingly. I will keep a high degree of communication with you to make sure your concerns and requests are always addressed.
ANSWERING YOUR EVERYDAY QUESTIONS
From rolling over your 401(k) to understanding various types of investments, I am here to answer your financial questions and implement the best strategies for your specific goals and circumstances. Here are just a few of the questions I help my clients answer every day:
What are the benefits of rolling over my 401(k)?
Your retirement assets may represent a substantial source of your future retirement income and there are many factors you should consider in determining whether to roll over your assets. You can avoid paying immediate taxes and continue to grow your retirement savings tax-deferred by rolling over your 401(k) funds into an IRA. Additionally, an IRA can give you more control and investment options than your previous 401(k) plan offered.
What is active management?
Active investing allows advisors to adjust their clients' portfolios to align with prevailing market conditions. It also allows investors to take advantage of short-term trading opportunities that are not standard with passive management. Actively managed portfolios help advisors meet the specific needs of their clients, such as providing diversification, retirement income or a targeted investment return.
How do I manage risk in my portfolio?
There are two primary types of risk: market risk and business risk. While market risk consists of factors that affect the overall market and cannot be controlled, we can help you manage business risk, which affects a specific group of securities or individual securities. By gaining a deeper understanding of your risk tolerance and diversifying your portfolio, I can help you manage the risks you can control.
What is the difference between ETFs and mutual funds?
ETFs and mutual funds are investments that provide built-in diversification. Both track indexes, however, ETFs tend to be more liquid and cost effective as they trade directly on exchanges the way that normal shares of stock would. Both investments are taxed on gains and losses each year, but ETFs tend to be more tax efficient. Since they engage in less internal trading, they create fewer taxable events.
Client Service Team
Catherine Smith, Financial Planning Specialists FPS - Portfolio Associate
Phone:
(207) 771-0860(207) 771-0860
Email:cathy.smith@morganstanley.com
Lexi Hirning - Client Service Associate
Phone:
(207) 771-0850(207) 771-0850
Email:alexis.hirning@morganstanley.com
Lexi is a key member of our client service team, focused on delivering a seamless, high-touch experience by responding to client needs promptly and keeping account-related items moving efficiently. She helps coordinate day-to-day service requests, supports timely follow-through on action items, and serves as a reliable point of contact for our clients.
She is a 2025 graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she earned a B.S. in Finance. She began her career at Stone Coast Fund Services immediately after college, developing a strong foundation in financial operations and client service, before joining Morgan Stanley in February 2026.
Originally from Windham, Lexi still resides there. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time outdoors—especially at her family’s cabins. Her favorite spot is their cabin on Embden Pond, where she enjoys paddleboarding, fishing, boating, and exploring the Maine woods.
She is a 2025 graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she earned a B.S. in Finance. She began her career at Stone Coast Fund Services immediately after college, developing a strong foundation in financial operations and client service, before joining Morgan Stanley in February 2026.
Originally from Windham, Lexi still resides there. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time outdoors—especially at her family’s cabins. Her favorite spot is their cabin on Embden Pond, where she enjoys paddleboarding, fishing, boating, and exploring the Maine woods.
Location
100 Middle St 3rd
Fl
Portland, ME 04101
US
Direct:
(207) 871-7329(207) 871-7329
Toll-Free:
(800) 442-6722(800) 442-6722
Fax:
(207) 871-8298(207) 871-8298
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
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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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Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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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 Mark Leighton today.
1When 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
3Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
4Morgan 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.
5Morgan 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.
6Morgan 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.
7Products 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.
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.
2Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
3Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
4Morgan 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.
5Morgan 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.
6Morgan 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.
7Products 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.
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)
