My Story and Services

I believe wealth is deeply personal.
Behind every portfolio is a story - sacrifice, resilience, responsibility, and hope for what comes next. My work begins there.
Before becoming a financial advisor, I served as a support professional. That season shaped how I lead today. I learned how to listen closely, advocate thoughtfully, and encourage agency- helping people feel informed, empowered, and confident in their own decisions.
Today, I partner with individuals and families, especially those building wealth for the first time, to make steady and thoughtful financial choices. Together, we focus on protecting what you’ve worked hard to build, creating clarity around your goals, and positioning your resources to support the people and priorities that matter most.
Surviving multiple brain and eye surgeries and nearly losing my vision deepened my perspective. It strengthened my belief that financial planning is not just about growth – it is about security, preparedness, and peace of mind.
I approach this work with wisdom, discipline, and genuine care. My goal is simple: to help you steward your wealth in a way that feels steady, aligned, and empowering.
Let’s build something enduring!
Services Include
Securities Agent: ID, CA, AR, IL, HI, WA, VT, OR, FL, NY, MD, IN, NJ, NM, ME, SC, DE, VA, MT, TX, PA, GA, NV, DC, CO, MI, OH, NC, MA, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2150327
CA Insurance License #: 0F48568
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

INDIVIDUAL PLANS FOR INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU:

Regardless of what stage your life is in - moving ahead in your career, enjoying retirement, or somewhere in between - as your Financial Advisors, we can help you achieve your financial goals.

Using a suite of tools that includes goal-specific analysis, we can work with you to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of your financial life, including your investments and cash management needs.

We can create your personal roadmap to help achieve and protect your goals — a framework that makes the connection between your life goals and your financial resources, and provides a baseline for future discussions.
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    Portfolio Risk Tool
    The Portfolio Risk Platform integrates the leading risk analytics engine into Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s platform to help improve the quality, transparency, and efficiency of the end to end risk management processes for the Firm and our Clients.
    Click Here to Learn More
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    Goals Planning System (GPS)
    Goals-Based Wealth Management means that we aim to understand what is important to you and work together to map out a plan that can help you achieve your financial goals.
    Click Here to Learn More
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    Retirement Planning
    The decisions you make about your workplace retirement plan can benefit you for years to come. We’ll help you understand and put your resources to work, so you can plan, invest, and ultimately transition to retirement with confidence.
    Click Here to Learn More
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    Financial Planning Questionnaire
    This questionnaire will help us create a personalized
    strategy for you and can enhance our conversation
    around your long-term goals.
    Click Here to Complete
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    Education Planning
    With education costs rising, paying for college has become a major life expense that requires smart planning.
    Click Here to Learn More
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    Intelligent Withdrawals
    We use state-of-the-art tools that recommend the most tax-efficient way to liquidate assets.
    Click Here to Learn More

Working With You

My work with you starts with one or more in-depth, exploratory meetings. I need to understand your unique financial situation so I can offer you the best possible advice and solutions.
When you work with me, you can expect that I will:
Develop a comprehensive financial strategy based on your individual needs
Substitute discipline for emotion in the investment process
Adjust your holdings in response to new opportunities and risks
Maintain strict financial objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest
I can also coordinate my work with other key members of your financial team, including your:
Tax specialist
Trust attorney
Insurance professional
Family office

Stay Connected

Digital technology is centered on how people communicate, consume, transact, and travel. Our comprehensive suite of digital tools is designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Here are a few of the technologies we have to offer our clients:
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    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)
    Beyond viewing your account balance and activity, Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a suite of features that allow you to manage your everyday finances from paying bills and sending money to transferring funds and authorizing transactions with eAuthorizations.
    Morgan Stanley Online
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    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
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    Tax Table
    A comprehensive breakdown of the 2025 tax table to assist in your investment decisions.
    View The 2025 Tax Table
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    Spending and Budgeting Tool
    Track spending habits, categorize expenses and create budgets across your Morgan Stanley and external financial accounts with our Spending and Budgeting Tool. We make it easy for you and your financial advisor to oversee trends in your financial life.
    Spending and Budgeting Tool
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    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 (MSO) may enroll in eDelivery.
    eDelivery
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    Digital Vault
    The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows for easy sharing and convenient access to life’s most important documents from wills and deeds to financial statements and tax fillings. Easily manage your encrypted financial records all in one place
    Digital Vault Video
Woman and child next to river in city

Tips To Navigate Your Parents’ Evolving Needs and Finding Balance in the Chaos

A multitude of economic, social and cultural factors have given rise to many middle-aged Americans providing financial, emotional and physical support for their young children, adult children and parents at the same time, often with multiple generations living under one roof. Caring for children while caring for parents, while also trying to keep your own head above water, is a life masterclass in juggling. Needs are constantly competing for attention and resources, often leaving you stuck in the middle.

One of the main concerns facing the Sandwich Generation is: “How do I plan for my own future – my own retirement needs – when I’m constantly balancing the immediate needs of my family?” By addressing the three questions below, you can start to find balance in the chaos, while making sure your own financial future is secure.
What Are My Needs?
Flight attendants tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others and this is no different. The first step is to create a personal budget.
  • Determine Your Income. Specifically, you’ll want to determine your average monthly income. If your income varies by month, estimate by averaging the past six to 12 months.
  • Evaluate Your Emergency Fund. Keeping a stash of cash on hand in case of an emergency is essential. Your emergency fund should be separate from your day-to-day cash, and if you can, put away enough to cover at least three to six months’ of expenses.
  • Plan for Savings & Surplus. If you have surplus in your budget, it may be challenging to decide what to do with it. As a dual caregiver, there are an unending number of things you could do with that money, but the most important thing is to pay yourself first. A good rule of thumb is to save for your retirement ahead of your children’s college funds and your parents’ care needs. Be sure to pay off all your debt and evaluate your insurance needs.
What Are My Children’s Needs?
One of the biggest expenses of raising a child is education. If they’re young, consider whether private school tuition is going to be necessary. There may also be the added expenses of books, extracurricular activities and tutors. If you can swing it without sacrificing your own retirement needs, open a 529 College Savings plan, and start investing with as little as $25 per month.

Fifty percent of young Millennials plan to move back home with their parents after college.1 In order to make this work for everyone, it’s important to set expectations. Talk through everything from rent and shared expenses to division of household chores. Don’t neglect the impact this situation will have on your own retirement goals.
What Are My Parents’ Needs?
Navigating the needs of your parents can be emotional and tricky. But staying in the loop on what your parents have saved, where it is, what plans they have for the future, and who they trust as their Financial Advisor, will help protect their money and yours. You'll also be better able to make decisions on their behalf in case of an emergency.
Budgeting for your parents’ current and future needs is important. The good news is that you can use the same process you used to create your own budget. Include discussions about their desired standard of living – and what changes would need to happen, given financial constraints. Don’t forget the hard questions: How long can my parents stay in their home? Can they afford home health care? Should they live with me? What about assisted living? Additional care? These are all discussions that need to happen before a move is required.
Finding Balance in the Chaos
Dual caregiving comes with a lot of chaos. Don’t forget to make yourself a priority. By creating a clear picture of the needs of every generation under your care, you can map out strategies and solutions that help your entire family thrive. And if you need additional guidance on how to balance this big picture, don’t be afraid to reach out to a financial advisor for help.
1 Forbes. 50% Of Millennials Are Moving Back Home With Their Parents After College. Available at https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2019/06/06/millennials-move-back-home-college/. Accessed February 24, 2020.
If an account owner or the beneficiary resides in or pays income taxes to a state that offers its own 529 college savings or pre-paid tuition plan (an “In-State Plan”), that state may offer state or local tax benefits. These tax benefits may include deductible contributions, deferral of taxes on earnings and/or tax-free withdrawals. In addition, some states waive or discount fees or offer other benefits for state residents or taxpayers who participate in the In-State Plan. An account owner may be denied any or all state or local tax benefits or expense reductions by investing in another state’s plan (an “Out-of-State Plan”). In addition, an account owner’s state or locality may seek to recover the value of tax benefits (by assessing income or penalty taxes) should an account owner rollover or transfer assets from an In-State Plan to an Out-of-State Plan. While state and local tax consequences and plan expenses are not the only factors to consider when investing in a 529 Plan, they are important to an account owner’s investment return and should be taken into account when selecting a 529 plan.
Tax laws are complex and are subject to change. This information is based upon current tax rules in effect at the time this was written. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.
Investments in a 529 Plan are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits of or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity, so an individual may lose money. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risks factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences. Investors should read the Program Disclosure Statement carefully before investing.
©2020 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
CRC# 2952350 03/2020

Location

444 South Flower St, 34th
Fl
Los Angeles, CA 90071
US
Direct:
(213) 486-8943(213) 486-8943

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

About Dwight Guinto

Dwight Guinto is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in California.

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.

Dwight began his career in financial services in 1996, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014 as a Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Business Banking Area Manager at the Wells Fargo. He also served as a Senior Business Relationship Manager and Business Development Officer at Wells Fargo.

Dwight is a graduate of the California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, where he received a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Education. He lives in Monrovia, California with his family. Outside of the office, Dwight enjoys spending time with his family in outdoor activities and competing in triathlons.
NMLS#: 1211641

About Molly Sakahara

Molly Sakahara is an Assistant Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in the Los Angeles area. She is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Molly began her career in financial services in 1999 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015. Prior to her current position, she held positions in wealth management and private banking with an emphasis on helping individuals achieve long term life goals and understanding client’s value system in relation to their wealth.

Molly graduated from UCLA and holds her Certified Financial Planner® designation, California insurance state licensing, and Series 7 and 65. She currently resides in South Pasadena, California with her spouse and two children. Outside of work, she is a squash coach at PlayLA, a committee volunteer with UCLA Chancellor’s Society, is the founder and administrator of Buy Nothing Group for her local city, and serves on the Board of Directors for SoCal Squash Association.
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

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

Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.

Morgan 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.

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.

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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A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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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Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

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
Protecting Elders From Financial Abuse
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Protecting Elders From Financial Abuse

Financial abuse of older citizens is one of the most common crimes in the U.S. But there are ways to protect you or your loved ones from scams like these.

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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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

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
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving

There's more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here's one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

Wealth Management for Athletes and Entertainers

Understanding the unique financial challenges of athletes and entertainers and how they differ from one profession to the next, we deliver the experience and resources you need to help create and implement a comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plan based on your needs, values and aspirations.
  • Investment Management
  • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
  • Private Banking Solutions
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Lifestyle Advisory
You are your Own CEO: Build a Dream Team for Your Career
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You are your Own CEO: Build a Dream Team for Your Career

Assembling a team of trusted professionals to manage your career?and your money?is essential to help best position you to thrive. Here?s how.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Melissa Phillips today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2When 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.

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3Morgan 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

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4Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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5Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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6Morgan 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.

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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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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:
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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), 4763067 (9/2025)