My Story and Services

Mel specializes in working with corporate executives and entrepreneurs in the areas of financial planning, investment management and private banking.

His professional engagement with clients begins by considering their life goals: personal, professional, and charitable. With the help of his financial planning team which includes a CFP® professional on staff, Mel helps clients evaluate their financial resources and determine what it will take to have the lifestyle they want now and in retirement. This discussion also incorporates insurance, real estate financing, long-term care, and trusts. This forms the basis for a financial plan which guides the relationship.

With the financial plan as a foundation, wealth management strategies are tailored for each client that are designed to both build and preserve wealth. The process continues with regular updates of the financial plan using a proprietary planning system and evaluations of the portfolio strategy and progress toward goals.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Mel spent the better half of a decade at Merrill Lynch, where he worked on a large team whose area of focus was corporate 401(k) retirement and equity compensation plans.

Mel has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Business Administration. Mel grew up in India and speaks Hindi and Konkani, and currently lives in Marin with his wife and three boys. He is active in giving back to his local community by serving on the board of trustees of Dominican University and volunteering at the SF-Marin Food Bank.
Services Include
Securities Agent: NC, IL, VA, SC, CT, CO, UT, TN, IN, NM, MT, MD, WA, MO, HI, FL, VT, CA, NY, NV, MS, MN, MI, DC, OR, NJ, NE, WI, MA, ID, NH, GA, AZ, WY, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 558795
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

My Process

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    Introduction
    Our relationship begins with an initial discussion aimed towards getting to know you, your lifestyle, and your future goals.
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    Discovery
    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.
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    Financial Plan
    Examining relevant financial information provides a holistic asset allocation analysis for your accounts helping ensure a comprehensive financial plan.
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    Action Items
    We will follow up with regarding our analysis and recommendations, which may include adjustments to your financial plan, investment allocation, company benefits, and insurance coverage.
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    Implementation
    We will focus on creating prospective strategies custom designed for your specific needs. Recommended changes could include logistics, tax impact, asset allocation adjustments, and saving/benefit modifications.
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    Monitoring & Performance Tracking
    We will be constantly monitoring your assets and analyzing your performance tracking data seeking to ensure your financial expectations are being met and adjusted accordingly. We will keep a high degree of communication with you to make sure your concerns and requests are always addressed.

CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS AND RESOURCES

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    Financial Planning
    Take a look at your personal financial plan, with a focus on what’s most important to you. Asking yourself some key questions can help you better prepare for the path ahead.
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    Retirement Planning
    Retirement can be a big transition, but smart planning can help you reach your goals. Financially, it’s time to shift your focus from building your savings, to generating income and planning your spending.
    Learn more
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    Education Planning
    Paying for college has become a major life expense that requires smart planning. Morgan Stanley offers a suite of education savings products that can help you achieve your goals.
    Learn more
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    Tax-Efficient Planning
    The tax decisions you make today can help you save for years to come.
    Learn more

Financial Planning

My financial planning process begins with you, your investment objectives and your financial goals. My holistic approach encompasses all the elements of your financial life — your investments and your cash management needs — making sure they align with your goals and wealth management plan.

The sophisticated suite of tools and extensive list of resources that Morgan Stanley offers allows me to implement a process and plan that translates your goals into reality.
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    Goals Planning System (GPS)
    Goals Planning System (GPS) is Morgan Stanley’s own integrated planning tool. Built on the Firm’s intellectual capital and capabilities, GPS is an intuitive and efficient platform used to quickly assess whether a client is “On Track” to achieving their financial goals.
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    Portfolio Risk Platform
    Morgan Stanley's Portfolio Risk Platform is powered by BlackRock's state-of-the-art Aladdin risk engine. It provides you with comprehensive risk analytics and a sophisticated view of the risk/return dichotomy across your financial portfolios. This helpful tool can assist you in making educated investment decisions with increased confidence.
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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.
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    Spending and Budgeting Tool
    One way to manage savings is by using Morgan Stanley’s Spending and Budgeting tool. These tools help advisors monitor client cash flows across both internal and external accounts. It also tracks spending patterns and produces an income and expense analysis to help clients achieve their goals by adjusting their spending behavior when necessary.
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INVESTOR RESOURCES

Our comprehensive suite of digital tools is designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few of the technologies we have to offer our clients. We have also included resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content.
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    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.
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    GIC Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Click here for our most recent report
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    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault allows you to easily manage and share your important documents. All files are scanned for viruses and malware, and are encrypted while transferred and stored. Access is limited to you and anyone you designate.
    Learn more
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    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Click here for our most recent report
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    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.
    Learn more
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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Click here for our most recent episode

Location

555 California St 35th
Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
US
Direct:
(415) 955-1578(415) 955-1578
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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Melroy Atkins today.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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.

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2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
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 and other legal matters.

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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.

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4When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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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:
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.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque 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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)