MY STORY

ABOUT SOFIA MICHELLE
Sofia Michelle is a Managing Director, Family Wealth Director and International Client Advisor. She dedicates her skills to service a global clientele of uncommonly successful individuals and helps them optimize what their wealth can do for their families and their communities.

Sofia Michelle graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Economics and Finance from the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. She has completed courses on Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at MIT and Harvard. She is fluent in Spanish and English, and conversational in Italian and French.

Born in Ecuador, Sofia Michelle has lived in Belgium and England. She currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina and works out of the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management office in New York City. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, traveling and spending time with her husband and their two children.

MEMBERSHIP
Sofia Michelle is a member of the 2023 President's Club, an elite group comprising the Firm's leading Financial Advisors. She served as President of Women in Wealth LIFT, the NY Metro Women's Business Development Council from 2020-2021. She was named to the 2020 class of MAKERS at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a recognition that celebrates women who are groundbreakers, advocates, and innovators in their given field. She served as Co-Chair of Morgan Stanley's International Wealth Management Council from 2018-2019.

AWARDS
Sofia Michelle has been ranked in the Financial Times Top 400 Advisors list in 2014-2016, Working Mother and SHOOK Research's Top Wealth Adviser Moms list in 2018-2021, and Forbes Magazine's list of America's Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in 2018 and 2021. In 2024, Sofia Michelle's team, The Diamond Lake Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, was honored as one of Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams in New York.

WORKING WITH YOU
Your family is the reason you have strived so diligently to achieve financial success. With so much to protect, you want to ensure that your hard-earned legacy is preserved for generations to come.

As a Family Wealth Advisor and International Client Advisor, I help a global clientele of accomplished individuals and affluent families address the myriad challenges of managing significant wealth. My goal is to serve as your financial steward, helping to guide you and your family on a clear path to long-term prosperity.

I understand that your wealth encompasses not only your financial success, but also the experiences that shape your life, the activities that give you purpose and the people that bring you joy. To help preserve the many facets of your wealth, I invest significant time in learning about you—where you came from, what you value and how you envision the future. This in-depth understanding of your family's values, challenges, opportunities and aspirations becomes the framework for a customized and comprehensive wealth strategy designed to help you achieve your most important goals.

Like many of my clients, I have international roots and a global perspective. I am not only familiar with the complexities of cross-border wealth management, but also fluent in many languages and sensitive to cultural nuances. My multigenerational approach to wealth management focuses on planning for the long-term and building bridges between family members to help ensure that your wealth—and the values behind it—are passed on to your children and grandchildren.

I look forward to building a relationship with you and your family, and becoming the trusted advisor you rely on for guidance on all your important financial decisions.

My team and I look forward to hearing from you, share your story with us Michelle.Ward@morganstanley.com.

SOURCES:
2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team in New York
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23. (https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure/)]
2014-2016 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors
Source: ft.com. Data compiled by the Financial Times based the following time periods:
Awarded 2016; data 9/30/13 - 9/30/15
Awarded 2015; data 9/30/13 - 9/30/14
Awarded 2014; data 9/30/12 - 9/30/13
2018-2021 Working Mother Magazine & SHOOK Research's Top Wealth Advisor Moms
Source: Workingmother.com (Awarded October 2018-2021). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was given.
2018, 2021 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018, 2021.) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Services Include
Securities Agent: CO, TX, NY, KY, SD, NV, CA, FL, WY, MA, DC, NC, DE, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1331971
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

HOLISTIC WEALTH PLANNING

Holistic Wealth Planning

Morgan Stanley has developed a holistic offering to serve Family Offices and investors with north of 500 million US dollars in total net worth. The service spans across providing investment advice, administrative support and subject matter expertise across a variety of topics that are important when managing significant wealth.

  • Our objective is to enhance investment management decision-making and alleviate administrative complexities so that families can better strive to meet their goals and focus on the things that matter to them.
  • Our capabilities allow Morgan Stanley to act in a fiduciary capacity on the portfolio (regardless of where the investments are custodied), while delivering consolidated tax-lot level accounting and reporting across custodians through an institutional quality platform.
  • We strive to complement the investor's current structure, giving them leverage through infrastructure and investment management capabilities, as well as the breadth of Morgan Stanley.

Benefits for our Clients: Investment Consulting and Portfolio Administration

  • Serve as a fiduciary by advising on investments held across the entire portfolio (including those custodied outside of Morgan Stanley).
  • Our construct allows us to be flexible around the client as their needs evolve over time (e.g., as the composition of their portfolio changes, as they come into a liquidity event, as they establish a framework for the next generation, etc.). We still act as a fiduciary on their entire portfolio even if they choose to have their assets held at different places. We truly become their partner in evaluating investments holistically within the context of their goals and objectives.
  • We have a dedicated team responsible for sourcing new ideas, plus we can tap into Morgan Stanley's network and the other sophisticated Family Offices within our ecosystem.
  • Utilizing us allows your clients to get depth and expertise in any space instantaneously; and also allows them to pivot freely as market dynamics, opportunities or priorities shift.
  • Perform comprehensive due diligence on investment opportunities, as well as review existing investments.
  • Diligence is performed by a team of ~65 people, which naturally becomes an extension of their Family Office.
  • We vet the opportunities that the client brings to us, and our investment and operational diligence teams will perform the fulsome diligence they would if the opportunity were being brought for distribution on the MS platform.
  • As investment opportunities come their way, we become the voice of reason if the investment doesn't make sense via their objectives and they have to say no to a family member/friend/acquaintance.
  • We bear the risk of the investment decision-making for those investments under our diligence purview.
  • Keeping track of growing portfolios continues to become more difficult over time. MSFS allows clients to track every cent in one place, so they have one consistent and consolidated view. Regardless of the type of asset or where the asset is held (doesn't need to be @ MS), MSFS can reflect the asset in the books and records.
  • With this MSFS infrastructure in place, our investment team has the transparency that will allow us to bring clients our most robust investment management capabilities. When we can see the entire portfolio alongside the family, we can think about things holistically and make better, smarter, faster decisions.
  • There are many differentiators of MSFS vs. other third party platforms that clients may consider to help aggregate their assets, but the most important ones are the richness and accuracy of the data and service model. The core of the MSFS offering is a full service accounting platform, with dedicated accountants serving each of our clients, enabled by proprietary technology. We provide the client with tax-lot level books and records down to the transaction level, and produce working papers for tax purposes. Other common providers are not true accounting systems. We do not just take downstream custodial feeds and play them back on a reporting tool – we reconcile those feeds to the upstream data directly from the executing broker dealer daily. Upon the basis of accurate and verified data, we offer industry-leading analytics tools, reporting and cash management functions.

Benefits for Clients: Our Specialized Subject Matter Experts

  • Tax, Trust & Estate: Holistic analysis of tax, trust and estate solutions to help preserve wealth.
  • Family Governance: Family-focused offering to help address family dynamics and other human capital challenges.
  • Philanthropy: Suite of services to help define and execute on charitable missions.
  • Wealth Education: Programs to help build financial knowledge.
  • Signature Access Lifestyle Advisory: Access to a referral network that can offer an array of specialty services (e.g., private jet advisory).
  • Insured Solutions: Comprehensive insurance offering across providers and products.
  • Tailored Lending: Cash management and borrowing.
  • Easily accessible subject matter experts who can address the complex, multifaceted challenges of managing significant wealth and help equip them with best practices and executable solutions.

Our Firm's History

Established in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values - Do the Right Thing, Put Clients First, Lead with Exceptional Ideas, Commit to Diversity and Inclusion, and Give Back.
Our History
Explore our new interactive historical timeline to learn about Morgan Stanley through the decades - from our foundational years to building smarter wealth in modern times.
Discover Our Origins
A Bank Built on Integrity
A documentary highlighting all of the people and moments that define Morgan Stanley
Explore Our History
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Morgan Stanley has been a global leader in financial services, with the scale and stability to help bring you valuable opportunities. Our priority is managing wealth with the highest standard of care and providing financial advice to help support your goals at any stage of life.
Learn More About MSWM

Our Future

It is no secret that our economy and our world are evolving at a rapid pace, and with that, we must be cognizant of the changes taking place in how we invest. Take a look at these futuristic sectors and click on the links to learn more.
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    Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
    Technology seems to be getting smarter by the minute, and artificial intelligence is on the verge of becoming a more common presence in our everyday lives. Learn about how robots and other forms of AI are taking the world by storm with their new and innovative technology.
    Click here to learn more
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    How Generative AI Could Reshape Work
    Generative AI will likely affect a wide range of professions and create new occupations. Morgan Stanley economists break down the revolutionary technology’s near-term impacts on labor and the economy.
    Click here to learn more
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    Accelerating the Shift from Enablers to Adopters of AI
    Our Head of Thematic Research in Europe previews the possible next phase of the AI revolution, and what investors should be monitoring as the technology gains adoption.
    Click here to learn more
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    Decarbonization: The Race to Zero Emissions
    These five emerging technologies could curb carbon emissions, halt climate change and offer new ways to invest in earth’s future.
    Click here to learn more
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    Thoughts on the Market
    Listen to perspectives on the forces shaping markets by clicking on the link below.
    Listen to the Podcast
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    Sustainability at Morgan Stanley
    Our sustainability strategy is focused on helping clients achieve their sustainability-related ambitions by providing advice, products and solutions. In addition, we aim to operate sustainably and to disclose our global progress. Acting as an integrated firm, we strive to accelerate sustainable finance and capture new opportunities that can bring positive long-term results, not only to clients and shareholders, but to the environment and society at large. 
    Click here to learn more

Client Service Team

    Carousel Associate Image
    Karen Reid - Wealth Management Associate
    Phone:
    (212) 307-2936(212) 307-2936
    Email:Karen.M.Reid@morganstanley.com
    Karen began her career as a operational Associate at Shearson Lehman, after pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Investments.
    With over 30 years in the industry and multiple years of experience as part of the management team, Karen pivoted her career to Trading and Client Service.
    She enjoys working with clients to effectively and efficiently manage their needs and ensure exceptional service.
    Karen currently resides in Westchester, NY, and enjoys officiating at swim meets, traveling and walking. She holds series 7 and 63 licenses.
    Carousel Associate Image
    Olga Lopez - Portfolio Associate
    Phone:
    (212) 315-6388(212) 315-6388
    Email:Olga.Lopez@morganstanley.com
    Olga graduated with a degree in Business Management and Finance from Brooklyn College in 2005. She is originally from Chile. Prior to Morgan Stanley, Olga was a VP office admin at Aplus Capital LLC. She also worked at Wells Fargo Advisors as a liaison for top financial advisors where she specialized in servicing UHNW Latam clients, she worked closely with legal, compliance, operations and investment areas, prior to Wells Fargo Advisors, Olga worked at UBS International. Olga holds Series 7, 63, 65 and 3. Olga Lives in Hudson heights, NYC with her family.

Location

399 Park Ave
12th Fl
New York, NY 10022
US
Direct:
(212) 315-6338(212) 315-6338
Toll-Free:
(800) 468-0019(800) 468-0019
Fax:
(212) 307-2841(212) 307-2841
Wealth Management
From My Desk

Your 2023 Guide to Holiday Giving


Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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
2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration
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2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration

Global growth is likely to slow in 2025 and 2026 as the shock of higher U.S. tariffs crimps demand around the world.

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 Sofia Michelle Ward 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.

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

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2Morgan 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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3Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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4Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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5Morgan 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.

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6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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7Morgan 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.

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8Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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9Products 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 does not assist with buying or selling art in any way and merely provides information to clients interested learning more about the different types of art markets at a high level. Any client interested in buying or selling art should consult with their own independent art advisor.

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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.

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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.

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Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)