About Sean Desmarais
Sean Desmarais, CFP®
Financial Planning Specialist
Financial Advisor
Sean Desmarais has almost 15 years of experience across financial services and capital markets, including commercial and investment banking. He works with executives, professionals, business owners, and families to address complex financial needs through comprehensive financial planning and investment management.
Sean focuses on helping clients navigate executive compensation and concentrated stock positions. He develops personalized strategies involving stock options, restricted stock, deferred compensation, liquidity needs, diversification, and tax considerations. By integrating these decisions into each client’s broader financial plan, Sean helps clients manage risk, evaluate tradeoffs, and make informed decisions about their wealth.
Alternative investments are also an important part of Sean’s client portfolios. When appropriate, he helps qualified clients evaluate how alternative strategies may complement traditional investments, enhance diversification, and support their long-term objectives. His approach begins with understanding each client’s goals, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and overall financial circumstances.
Since 2019, Sean has helped develop and implement more than 500 customized financial plans. As a CFP he has experience in tax-efficient strategies, insurance planning, estate planning strategies, and retirement planning. Sean is committed to helping clients preserve and grow their wealth through personalized advice and access to Morgan Stanley’s investment professionals, premier trading platform, and broad suite of investment solutions.
Sean earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from California State University, Sacramento. He previously attended Solano College, where he was recognized as an all-conference football player. He is currently studying Wealth Management Theory & Practice through the Yale School of Management to deepen his knowledge of complex tax, estate, and investment strategies.
A Napa native, Sean lives in his hometown with his wife, Kailey, their daughters, Riley and Adley, and their black lab, Blue. He regularly volunteers with Collabria Care, providing respite support for patients and their families, and with We Love Our City, distributing food through his local church. An avid outdoorsman, Sean values faith, family, service, and building lasting relationships, both personally and professionally.
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. 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.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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 visit us at http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences. The investments listed may not be appropriate for all investors. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment will depend upon an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
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