Robert Farrell, CFP®
First Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner™, Insurance Planning Director, Workplace Advisor - Equity Compensation
Phone:
(202) 292-5353(202) 292-5353
Nicholas Burda
Financial Advisor,
Financial Planning Specialist
Direct:
(202) 292-5415(202) 292-5415
My Mission Statement
Experience, intellectual capital and dedicated personal service to help you meet your life goals
My Story and Services
I grew up in Scranton, PA, and then moved to Philadelphia, where I attended Temple University and earned a degree in Finance and International Business Administration. It was here where I became interested in wealth management and financial planning. I realized early on that a lot of people are not familiar with the complexity that goes into financial planning and wanted to help people do so. I began my career as a financial advisor in Philadelphia, before moving to the D.C. area in 2019. I joined Morgan Stanley in 2022.
As a financial advisor, I enjoy cultivating relationships with clients and helping them achieve their financial goals along the way. Being able to guide clients through different customized strategies that best meet their needs is what is most fulfilling for me. My specialties include wealth management, retirement planning, financial planning, education planning, estate planning, and rollovers.
Outside of being an advisor, I enjoy golf, soccer, and traveling. I currently reside in Alexandria, VA, with my wife Sophie.
As a financial advisor, I enjoy cultivating relationships with clients and helping them achieve their financial goals along the way. Being able to guide clients through different customized strategies that best meet their needs is what is most fulfilling for me. My specialties include wealth management, retirement planning, financial planning, education planning, estate planning, and rollovers.
Outside of being an advisor, I enjoy golf, soccer, and traveling. I currently reside in Alexandria, VA, with my wife Sophie.
Securities Agent: RI, PR, PA, OR, OK, OH, NY, NV, NM, NJ, NH, NE, ND, NC, MT, MS, MO, MN, MI, ME, MD, MA, LA, KY, KS, IN, IL, ID, IA, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL, AK, WY, WV, WI, WA, VT, VI, VA, UT, TX, TN, SD, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1038655
NMLS#: 1038655
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Helping you to achieve your goals
Having a comprehensive goals-based plan helps us keep you on track to achieve your objectives. Working together, we can uncover your needs, manage risk, and build a holistic, customized plan to help you reach your financial goals.
1. Discovery
My process begins with you. We begin by having a conversation so I can understand your financial needs and goals.
2. Creating a Strategy
Once I have understood your objectives, I create a strategic plan to help achieve your goals, both short-term and long-term. By leveraging various Morgan Stanley resources, I seek to create a comprehensive plan that encapsulates all important details.
3. Presenting Your Plan
Once I have established your financial plan, I will present it to you so you have a firm understanding of the strategies behind the plan.
4. Ongoing Review
Once your plan is implemented, I regularly review the progress of your plan. I will update the plans as needed to help ensure we stay on track to accomplish your goals.
Insights & Resources
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Education
With rising tuition costs, it is never too early to start saving for college. Click below to learn more about 529 Plans and how you can begin saving.
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Financial Planning
Your financial goals and priorities will likely shift with time. To help prepare for the road ahead, ask yourself what matters to you and your family long term. Here’s how you can get started,
How to plan your financial future
Retirement
Retirement planning is one of the main focuses of my practice. Whether you are early in your career or nearing the end, we can work together to help you live a happy retired life.
Make the most of your retirement savings
On the Markets
Read the latest monthly report from Morgan Stanley's Global Investment Committee, which shares its thoughts and insights on recent trends in the market.
This month's reportModern Wealth Management Tools and Resources
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Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
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Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
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Total Wealth View
Total Wealth View allows us to have a more complete picture of your financial profile. By linking your external accounts, we can deliver a more educated and holistic wealth plan for you.
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Portfolio Risk Platform
Morgan Stanley’s Portfolio Risk Platform combines our industry expertise and BlackRock’s Aladdin Risk Engine to provide a leading single solution that helps you see the potential impact of historical and hypothetical market shocks on your portfolio. The platform utilizes thousands of potential risk factors to help us understand together how risk may affect your portfolio, including investments you hold with Morgan Stanley and externally.
Learn more about our Portfolio Risk PlatformLocation
1747 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Ste 900
Washington, DC 20006
US
Direct:
(202) 292-5415(202) 292-5415
Meet My Team
Keith D Burner
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Management Director, Senior Investment Management Consultant, International Client Advisor, Financial Planning Specialist
Phone:
(703) 739-3673(703) 739-3673
Sandra J. Guerrant
Director of Business Strategy, Financial Planning Associate
Phone:
(703) 739-3687(703) 739-3687
Anthony Natale
Wealth Management Analyst
Phone:
(703) 739-3664(703) 739-3664
Susika Dimiyawa
Registered Client Service Associate, Financial Planning Specialist
Phone:
(202) 292-5438(202) 292-5438
About Robert Farrell, CFP®
I believe the greatest value I can provide to my clients is in my financial experience, delivery, and care. My commitment is to empower individuals and business owners to make well-informed choices regarding their families’ and companies’ financial future. I am originally from Clarks Summit, PA, and I grew up on construction sites with my father and brother learning how to build, grow, and operate a family-owned business. I bring that experience and devotion to all of my clients with a mission to serve and solidify relationships through sound planning and by delivering advice specific to fulfilling their needs.
Prior to my tenure at Morgan Stanley, I worked as a Financial Advisor in the Philadelphia, PA area. I have experience with developing and implementing estate and business succession plans for high net worth private business owners. In addition to working on business planning issues, I have focused my attention on assisting many individuals with building financial plans around their expectations and needs.
I have a B.S. from Duquesne University’s A.J. Palumbo School of Business with a degree in finance. While in Pittsburgh, I met my wife, Jackie, and now live in Potomac, MD with our son, Brennan, and lab, Eli. I sit on the Board of Directors for Food for Others, an organization dedicated to providing Northern Virginia families with access to food during times of need.
Securities Agent: CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, CT, AL, AR, AZ, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1401620
Prior to my tenure at Morgan Stanley, I worked as a Financial Advisor in the Philadelphia, PA area. I have experience with developing and implementing estate and business succession plans for high net worth private business owners. In addition to working on business planning issues, I have focused my attention on assisting many individuals with building financial plans around their expectations and needs.
I have a B.S. from Duquesne University’s A.J. Palumbo School of Business with a degree in finance. While in Pittsburgh, I met my wife, Jackie, and now live in Potomac, MD with our son, Brennan, and lab, Eli. I sit on the Board of Directors for Food for Others, an organization dedicated to providing Northern Virginia families with access to food during times of need.
Securities Agent: CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, CT, AL, AR, AZ, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1401620
Securities Agent: UT, NV, CO, WA, MA, VT, NH, CA, WY, WV, KY, DE, OR, ME, LA, HI, DC, CT, AZ, AL, NM, IL, MN, FL, TX, SC, NC, GA, VA, TN, RI, PA, MT, IN, OH, NY, NJ, MI, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
About Keith D Burner
After I graduated from George Mason University, I knew that I wanted a career where I could work with and help others. I chose to become a financial advisor, to help people achieve their critical financial goals, such as saving for retirement, building durable wealth, and saving for their children’s education. I am proud to say I’ve been in the financial services industry for thirty years, pursuing these goals.
With the Alexandria Group at Morgan Stanley, I use a personalized financial planning approach, because no two clients have the exact same needs. I believe that financial plans should not be "one size fits all" and work with clients to create a plan that is in line with their goals and current objectives. I believe thoughtful, well-balanced, and diversified asset allocation is the key to creating a plan that works for you.
When I am not working with clients I enjoy golf, tennis, and volunteering with local organizations like the Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys and Girls Club and Scouts, Troop 131. I live in Alexandria, Virginia with my wife, Mary, our son, Kyle and our two dogs Hank and Chase.
Securities Agent: NJ, AL, MI, KY, KS, VA, MN, IA, OH, OK, PA, SD, SC, UT, WV, TX, AZ, WA, NM, NH, DC, FL, DE, HI, ID, IN, IL, MA, MD, AR, ME, VT, TN, OR, NY, NV, ND, NC, MT, LA, GA, CT, CO, CA, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1383178
With the Alexandria Group at Morgan Stanley, I use a personalized financial planning approach, because no two clients have the exact same needs. I believe that financial plans should not be "one size fits all" and work with clients to create a plan that is in line with their goals and current objectives. I believe thoughtful, well-balanced, and diversified asset allocation is the key to creating a plan that works for you.
When I am not working with clients I enjoy golf, tennis, and volunteering with local organizations like the Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys and Girls Club and Scouts, Troop 131. I live in Alexandria, Virginia with my wife, Mary, our son, Kyle and our two dogs Hank and Chase.
Securities Agent: NJ, AL, MI, KY, KS, VA, MN, IA, OH, OK, PA, SD, SC, UT, WV, TX, AZ, WA, NM, NH, DC, FL, DE, HI, ID, IN, IL, MA, MD, AR, ME, VT, TN, OR, NY, NV, ND, NC, MT, LA, GA, CT, CO, CA, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1383178
Securities Agent: MD, HI, WA, ND, CO, UT, TX, OR, NV, KS, FL, AZ, WY, MA, CT, AR, RI, ME, GA, VT, SC, NC, MT, WV, IL, DC, CA, OH, NY, MN, KY, VA, TN, PA, MI, AL, NH, DE, NM, NJ, LA, IN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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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
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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Nicholas Burda today.
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.
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.
3Morgan 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
3Morgan 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.
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.
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 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)
