Michael J. Patterson
Private Wealth Advisor, Senior Vice President, Private Wealth Management, Family Wealth Director
Phone:
(312) 453-9156(312) 453-9156
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Patterson and Patterson
Direct:
(312) 453-9156(312) 453-9156
Our Mission Statement
Experience, intellectual capital and dedicated personal service to help you meet your life goals.
Patterson and Patterson
Representing over 40 years of cumulative investment experience, we have dedicated our careers to managing the personal wealth of ultra-high net worth individuals and families. With an exclusive focus on families of significant means, our team works with approximately 30 relationships ranging from $10 million to over $200 million of investable assets.
Patterson and Patterson links individual client needs with an understanding of capital markets, providing customized solutions to complex issues through a seamless and proactive service experience. The client relationship is the foundation of our practice and we treat our clients as we would like to be treated – with personal attention, transparent communication, and exemplary service
Our core investment philosophy focuses on four key principles to help affluent families maintain and grow multigenerational wealth:
- Preservation and Appreciation of Capital
- Dependable and Growing income
- Investment Tax Mitigation
- Making the Complex Simple
Patterson and Patterson links individual client needs with an understanding of capital markets, providing customized solutions to complex issues through a seamless and proactive service experience. The client relationship is the foundation of our practice and we treat our clients as we would like to be treated – with personal attention, transparent communication, and exemplary service
Our core investment philosophy focuses on four key principles to help affluent families maintain and grow multigenerational wealth:
- Preservation and Appreciation of Capital
- Dependable and Growing income
- Investment Tax Mitigation
- Making the Complex Simple
Capabilities
- Pre-Liquidity Planning
- Investment Management
- Comprehensive Wealth Planning
- Sustainable & Responsible InvestingFootnote1
- Philanthropy Management
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
About PWM
Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
- Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
- Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
- Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
- Approximately 300 teams specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $1.2 trillion in AUM
- Comprising 26% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2025
- Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, September 2025
Source: Barron's (Awarded March 2025) This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's for the period Oct 2023-Sept 2024. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to Barron's to obtain or use the ranking. This ranking is based on an algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the assessment of Barron's and may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
Clients
We focus all of our resources on fewer than 50 highly affluent families. We pride ourselves on building productive, multigenerational relationships with each of the families we serve and are completely committed to helping them achieve and sustain success on their terms.
Evolution of Your Family's Needs
As your family grows and your wealth increases, you may face more subtle and profound wealth management issues.
WHAT:
• Which stock?
• Which manager?
• Which estate planning technique?
• Which insurance policy?
• What does it cost?
• Which manager?
• Which estate planning technique?
• Which insurance policy?
• What does it cost?
HOW:
• Strategic Estate & Financial Planning
• Wealth Analytics & Solutions
• Manager Selection & Portfolio Construction
• Insurance Solutions
• Trust Services
• Wealth Analytics & Solutions
• Manager Selection & Portfolio Construction
• Insurance Solutions
• Trust Services
WHY:
• Lifestyle Advisory
• Philanthropy Management
• Family Governance & Legacy
• Next Generation Education
• Philanthropy Management
• Family Governance & Legacy
• Next Generation Education
Approach
Discovery Process
Investing the time to learn about you and your family; your assets and liabilities and the risk exposures, enables us to formulate strategies and customize the relationship to your needs.
Formulation of Tax, Trust and Estate Strategy
Working with your tax and legal advisors, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify and tailor planning techniques that may be used to address your objectives.
Creation of Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
Your customized asset allocation reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans.
Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
Short-term adjustments seek to capitalize on temporary market distortions. Before making adjustments, we analyze the impact of taxes and trading costs on potential returns.
Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
After comprehensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across multiple market scenarios, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform.
Ongoing Assessment
In coordination with your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.
Location
233 S Wacker Dr
Ste 9200
Chicago, IL 60606
US
Direct:
(312) 453-9156(312) 453-9156
Meet Patterson and Patterson
Ben Carney, CRPC®
Registered Client Associate, Private Wealth Management
Phone:
(312) 453-9154(312) 453-9154
Elizabeth Malysz
Registered Client Service Associate, Vice President
Phone:
(312) 453-9151(312) 453-9151
About Michael J. Patterson
Michael joined Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Management group in 2017 and brings prior investment experience from Robert W. Baird and RMB Capital Management. He holds a B.A. from Middlebury College Cum Laude with Honors. Michael grew up in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka and currently resides in Northfield, IL with his wife Su and their three dogs Achilles, Vovo and Chanel. He is a proud Eagle Scout and dedicates his free time between fly fishing, equestrian, and philanthropy, holding leadership positions for the Simon Wiesenthal Center and KV265.
Securities Agent: FL, DC, AZ, MN, MI, WA, NC, MT, NJ, MO, ME, WI, VA, TX, OH, MD, CO, CA, UT, IN, NY, MA, WY, WV, SD, OR, NM, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1692176
NMLS#: 1692176
About Ben Carney
Ben has been with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management since 2024. Before joining Morgan Stanley, he worked with Northwestern Mutual's Private Client Group and Raymond James. His main responsibilities include portfolio trading, client relationship management, and performance reporting.
Ben graduated with a Finance degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and now lives in the West Loop of Chicago
*This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice.
Ben graduated with a Finance degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and now lives in the West Loop of Chicago
*This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice.
Securities Agent: NE, IL, WA, AK, WV, PA, NV, ND, ID, IA, AL, UT, MT, MN, KS, IN, NH, KY, CT, AZ, VA, OR, OH, LA, SD, OK, NC, MO, MI, DE, CA, CO, TN, SC, NJ, MD, GA, WI, RI, MS, MA, FL, DC, TX, NY, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
About Elizabeth Malysz
Liz has focused on providing personalized private banking services to high net worth families for over 10 years. Before joining Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management her career included time at Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse. Liz graduated from DePaul University and resides in the south suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Paul, and two children.
Contact Michael J. Patterson
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
Insights and Outcomes
Thought Leadership for our ultra high net worth clients, which contains thought-provoking articles, authored by leading experts from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources.
Private Wealth Management Podcast
Bringing you engaging stories and key insights surrounding the complexities associated with significant wealth, including:
- Intergenerational Planning
- Philanthropic Giving
- Non-Traditional Assets
- Managing Family Wealth
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
1Investing in the market entails the risk of market volatility. The value of all types of investments may increase or decrease over varying time periods. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable or impact investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability and impact criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria.
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.
Morgan 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.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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 Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
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.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products 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.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
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
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
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.
Morgan 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.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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 Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
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.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products 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.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
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
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4677197 (7/2025)
