My Story

Robert is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, bringing over a decade of experience in comprehensive financial planning and investment management. As both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), he provides clients with strategic, goal-based wealth management strategies tailored to their unique needs. Recognized for his experience and client-centric approach, Robert has been named to Forbes’ Next-Gen Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in 2023 and 2024*. He leverages Morgan Stanley’s industry-leading resources and technology to help deliver personalized advice, helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence.

Based in Washington, D.C., Robert is dedicated to building long-term relationships with his clients by offering proactive guidance, risk-managed investment strategies, and a holistic approach to wealth preservation. Whether advising on retirement planning, estate planning strategies, or business succession, he prioritizes clarity and transparency to help empower clients in achieving their financial goals. His deep industry knowledge, combined with Morgan Stanley’s institutional capabilities, allows him to create customized financial roadmaps that evolve with his clients’ needs.

Beyond his professional commitments, Robert is an active member of his local community, volunteering with various organizations. He believes in giving back and instilling strong values in his three children, whom he raises alongside his wife in Potomac, MD. Whether working with clients or supporting local initiatives, he remains committed to making a meaningful impact—both financially and personally—by fostering confidence, integrity, and long-term goals.

2023-2024 Forbes’ Next-Gen Best-in-State Wealth Advisors
*Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023, 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in March of the year the award was issued.
Services Include
Securities Agent: NC, KS, OR, ME, HI, DC, CT, AZ, AL, NM, IL, ND, MN, FL, TX, SC, GA, UT, NV, CO, VT, NH, CA, WV, KY, DE, WA, MA, VA, TN, PA, MT, IN, OH, NY, NJ, MI, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1401620
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Goals Based Planning

Do you have a financial goal in mind? We can all agree that it is important to have goals and as an Financial Advisor, I am here to help my clients in accomplishing their financial objectives. Working with Morgan Stanley and its advanced wealth management technology is an ideal way to access advice and build a coherent wealth plan that will help you meet your financial goals.

Insights & Resources

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    Global Investment Committee on the Markets
    A monthly publication that summarizes the Global Investment Committee’s market outlook and contains thought-provoking essays that examine the forces shaping the investment landscape. Check out this month's edition here.
    Read The Latest Report
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    Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Access This Week's Edition
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    Fed Rate Hikes and Tightening
    As the Fed continues to raise rates and starts shrinking its balance sheet in earnest, will it be able to engineer a soft landing? And what should investors be watching in this environment? Learn more here:
    Fed Rate Hikes and Tightening
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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.
    Check Out the Latest Episode
Morgan Stanley's suite of Modern Wealth Management Tools allows advisors to offer more customized and comprehensive advice than anywhere else. These tools' ease of use allows for a more in-depth view of a client's financial life to be taken, resulting in better service and more well-rounded advice
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    Secure Email
    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your personal information is among our highest priorities. Our Secure Email tool is a safe way for you to exchange messages and documents containing sensitive information.
    Secure Email & Protecting Yourself
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    Morgan Stanley Online & MSMobile
    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of features beyond viewing your account balance and activity. Features include paperless documents, bill pay and secure account management.
    Morgan Stanley Online
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    eAuthorization
    eAuthorization (eAuth) allows clients to electronically authorize domestic and international, one-time/recurring transactions through Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    eAuthorization
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    Digital Vault
    The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you and your clients to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
    Digital Vault

Awards & Designations

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    2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams
    ​Source: barrons.com (Awarded May 2024) Data compiled by Barron's for the period Jan 2023-Dec 2023.
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    2023, 2024. 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023, 2024, 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to issuance of the award.
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    2023, 2024 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023, 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in March of the year the award was issued.
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    Certified Investment Management Analyst®
    While working with a Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), you can expect the comprehensive investment advice that you are looking for. The CIMA® designation allows me the tools to go beyond investment fundamentals. I am able to integrate practical knowledge with investment theory, with deep dives into advanced portfolio construction, accounting, and risk management. With a systematic process, I put this knowledge into action, differentiating myself in terms of service, solutions, and outcomes.
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    CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
    As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) I can help you create and maintain a comprehensive, goals-based financial plan. Financial planning is a dynamic process that involves more than just investments. Through my rigorous training, I have extensive knowledge to be able to deliver you thoughtful advice and recommendations for decisions involving money to help ensure it aligns with your objectives.

Location

1747 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Ste 900
Washington, DC 20006
US
Direct:
(202) 292-5353(202) 292-5353
Fax:
(202) 315-3270(202) 315-3270

Meet My Team

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
Securities Agent: CT, CA, UT, TX, OR, NV, KS, FL, AZ, MA, AR, ME, GA, VT, SC, NC, MT, MD, OH, NY, MN, KY, NH, DE, NM, NJ, IN, HI, VA, TN, PA, MI, AL, WA, ND, CO, WV, IL, DC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Nicholas Burda

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.

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
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
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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

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.

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.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Robert Farrell today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan 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.

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2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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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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4Morgan 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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5Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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6When 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.

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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:
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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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame 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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)