

Robert Farrell, CFP®, CIMA®
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor,
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®,
Certified Investment Management Analyst,
Insurance Planning Director,
Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation
Direct:
(202) 292-5353(202) 292-5353

My Mission Statement
Excellence in helping clients like you with your personalized investment and financial strategies
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
This is a video content
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
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
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
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
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
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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 Robert Farrell today.
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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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)