My Story and Services

With a focus on corporate and executive services, Robert has rich experiences working with high-net-worth clients. His service offerings encompass a wide range of financial needs, including executive financial services, fixed-income investment, mergers and acquisitions, financial planning, tax strategies, risk management, and more.

Robert is committed to understanding his clients' financial objectives and tailoring customized solutions to help them achieve their goals. Through thorough analysis and in-depth discussions, he gains a comprehensive understanding of his clients' unique circumstances and priorities. Whether it's developing investment portfolios aligned with long-term goals, creating comprehensive retirement plans, implementing tax-efficient strategies, or structuring estate plans, Robert leverages his extensive knowledge and experience to provide personalized solutions. He combines a deep understanding of financial markets and industry trends with a client-centric approach to deliver exceptional service.

By building long-term relationships based on trust and integrity, Robert fosters a collaborative partnership with his clients. He values open communication and takes the time to educate his clients about their financial options, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. With a commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest financial strategies and regulations, Robert continually adapts his services to meet the evolving needs of his clients.

Robert's dedication to his clients' financial success has earned him a strong reputation in the industry. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve their financial goals and is honored to serve as a trusted advisor throughout their financial journey.
Services Include
Securities Agent: CT, KS, NY, MI, IL, AK, WA, TX, IA, CA, DE, CO, VA, MS, IN, FL, NV, OR, TN, MN, MA, HI, DC, AZ, AL, VT, UT, GA, MD, PA, OH, ID, SC, NJ, MT, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1285037
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Biography

With over three decades of experience in the financial industry, Robert Manning has built a distinguished career as a trusted and highly regarded financial advisor.

Robert holds a B.S. degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he acquired a solid foundation in finance and investment strategies. Throughout his professional tenure, he has assisted many business owners, high-level managers, and other high-net-worth individuals in achieving their financial objectives. Robert developed a reputation for his commitment to not only building portfolio value but also fostering long-term partnerships with his clients. To this day, he continues to serve several clients from his early days of relationship building and portfolio management.

In his previous role, Robert specialized in corporate services, providing expert guidance to officers and directors of publicly traded companies through intricate financial strategies. He offered valuable advice on pre-IPO planning, gifting strategies, 10b5-1 trading plans, trust and estate planning, and significant reinvestment plans. His extensive experience in tax-free municipal bonds, separately managed accounts, structured notes, alternative investments, and hedge funds positioned him as a valuable resource for his clients.

Currently serving as a Financial Advisor and Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, Robert combines his extensive knowledge and dedication to providing personalized financial solutions. Leveraging three decades of experience in corporate and executive services, he delivers proficient guidance to his clients. He takes pride in building long-term relationships based on trust, integrity, and exceptional service, ensuring that his strategies align with his clients' unique needs and financial goals.

Throughout his career, Robert has been honored with several recognitions, including membership in the President's Council and Fidelity Advisor Council. These accolades further underscore his expertise, commitment to excellence, and exceptional service to his clients.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Robert enjoys golf, mountain biking, and maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle.

Modern Wealth Tools

Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance various aspects of your financial life.
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn More
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    LifeView
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that Financial Advisors can use with clients to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs.
    Learn More
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault
    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.
    Get Started Today
    Total Tax 365
    Total Tax 365
    Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential and help keep more of what you earn.
    Learn More
    Security Center
    Security Center
    Learn about our latest security measures, how we are safeguarding your assets and personal information and find actionable insights and resources on important cybersecurity topics to enhance your own online security.
    Visit our Security Center

Client Resources

Please find below links to resources you may find useful as you familiarize yourself with the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management platforms. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.
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    Morgan Stanley Client Experience
    The Morgan Stanley Client Experience means we listen more than we talk, so we can deliver insights, and a personalized plan to help you reach your financial goals. Discover how the Morgan Stanley Client Experience can work for you.
    Learn More
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    Understanding Equity Compensation
    This article explains restricted stock, stock options, gift options, and more. If you wish to discuss issues specific to your equity compensation, including strategies to diversify a concentrated positions, please speak to your wealth advisor.
    View Full Article
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    Understanding Municipal Bonds
    Municipal bonds are appealing to some investors because their interest income is typically exempt from federal taxation and, in most cases, from state and local taxes, if the investor resides in the state of issuance.
    Learn More
    Alternative Investments
    Alternative Investments
    Our leading alternatives platform offers 200+ third-party and proprietary funds, including first look and exclusive opportunities, that may help qualified investors enhance returns, reduce volatility, manage taxes and generate income—while maintaining a goals-based approach for asset allocation.
    Morgan Stanley Alternative Investments
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    Investing With Impact
    Impact investing refers to investments made into companies, organizations and funds with the intention of generating a measurable and beneficial social or environmental impact alongside a financial return.
    View Full Article
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    Family Office Resources
    Family Office Resources (FOR) provides specialized technical expertise to ultra-high net worth advisors and clients across a broad range of family wealth management issues.
    Learn More
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    Mike Wilson: Thoughts on the Market
    Mike Wilson offers his perspective every week on the forces shaping the markets and how to separate the signal from the noise. Listen to his most recent episode here.
    Thoughts on the Market

Goals-Based Planning - Understand your financial goals and work with you to create a plan designed to help you achieve them.

To begin, I will work with you to:

• Define your specific goals such as retirement, saving for your children’s or grandchildren’s education, planning for important events and major purchases, or creating a legacy for your heirs. If appropriate, we may discuss the use of insurance to help protect your goals as well as review and analyze estate planning strategies.

• Review your current financial situation such as your net worth, income, investments and asset allocation—including accounts held outside of Morgan Stanley.

• Design a customized strategy for helping you achieve your financial goals.

• Choose products and accounts to meet your investment and cash management needs, thus creating a holistic picture of your financial life and streamlining the process of executing your strategy and tracking your progress.
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    Step 1: Discover
    Start with a conversation to uncover your goals and understand your entire financial picture.
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    Step 2: Advise
    Work with you to assess various scenarios and advise you on the strategies to help you meet those goals.
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    Step 3: Implement
    Implement investment strategies and other solutions that are an appropriate fit for you and your goals.
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    Step 4: Track Progress
    Track in real time to make adjustments according to your needs, life events and changing market conditions.

Location

2775 Sand Hill Road
Suite 120
Menlo Park, CA 94025
US
Direct:
(650) 926-7134(650) 926-7134
Toll-Free:
(800) 624-7248(800) 624-7248
Fax:
(650) 926-7150(650) 926-7150
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 Manning today.
1Investors 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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2Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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3Morgan 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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4Morgan 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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5Morgan 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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6Morgan 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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7Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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8When 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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9When 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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10Morgan 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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11Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

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12Morgan 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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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)