Robert Sperber
Managing Director, Private Wealth Management, Private Wealth Advisor
Phone:
(305) 476-3390(305) 476-3390
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Sperber/Hafele Group
Direct:
(305) 476-3390(305) 476-3390
Our Mission Statement
Helping you with wealth planning strategies for your life and legacy.
Welcome!
At the Sperber/Hafele Group, we provide tailored financial strategies to help high-net-worth clients navigate their complex goals. With decades of experience, we take a client-first approach, delivering personalized solutions to support long-term financial goals. Our team is committed to strategic planning, thoughtful guidance, and exceptional service to assist you in reaching your goals.
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 350 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $980 billion in AUM1
- Comprising 23% of the Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams for 2024
- 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, December, 2024
Source: Barron's.com (May 2024) 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams awarded in 2024. The teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. Clients are encouraged to approach a search for an advisor the way they would a search for a doctor—interviewing multiple professionals and getting opinions from multiple third parties. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and this ranking 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.
Who We Serve
We are privileged to work with a broad range of clients. We take pride in building long-term relationships with our clients, as well as maintaining an exceptional level of professionalism. We give our clients the confidence they need to help navigate a challenging financial world through personalized service, transparency, and a perspective flourished through years of extensive experience.
Private Wealth Management
With exceptional wealth comes exceptional complexity. Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management combines the vast resources of a trusted global financial services firm with the individualized services of an investment boutique for a hands-on tailored approach to help families, foundations and individuals manage the multiple facets —and legacy—of their wealth.
Global Sports & Entertainment
We offer specialized capabilities and global resources to help athletes, artists and entertainment professionals achieve their investment goals.
Corporate Executives
Custom tailored advice and strategies to help you manage your unique financial needs, including executive compensation, wealth preservation, and retirement planning.
Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals & Families
We have experience working with high-net-worth individuals and families, providing comprehensive wealth management services -- including investment management, tax planning, estate planning and risk management -- tailored to help meet the unique goals and needs of you and your family.
Business Owners
We provide skilled guidance on the financial aspects of running a successful business on both sides of the balance sheet, including tax planning, employee benefits, succession planning, and more.
Family Office Resources
With exceptional wealth comes exceptional complexity. Our team combines the vast resources of a trusted global financial services firm with the individualized services of an investment boutique for a hands-on tailored approach to help families, foundations and individuals manage the multiple facets —and legacy—of their wealth.
The term “Family Office Resources” is being used as a term of art and not to imply that Morgan Stanley and/or its employees are acting as a family office pursuant to Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
The term “Family Office Resources” is being used as a term of art and not to imply that Morgan Stanley and/or its employees are acting as a family office pursuant to Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Awards & Recognition
Thanks to the unwavering commitment to helping clients and families achieve their investment goals, The Sperber & Hafele Group have been awarded the following industry awards & recognitions:
Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (2020) – Robert Sperber
Source: Forbes.com (Jan 2020) 2020 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors rankings awarded in 2020. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19.
DisclosuresForbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (2021) – Robert Sperber
Source: Forbes.com (Feb 2021) 2021 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors rankings awarded in 2021. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20.
DisclosuresForbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (2022) – Robert Sperber
Source: Forbes.com (April 2022) 2022 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors rankings awarded in 2022. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21.
DisclosuresForbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (2023) – Robert Sperber
Source: Forbes.com (April 2023) Forbes America’s Top Wealth Advisors and Best-In- State Wealth Advisors rankings awarded in 2023. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22.
DisclosuresForbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (2024) – Robert Sperber
Source: Forbes.com (April 2024) 2024 Forbes America’s Top Wealth Advisors and Best-In- State Wealth Advisors rankings awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 6/30/22-6/30/23.
DisclosuresForbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (2021) – James Hafele
Source: Forbes.com (Feb 2021) 2021 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors rankings awarded in 2021. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20.
DisclosuresForbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (2022) – James Hafele
Source: Forbes.com (April 2022) 2022 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors rankings awarded in 2022. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21.
DisclosuresForbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (2023) – James Hafele
Source: Forbes.com (April 2023) Forbes America’s Top Wealth Advisors and Best-In- State Wealth Advisors rankings awarded in 2023. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22.
DisclosuresForbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams (2025)
Source: Forbes.com (Jan 2024) 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23.
DisclosuresEverything You Need, All In One Place
As a Morgan Stanley client, you have access to a suite of digital tools and resources aimed at helping you manage your finances with greater ease.
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)
When you sign up for MSO, you can conveniently and securely manage your account online or on your mobile device.
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Total Wealth View
Complete your financial profile with Total Wealth View. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more educated and holistic wealth planning, and convenient connectivity.
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Digital Vault
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220 Alhambra Circle
10th FL
Coral Gables, FL 33134
US
Direct:
(305) 476-3390(305) 476-3390
Meet Sperber/Hafele Group
James Hafele, CFP®
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
Phone:
(214) 720-5064(214) 720-5064
About Me
Robert joins Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor in 2025. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Robert began his investment industry career in 1992 at Shearson Lehman Brothers, after serving as a Public Accountant at Weiser LLC. Robert also spent time at Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, and UBS Financial Services.
Robert has been recognized as one of Florida’s Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 by Forbes as well as a part of one of Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams for 2025.
Robert earned a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Miami and holds Series 7, 31, 63, and 65 securities licenses. He serves as a member of the University of Miami president’s council and treasurer at Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club. He lives in Coral Gables with his wife, Debbie, and two sons, Noah and Gavin, and enjoys fishing and golf.
2020-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/23-3/31/24.
Robert has been recognized as one of Florida’s Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 by Forbes as well as a part of one of Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams for 2025.
Robert earned a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Miami and holds Series 7, 31, 63, and 65 securities licenses. He serves as a member of the University of Miami president’s council and treasurer at Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club. He lives in Coral Gables with his wife, Debbie, and two sons, Noah and Gavin, and enjoys fishing and golf.
2020-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/23-3/31/24.
Securities Agent: NV, NJ, NC, VT, NY, GA, CA, WA, UT, PR, DE, AZ, MA, FL, SC, CT, VA, KS, WI, TX, RI, PA, MD, DC, CO, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2699813
NMLS#: 2699813
About Me
James began his investment industry career in 2004 and joins Morgan Stanley in 2025. Previously, James worked as a Financial Advisor at Stifel, Barclays, and UBS. James has been featured on the America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors list in 2019, 2020 and 2021, as well as one of New York’s Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in 2021, 2022 & 2023, as well as a part of one of Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams for 2025.
James earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Buffalo (SUNY) and holds Series 7, 31, and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). In addition, James draws on the knowledge gained from attaining the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification to help his clients navigate the wealth planning process, listening to their goals, and tailoring a detailed plan that aligns with their financial goals and lifestyle.
James currently resides in Dallas and enjoys playing golf in his free time.
James earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Buffalo (SUNY) and holds Series 7, 31, and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). In addition, James draws on the knowledge gained from attaining the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification to help his clients navigate the wealth planning process, listening to their goals, and tailoring a detailed plan that aligns with their financial goals and lifestyle.
James currently resides in Dallas and enjoys playing golf in his free time.
Securities Agent: PA, WI, VT, NC, FL, MO, DC, MD, PR, NV, AZ, RI, NY, NJ, KS, WA, CA, VA, TX, MA, GA, DE, CO, CT, SC, UT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2699814
NMLS#: 2699814
Contact Robert Sperber
Contact James Hafele
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
Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy
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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.
Wealth Management for Athletes and Entertainers
Understanding the unique financial challenges of athletes and entertainers and how they differ from one profession to the next, we deliver the experience and resources you need to help create and implement a comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plan based on your needs, values and aspirations.
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Private Banking Solutions
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
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
LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art
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We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
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.
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.
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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
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.
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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
CRC 4237142 (02/2025)
