Steven Chefas, CFP®, CPM®
First Vice President, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor,
Portfolio Management Director
Direct:
(281) 863-5503(281) 863-5503
My Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide useful, relevant financial management strategies for our clients to help increase wealth and assist with achieving long-term goals.
My Story and Services
Steven Chefas is a First Vice President and Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Since joining the firm in 2012, Steven has focused on helping high-net-worth individuals, families and stock plan participants navigate important financial decisions with clarity, care and a long-term perspective.
Steven began his Morgan Stanley career as part of the pilot class of the Wealth Advisor Associate program, which has since become an important part of the firm’s advisor training and recruitment efforts. In 2014, he teamed with Gary Ward to form the Ward Chefas Group, where he works with clients on comprehensive wealth management strategies designed around their goals, priorities and evolving family needs.
Steven’s approach is grounded in education, thoughtful planning and disciplined execution. He strives to help clients better understand the opportunities and tradeoffs before them, whether they are building wealth, managing concentrated equity, preparing for retirement, considering insurance needs or seeking to preserve wealth across generations. His practice emphasizes investment management, tax-aware strategies, insurance planning and estate planning strategies, with a focus on helping clients make informed decisions that align with their values and long-term objectives.
Steven holds the Series 7, 66 and 31 licenses, as well as Health, Life and Long-Term Care insurance licenses in Texas and California. He earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2015 and the Certified Portfolio Manager designation in 2019. From 2021 to 2023, he served on the board of the Portfolio Management Institute. His team was recognized on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in 2024 and 2025.
Steven earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. Before his career in wealth management, he became a Certified Arborist in 2010—an experience that reflects his appreciation for long-term growth, stewardship and planning.
Outside the office, Steven enjoys aviation and earned his Private Pilot License in 2022 and Instrument Rating in 2023. He also became a certified referee with the Northwest Aquatics League in 2016. Steven married his high school sweetheart in 2006, and together they have three daughters who enjoy marching band, color guard, tennis and traveling as a family.
Steven began his Morgan Stanley career as part of the pilot class of the Wealth Advisor Associate program, which has since become an important part of the firm’s advisor training and recruitment efforts. In 2014, he teamed with Gary Ward to form the Ward Chefas Group, where he works with clients on comprehensive wealth management strategies designed around their goals, priorities and evolving family needs.
Steven’s approach is grounded in education, thoughtful planning and disciplined execution. He strives to help clients better understand the opportunities and tradeoffs before them, whether they are building wealth, managing concentrated equity, preparing for retirement, considering insurance needs or seeking to preserve wealth across generations. His practice emphasizes investment management, tax-aware strategies, insurance planning and estate planning strategies, with a focus on helping clients make informed decisions that align with their values and long-term objectives.
Steven holds the Series 7, 66 and 31 licenses, as well as Health, Life and Long-Term Care insurance licenses in Texas and California. He earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2015 and the Certified Portfolio Manager designation in 2019. From 2021 to 2023, he served on the board of the Portfolio Management Institute. His team was recognized on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in 2024 and 2025.
Steven earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. Before his career in wealth management, he became a Certified Arborist in 2010—an experience that reflects his appreciation for long-term growth, stewardship and planning.
Outside the office, Steven enjoys aviation and earned his Private Pilot License in 2022 and Instrument Rating in 2023. He also became a certified referee with the Northwest Aquatics League in 2016. Steven married his high school sweetheart in 2006, and together they have three daughters who enjoy marching band, color guard, tennis and traveling as a family.
Securities Agent: MN, MI, GA, FL, MD, LA, IN, MO, UT, SC, NH, CA, WA, OK, NV, NM, MA, TN, IL, AL, TX, OH, NC, AZ, WI, OR, NY, MT, CO, VA, MS, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1393611
CA Insurance License #: 0M27059
NMLS#: 1393611
CA Insurance License #: 0M27059
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
My Proven Process
My work with you starts with one or more in-depth, exploratory meetings. I need to understand your unique financial situation so I can offer you the best possible advice and solutions.
Step 1: Build Relationships
I begin with an in-depth conversation where I listen carefully to understand what is important to you and your family. Utilizing the process defined by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, I ask specific questions about your previous investment experience and the values that shape your decisions and identify any special challenges and circumstances for your personal situation.
Step 2: Gather Data and Identify Goals
In this step, I will request specific financial information and statements to help me better understand your current financial picture in detail. I will also work to formally define and articulate your top goals and priorities for both the short- and long-term.
Step 3: Analyze Your Finances
Next, I review your current and future financial situation, identify any potential shortfalls and discuss the impact of unexpected life events. In this step, I may also reach out to your CPA and estate attorney to understand your existing tax and estate plans so we can coordinate our efforts into one comprehensive plan.
Step 4: Determine Recommendations
Here, I prepare a comprehensive financial plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. I utilize various financial planning tools to develop a personalized strategy that not only includes investment and asset allocation recommendations, but incorporates important risk management strategies, as well as estate, trust and philanthropic solutions.
Step 5: Present and Implement Your Plan
In this step, I formally present your personalized financial plan in detail and explain why I am recommending each strategy. I'll then refine your plan based on our discussion. Once approved by you, I’ll begin to implement the strategies together. I believe in full transparency and will keep you involved each step of the way.
Step 6: Benchmark Your Progress Compared to Your Goals
I oversee your progress and review the performance of your plan through ongoing calls and meetings. I may recommend adjustments over time, due to changing market conditions or changes in your personal circumstances, to keep you on track towards achieving your goals.
Helping You Prepare for Retirement With Greater Clarity and Confidence
Retirement is one of the most important financial transitions many individuals and families will experience. It often raises important questions:
• Will my assets support the lifestyle I envision?
• How should I think about retirement income?
• What role do taxes, inflation, market volatility, and healthcare costs play?
• How can I plan for my family, legacy, and charitable goals?
I help clients evaluate these questions through a structured planning process designed to connect their financial resources with their personal goals.
• Will my assets support the lifestyle I envision?
• How should I think about retirement income?
• What role do taxes, inflation, market volatility, and healthcare costs play?
• How can I plan for my family, legacy, and charitable goals?
I help clients evaluate these questions through a structured planning process designed to connect their financial resources with their personal goals.
Retirement Income Planning
A retirement income strategy should be built around your lifestyle needs, spending priorities, and long-term objectives. Together, we can evaluate sources of income, portfolio structure, and potential risks that may affect your plan over time.
Planning for Market Volatility
Markets change, and retirement plans should be built with flexibility in mind. I work with clients to help them understand risk, evaluate their investment allocation, and make thoughtful adjustments as circumstances evolve.
Longevity and Healthcare Considerations
Living longer can be a gift, but it also requires planning. We can discuss factors such as healthcare expenses, long-term care considerations, and maintaining financial flexibility throughout retirement.
Legacy and Family Goals
For many clients, retirement planning includes thinking beyond their own needs. I can help coordinate conversations around wealth transfer, charitable giving, and family priorities, working alongside tax and legal professionals as appropriate.
A Thoughtful Approach to Managing Wealth Before and After Taxes
Taxes can play an important role in investment and wealth planning decisions. While Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice, I can help clients think through how tax-aware strategies may fit into their broader financial plan, in coordination with their tax and legal advisors.
A tax-smart approach may be especially important for individuals and families navigating retirement income, concentrated stock positions, charitable giving, business transitions, estate planning conversations, or portfolio rebalancing decisions.
A tax-smart approach may be especially important for individuals and families navigating retirement income, concentrated stock positions, charitable giving, business transitions, estate planning conversations, or portfolio rebalancing decisions.
Tax-Aware Investing
Investment decisions may have tax implications. I help clients evaluate strategies that seek to balance investment objectives, risk tolerance, and after-tax considerations.
Retirement Distribution Planning
For retirees and pre-retirees, the order and timing of withdrawals from different account types can matter. I can help clients evaluate retirement income strategies in the context of their broader financial picture.
Charitable Giving Strategies
For clients who are charitably inclined, planning ahead may help align giving with family values, philanthropic goals, and broader wealth planning objectives.
Coordination With Your Tax and Legal Advisors
Wealth planning often works best when key professionals are aligned. I can collaborate with your CPA, attorney, and other advisors to help ensure your financial plan reflects a coordinated approach.
Timely Perspectives to Help You Stay Informed
Financial decisions are often easier to make when you have access to clear, timely, and relevant information. In this section, I share select Morgan Stanley insights, market perspectives, planning resources, and educational content that may help clients and prospects better understand the financial landscape.
My goal is to make complex topics more approachable and to provide resources that support more informed conversations.
My goal is to make complex topics more approachable and to provide resources that support more informed conversations.
Global Investment Office
The Morgan Stanley Global Investment Office provides you with world-class thought leadership timely market commentary, and portfolio ideas to help guide your investment decisions.
Morgan Stanley Portfolio Insights
Socially Responsible Investing
Our Investing with Impact platform has designed a proprietary process to identify your impact priorities and match them with one of our 360+ investment strategies or customizable portfolio solutions across asset classes, to tailor your portfolio and monitor both financial and impact results over time.
Morgan Stanley Investing with Impact
Private Markets
Many of today’s companies stay private longer, with more of their valuation being created before they become publicly traded. Morgan Stanley Private Markets connects a broad network of potential private investors in an accessible ecosystem, allowing eligible clients to buy and sell securities of private companies.
Morgan Stanley Private Markets
How Will You Pay Your Tax Bill?
There are a variety of options to paying your tax bill. Learn some of the pros and cons for each.
Common Approaches to Managing the PaymentAWARD-WINNING WEALTH MANAGEMENT. FOCUSED ON YOU.
With the guidance of a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor and the strength of a five-time award-winning wealth management platform<sup> <a href="#wm-disclosure-1" class="Link--underline"> <span class="sr-only">Footnote</span> 1 </a> </sup>, you can build, preserve, and manage your wealth with precision and purpose. For every stage of your financial journey.
Tax-Smart Solutions
Leading tax optimization capabilities\<sup\> \<a href="#wm\-disclosure\-2" class="Link\-\-underline"\> \<span class="sr\-only"\>Footnote\</span\> 2 \</a\> \</sup\> designed to deliver year\-round tax management with an eye toward reducing taxes and boosting after\-tax returns.
Seamless Cash Management Integration
A comprehensive, coordinated strategy with access to competitive yields, flexible financing options, and exclusive cash management resources.
Premier Risk Management and Cyber Defense
Industry\-acclaimed risk management tools\<sup\> \<a href="#wm\-disclosure\-3" class="Link\-\-underline"\> \<span class="sr\-only"\>Footnote\</span\> 3 \</a\> \</sup\> to help drive smarter portfolio decisions. In\-house team of cybersecurity experts dedicated to help protect you from cyber threats.
Personalized Legacy Planning
Guidance from experienced professionals across estate, trust, philanthropy, and financial planning to help preserve and grow your legacy.
An Industry-Leading Platform
Expert insights from 500+ equity analysts to help unlock your portfolio's potential and investment guidance.
Liquidity When You Need It
Industry\-leading securities\-based lending solutions to help access liquidity without selling assets or disrupting your investment strategy.\<sup\> \<a href="#wm\-disclosure\-4" class="Link\-\-underline"\> \<span class="sr\-only"\>Footnote\</span\> 4 \</a\> \</sup\>
Robust Concentrated Stock Solutions
Powerful tools and strategies to help manage concentrated stock positions and look to optimize portfolio outcomes.
Alternatives & Private Markets Access
A comprehensive alternative investments platform offering tailored solutions, early access to select offerings, and competitive pricing structures. Exclusive private market and pre\-IPO opportunities that were previously reserved for institutions.
Location
24 Waterway Ave
Ste 600
The Woodlands, TX 77380
US
Direct:
(281) 863-5503(281) 863-5503
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
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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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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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
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 Steven Chefas today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2When 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.
3When 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.
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.
5Morgan 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.
6Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
7Morgan 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
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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 | Morgan Stanley
Please read the important disclosures below.
1) Morgan Stanley Wealth Management secured Money Management Institute/Barron’s Industry Awards for Wealth Manager Platform of the Year. The Wealth Manager Platform of the Year category recognizes a wealth manager platform that exemplifies innovation in delivering better outcomes for investors and Financial Advisors. This award has been secured in 2024, 2021, 2020, 2019 & 2018. The winners were selected by a specially appointed MMI Industry Awards Steering Council. The Steering Council consists of representatives from all segments of the MMI membership. After carefully reviewing the nominations submitted, the Steering Council determined a slate of finalists in each award category. The primary contacts at each of MMI’s 207 member firms were eligible to vote to determine the winners. Nominations were reviewed and evaluated to determine finalists June 2024 - July 2024. Finalists were voted on to determine a winner August 2024. MMI/Barron’s does not receive compensation from the participating firms in exchange for the award and Morgan Stanley did not pay a fee to MMI/Barron’s in exchange for its receipt of the award. Morgan Stanley is a member of MMI and pays a fee to MMI as part of its membership dues. Morgan Stanley’s receipt of this award is not indicative of any future performance. These awards were granted to Morgan Stanley based on the time period from October 2023 to June 2024. There were 6 firms considered for the Wealth Management Platform of the Year Award and 12 firms considered for the Distribution Excellence Award. The Money Management Institute (MMI) is the industry association representing financial services firms and Barron’s is a financial magazine; both groups are responsible for the award. Accolade qualifications for past years may vary; additional information available upon request.
2) Industry’s top tax-optimization technology refers to tax management capabilities developed by Eaton Vance and Parametric, affiliates of Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley is a leading provider of direct indexing strategies. According to Cerulli Associates’ Q1 2026 Managed Account Edition, Morgan Stanley ranked first among 15 firms in Direct Index SMA assets under management based on reported industry assets. The ranking reflects scale of assets and does not evaluate tax outcomes, performance, or quality of technology. Tax outcomes will vary and are not guaranteed.
3) The Celent Model Wealth Manager 2025 Awards for Data and Analytics and Essential and Emerging Technologies were granted to Morgan Stanley following an evaluation process conducted by Celent analysts. To be considered for this award, Morgan Stanley submitted Model Wealth Manager 2025 Nomination Award Worksheets to Celent on or about January 30, 2025. Celent judged each submission on three criteria: (1) Measurable business benefits of live initiatives; (2) degree of innovation relative to the industry; and (3) technology or implementation excellence. In order to win, the initiatives must demonstrate clear business benefits, innovation, and technology or implementation excellence. Celent does not receive compensation from the participating firms in exchange for the award and Morgan Stanley did not pay a fee to Celent in exchange for the award. Morgan Stanley is not affiliated with Celent. Based on their submission on January 30, 2025 for Celent’s 2025 Model Awards program, Celent granted Morgan Stanley their awards in June, 2025 and publicly shared the news in June, 2025. Celent is a global financial services research and advisory firm and is responsible for determining the recipient of this award.
4) Q4 2025 Securities Based Lending McLagan Survey – 6 Firm Report. Based on both Non-Purpose Lending and total SBL balances. Borrowing against securities may not be appropriate for everyone. Clients must be aware that there are risks associated with a securities based loan, including possible maintenance calls on short notice, and that market conditions can magnify any potential for loss.
Not all products, tools, platforms, and services referenced are available to all clients. Please speak with your Financial Advisor for eligibility criteria.
Investing in securities involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
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.
Alternative investments are often speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors can lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. They may be highly illiquid, can engage in leverage, short-selling and other speculative practices that may increase volatility and the risk of loss, and may be subject to large investment minimums and initial lock-ups. They may involve complex tax structures, tax inefficient investing and delays in distributing important tax information. They may have higher fees and expenses that traditional investments, and such fees and expenses can lower the returns achieved by investors.
Cash management and lending products and services are provided by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association or Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A, as applicable.
Borrowing against securities may not be appropriate for everyone. Clients must be aware that there are risks associated with a securities based loan, including possible maintenance calls on short notice, and that market conditions can magnify any potential for loss. For details please see the important disclosures below.
Important Risk Information for Securities Based Lending: Clients must be aware that: (1) Sufficient collateral must be maintained to support the loan and to take future advances; (2) Clients may have to deposit additional cash or eligible securities on short notice; (3) Some or all of the pledged securities may be sold without prior notice in order to maintain account equity at required collateral maintenance levels. Clients will not be entitled to choose the securities that will be sold. These actions may interrupt long-term investment strategy and may result in adverse tax consequences or in additional fees being assessed; (4) Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A., Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association or Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (collectively referred to as "Morgan Stanley") reserve the right not to fund any advance request due to insufficient collateral or for any other reason except for any portion of a securities based loan that is identified as a committed facility; (5) Morgan Stanley reserves the right to increase the collateral maintenance requirements at any time without notice; and (6) Morgan Stanley reserves the right to call securities based loans at any time and for any reason.
With the exception of a margin loan, the proceeds from securities based loan products may not be used to purchase, trade, or carry margin stock (or securities, with respect to Express CreditLine); repay margin debt that was used to purchase, trade or carry margin stock (or securities, with respect to Express CreditLine); and cannot be deposited into a Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC or other brokerage account.
To be eligible for a securities based loan, a client must have a brokerage account at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC that contains eligible securities, which shall serve as collateral for the securities based loan.
Securities based loans are provided by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association or Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A, as applicable.
There is no guarantee that tax-loss harvesting will achieve any particular tax result. Clients may elect Tax Management Services for the account by notifying their Financial Advisor, and indicate what Maximum Tax or Realized Capital Gain Instruction is desired for the account, if any. The Tax Management Services Terms and Conditions attached to the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Select UMA ADV brochure as Exhibit A will govern Tax Management Services in the account. Review the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Select UMA ADV brochure carefully with your tax advisor.
Industry acclaimed risk platform refers to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s (“Morgan Stanley”) Portfolio Risk Platform. The assumptions used in the Report incorporate portfolio risk and scenario analysis employed by BlackRock Solutions (“BRS”), a financial technology and risk analytics provider that is independent of Morgan Stanley. BRS’ role is limited to providing risk analytics to Morgan Stanley, and BRS is not acting as a broker-dealer or investment adviser nor does it provide investment advice with respect to the Report. Morgan Stanley has validated and adopted the analytical conclusions of these risk models. The analysis provided is illustrative only. Morgan Stanley cannot predict a portfolio’s risk of loss due to, among other things, changing market conditions or other unanticipated circumstances. The analysis is based purely on assumptions made using available data and any of its forecasts are subject to change.
The footnotes below apply to the industry-leading claims referenced above. More information is available upon request.
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Securities based loans are provided by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association or Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A, as applicable.
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
Morgan 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 visit us at www.morganstanley.com/wealth or consult with your Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor to read about those differences.
The sole purpose of this material is to inform, and it in no way is intended to be an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security, other investment service, or to attract any funds or deposits. Investments mentioned may not be appropriate for all clients. Before making any investment, each investor should carefully consider the risks associated with the investment, as discussed in the applicable offering memorandum and make a determination based on their own particular circumstances that the investment is consistent with their investment objectives and risk tolerance.
© 2026 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2When 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.
3When 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.
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.
5Morgan 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.
6Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
7Morgan 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
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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.
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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 | Morgan Stanley
Please read the important disclosures below.
1) Morgan Stanley Wealth Management secured Money Management Institute/Barron’s Industry Awards for Wealth Manager Platform of the Year. The Wealth Manager Platform of the Year category recognizes a wealth manager platform that exemplifies innovation in delivering better outcomes for investors and Financial Advisors. This award has been secured in 2024, 2021, 2020, 2019 & 2018. The winners were selected by a specially appointed MMI Industry Awards Steering Council. The Steering Council consists of representatives from all segments of the MMI membership. After carefully reviewing the nominations submitted, the Steering Council determined a slate of finalists in each award category. The primary contacts at each of MMI’s 207 member firms were eligible to vote to determine the winners. Nominations were reviewed and evaluated to determine finalists June 2024 - July 2024. Finalists were voted on to determine a winner August 2024. MMI/Barron’s does not receive compensation from the participating firms in exchange for the award and Morgan Stanley did not pay a fee to MMI/Barron’s in exchange for its receipt of the award. Morgan Stanley is a member of MMI and pays a fee to MMI as part of its membership dues. Morgan Stanley’s receipt of this award is not indicative of any future performance. These awards were granted to Morgan Stanley based on the time period from October 2023 to June 2024. There were 6 firms considered for the Wealth Management Platform of the Year Award and 12 firms considered for the Distribution Excellence Award. The Money Management Institute (MMI) is the industry association representing financial services firms and Barron’s is a financial magazine; both groups are responsible for the award. Accolade qualifications for past years may vary; additional information available upon request.
2) Industry’s top tax-optimization technology refers to tax management capabilities developed by Eaton Vance and Parametric, affiliates of Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley is a leading provider of direct indexing strategies. According to Cerulli Associates’ Q1 2026 Managed Account Edition, Morgan Stanley ranked first among 15 firms in Direct Index SMA assets under management based on reported industry assets. The ranking reflects scale of assets and does not evaluate tax outcomes, performance, or quality of technology. Tax outcomes will vary and are not guaranteed.
3) The Celent Model Wealth Manager 2025 Awards for Data and Analytics and Essential and Emerging Technologies were granted to Morgan Stanley following an evaluation process conducted by Celent analysts. To be considered for this award, Morgan Stanley submitted Model Wealth Manager 2025 Nomination Award Worksheets to Celent on or about January 30, 2025. Celent judged each submission on three criteria: (1) Measurable business benefits of live initiatives; (2) degree of innovation relative to the industry; and (3) technology or implementation excellence. In order to win, the initiatives must demonstrate clear business benefits, innovation, and technology or implementation excellence. Celent does not receive compensation from the participating firms in exchange for the award and Morgan Stanley did not pay a fee to Celent in exchange for the award. Morgan Stanley is not affiliated with Celent. Based on their submission on January 30, 2025 for Celent’s 2025 Model Awards program, Celent granted Morgan Stanley their awards in June, 2025 and publicly shared the news in June, 2025. Celent is a global financial services research and advisory firm and is responsible for determining the recipient of this award.
4) Q4 2025 Securities Based Lending McLagan Survey – 6 Firm Report. Based on both Non-Purpose Lending and total SBL balances. Borrowing against securities may not be appropriate for everyone. Clients must be aware that there are risks associated with a securities based loan, including possible maintenance calls on short notice, and that market conditions can magnify any potential for loss.
Not all products, tools, platforms, and services referenced are available to all clients. Please speak with your Financial Advisor for eligibility criteria.
Investing in securities involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
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.
Alternative investments are often speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors can lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. They may be highly illiquid, can engage in leverage, short-selling and other speculative practices that may increase volatility and the risk of loss, and may be subject to large investment minimums and initial lock-ups. They may involve complex tax structures, tax inefficient investing and delays in distributing important tax information. They may have higher fees and expenses that traditional investments, and such fees and expenses can lower the returns achieved by investors.
Cash management and lending products and services are provided by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association or Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A, as applicable.
Borrowing against securities may not be appropriate for everyone. Clients must be aware that there are risks associated with a securities based loan, including possible maintenance calls on short notice, and that market conditions can magnify any potential for loss. For details please see the important disclosures below.
Important Risk Information for Securities Based Lending: Clients must be aware that: (1) Sufficient collateral must be maintained to support the loan and to take future advances; (2) Clients may have to deposit additional cash or eligible securities on short notice; (3) Some or all of the pledged securities may be sold without prior notice in order to maintain account equity at required collateral maintenance levels. Clients will not be entitled to choose the securities that will be sold. These actions may interrupt long-term investment strategy and may result in adverse tax consequences or in additional fees being assessed; (4) Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A., Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association or Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (collectively referred to as "Morgan Stanley") reserve the right not to fund any advance request due to insufficient collateral or for any other reason except for any portion of a securities based loan that is identified as a committed facility; (5) Morgan Stanley reserves the right to increase the collateral maintenance requirements at any time without notice; and (6) Morgan Stanley reserves the right to call securities based loans at any time and for any reason.
With the exception of a margin loan, the proceeds from securities based loan products may not be used to purchase, trade, or carry margin stock (or securities, with respect to Express CreditLine); repay margin debt that was used to purchase, trade or carry margin stock (or securities, with respect to Express CreditLine); and cannot be deposited into a Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC or other brokerage account.
To be eligible for a securities based loan, a client must have a brokerage account at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC that contains eligible securities, which shall serve as collateral for the securities based loan.
Securities based loans are provided by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association or Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A, as applicable.
There is no guarantee that tax-loss harvesting will achieve any particular tax result. Clients may elect Tax Management Services for the account by notifying their Financial Advisor, and indicate what Maximum Tax or Realized Capital Gain Instruction is desired for the account, if any. The Tax Management Services Terms and Conditions attached to the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Select UMA ADV brochure as Exhibit A will govern Tax Management Services in the account. Review the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Select UMA ADV brochure carefully with your tax advisor.
Industry acclaimed risk platform refers to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s (“Morgan Stanley”) Portfolio Risk Platform. The assumptions used in the Report incorporate portfolio risk and scenario analysis employed by BlackRock Solutions (“BRS”), a financial technology and risk analytics provider that is independent of Morgan Stanley. BRS’ role is limited to providing risk analytics to Morgan Stanley, and BRS is not acting as a broker-dealer or investment adviser nor does it provide investment advice with respect to the Report. Morgan Stanley has validated and adopted the analytical conclusions of these risk models. The analysis provided is illustrative only. Morgan Stanley cannot predict a portfolio’s risk of loss due to, among other things, changing market conditions or other unanticipated circumstances. The analysis is based purely on assumptions made using available data and any of its forecasts are subject to change.
The footnotes below apply to the industry-leading claims referenced above. More information is available upon request.
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Securities based loans are provided by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association or Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A, as applicable.
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
Morgan 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 visit us at www.morganstanley.com/wealth or consult with your Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor to read about those differences.
The sole purpose of this material is to inform, and it in no way is intended to be an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security, other investment service, or to attract any funds or deposits. Investments mentioned may not be appropriate for all clients. Before making any investment, each investor should carefully consider the risks associated with the investment, as discussed in the applicable offering memorandum and make a determination based on their own particular circumstances that the investment is consistent with their investment objectives and risk tolerance.
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CRC 4665150 (8/2025), 5378280 (5/2026)
