Mehul Dhadankar
Private Banker
Steven Ploder, CFA®
Managing Director, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor,
Senior Portfolio Management Director,
Alternative Investments Director,
Insurance Planning Director,
Lending Specialist
Direct:
(312) 443-6202(312) 443-6202
My Mission Statement
Experience, intellectual capital and dedicated personal service to help you meet your life goals
Welcome
As a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley,
Steve's primary focus is to provide personalized financial services to a select group of
ultra-high net worth families and institutions. His professional focus lies in creating and
maintaining long-term financial plans that are carefully tailored to support transparency,
proper diversification, and tax efficiency. Steve's extensive experience allows him to
leverage the full range of global resources offered by Morgan Stanley through close
collaboration with divisions such as Investment Banking, Private Banking, and Estate
Planning. This comprehensive approach helps him to capitalize on current market
volatility and anomalies by utilizing various financial instruments.
With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Steve's background is extensive. He began his career at Deloitte & Touche in New York and later spent seven years at Goldman Sachs, where he worked with foreign currency options and other asset classes in both New
York and London. He continued serving ultra-high net worth families and institutions at
Lehman Brothers and Credit Suisse. Currently, Steve is a member of Morgan Stanley's
prestigious Chairman's Club, an elite group of the firm's top financial advisors. Steve also holds multiple specialty designations within the firm: Senior Portfolio Management Director, Lending Specialist, and Insurance Planning Director. He has also been recognized on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list for six consecutive years, from 2019 to 2024.
Steve's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was also a member of the Varsity Rowing Team. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. As a Chartered Financial Analyst
(CFA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (currently non-practicing), Steve
maintains active memberships in the Chicago CFA Society and the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He also serves as a member of the Center for
Financial Services Advisory Council at Lehigh University.
Originally from Connecticut, Steve has called the Chicago area home for the past two decades. He currently resides in Barrington, Illinois, with his wife and three children. He is an active member of The Montana Land Reliance and is passionate about fly fishing.
2019-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Steve's primary focus is to provide personalized financial services to a select group of
ultra-high net worth families and institutions. His professional focus lies in creating and
maintaining long-term financial plans that are carefully tailored to support transparency,
proper diversification, and tax efficiency. Steve's extensive experience allows him to
leverage the full range of global resources offered by Morgan Stanley through close
collaboration with divisions such as Investment Banking, Private Banking, and Estate
Planning. This comprehensive approach helps him to capitalize on current market
volatility and anomalies by utilizing various financial instruments.
With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Steve's background is extensive. He began his career at Deloitte & Touche in New York and later spent seven years at Goldman Sachs, where he worked with foreign currency options and other asset classes in both New
York and London. He continued serving ultra-high net worth families and institutions at
Lehman Brothers and Credit Suisse. Currently, Steve is a member of Morgan Stanley's
prestigious Chairman's Club, an elite group of the firm's top financial advisors. Steve also holds multiple specialty designations within the firm: Senior Portfolio Management Director, Lending Specialist, and Insurance Planning Director. He has also been recognized on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list for six consecutive years, from 2019 to 2024.
Steve's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was also a member of the Varsity Rowing Team. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. As a Chartered Financial Analyst
(CFA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (currently non-practicing), Steve
maintains active memberships in the Chicago CFA Society and the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He also serves as a member of the Center for
Financial Services Advisory Council at Lehigh University.
Originally from Connecticut, Steve has called the Chicago area home for the past two decades. He currently resides in Barrington, Illinois, with his wife and three children. He is an active member of The Montana Land Reliance and is passionate about fly fishing.
2019-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: AZ, MD, PA, NM, NJ, MI, IA, CO, UT, OH, NY, IN, FL, WI, MA, SC, RI, NV, MO, KY, CT, TX, CA, WA, SD, NE, NC, DE, WV, TN, GA, VA, IL, AL, WY, MN, DC, AR, OR, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1475817
NMLS#: 1475817
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Associations
- CFA Society of Chicago Starting January 2003
- Member of the American Institue of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Illinois CPA Society Starting January 1999
- Lifetime Member of Trout Unlimited
Education
- Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management MBA, Finance 1999 – 2002
- Lehigh University - College of Business and Economics Bachelor of Science (BS), Accounting 1987 – 1991
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (now non participating)
- Chartered Financial Analyst™ (CFA®)
Location
233 S Wacker Dr
Ste 8600
Chicago, IL 60606
US
Direct:
(312) 443-6202(312) 443-6202
Fax:
(312) 419-3515(312) 419-3515
The Power of Partnerships
By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships
About Mehul Dhadankar
Mehul Dhadankar is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Illinois.
Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.
Mehul began his career in financial services in 1998 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Business Development Manager for Bank of America Merrill Lynch in the Merrill Lynch Edge product team. Mehul also served as a Resident Manager, Senior Banker, and Premier Client Manager at Bank of America.
Mehul is a graduate of the DePaul University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He lives in Chicago, Illinois with his family. Outside of the office, Mehul enjoys playing golf, traveling, and spending time family and friends.
Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.
Mehul began his career in financial services in 1998 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Business Development Manager for Bank of America Merrill Lynch in the Merrill Lynch Edge product team. Mehul also served as a Resident Manager, Senior Banker, and Premier Client Manager at Bank of America.
Mehul is a graduate of the DePaul University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He lives in Chicago, Illinois with his family. Outside of the office, Mehul enjoys playing golf, traveling, and spending time family and friends.
NMLS#: 652577
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
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
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
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
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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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 Ploder today.
1Morgan 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
3Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
4GlobalCurrency is available to clients of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC with an eligible brokerage account. Before undertaking foreign exchange transactions, clients should understand the associated risks.
Engaging in foreign currency transactions entails more varied risks than normally associated with transactions in the domestic securities markets. Attention should be paid to market, credit, sovereign, and liquidity risks. The foreign exchange transactions and deposits discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all clients. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy depends upon a client’s particular circumstances and objectives. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice.
5Morgan 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.
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
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
3Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
4GlobalCurrency is available to clients of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC with an eligible brokerage account. Before undertaking foreign exchange transactions, clients should understand the associated risks.
Engaging in foreign currency transactions entails more varied risks than normally associated with transactions in the domestic securities markets. Attention should be paid to market, credit, sovereign, and liquidity risks. The foreign exchange transactions and deposits discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all clients. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy depends upon a client’s particular circumstances and objectives. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice.
5Morgan 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.
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
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
