

Edward W. “Ted” Smith

My Mission Statement
My Story and Services
Thanks to the trust his clients have placed in him, Ted was named to the inaugural Financial Times Top 400 Financial Advisors list and was honored again in 2016. Over the years, he has also been quoted in numerous publications, including Dow Jones Newswires, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and the Baltimore Business Journal and he has appeared on local Baltimore news media.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2021, Ted served as a director at UBS, and earlier as an advisor at Deutsche Bank Alex. Brown and its predecessors. He holds a Chartered Retirement Plans SpecialistSM designation from the College for Financial Planning and served on Deutsche Bank’s inaugural DBAB Retirement Plan Advisory Council.
Originally from southern Pennsylvania, Ted has lived in Baltimore City since 1984. When not in the office, he spends quality family time with his children, Jake and Kathleen. He enjoys swimming, playing guitar and piano, writing songs, and attempting to surf.
2013, 2016 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors
Source: ft.com. Data compiled by the Financial Times based the following time periods:
Awarded 2016; data 9/30/13 - 9/30/15
Awarded 2013; data as of 12/31/12
NMLS#: 2131712
About PWM
- 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
- Approximately 300 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $775 billion in AUM1
- Comprising 25% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2023
- 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
Approach

Upcoming Firm Events
The Lessons in Leadership Virtual Event Series will continue throughout 2025 . Check back soon for details on upcoming events.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management Virtual Client Conversation Series
Series of exclusive experiences for PWM clients providing an opportunity to interact with prominent thought leaders from the worlds of finance, government, media, the arts and academia.
Exclusive Insights & Perspectives from Women Thought Leaders
Opportunity for PWM clients to hear powerful insights and diverse perspectives from women thought leaders on timely topics such as the economy, philanthropy and leadership.
Disruption, Reinvention and Leadership, Featuring Rich Barton
The founder of Expedia, Glassdoor and Zillow offered a first-hand account of his adventures in disrupting the most tradition bound industries, as well as his take on leadership in times of turmoil.
Building a Winning Culture, Featuring Joe Lacob
A prominent authority on the intersection of sports and business discussed how he built a winning culture on the basketball court and as a business. Hear his thoughts on how COVID-19 reshaped the sports world.

THE SHIFTING WORKFORCE: HOW A CAREER BREAK CAN MEAN MORE THAN JUST TIME OFF
The behaviors and choices of Millennials are profoundly disrupting business and society alike. In Deloitte’s 2019 Millennials survey, they found that 49% would, if they had a choice, quit their current jobs in the next two years.2 This constitutes a major challenge for companies seeking a stable workforce, and a total shift in workforce mindset.
So, if almost half of all Millennials are willing to quit their full-time jobs, what are they considering instead?
According to the study, 84% of Millennials wouldn’t hesitate to jump into freelance or contract work. Those who would consider joining the gig economy cite the chance to earn more money (58%), work the hours they want (41%) or achieve a better work/life balance (37%).3
Many Millennials are taking things a step further, scrapping the idea of a traditional career altogether. Instead, they’re creating careers on their own terms. Examples include deferring a future in civil engineering for a life on the Alaskan frontier as a sled dog musher or retiring at age 38 because of extreme savings. This is part of a new trend called “Millennial burn-out,” a generational shift that has many people making life choices that prioritize fulfilling experiences and relationships over careers.4
With 40% of women taking a break from full-time employment at some point during their career,5 it looks like Millennial women are redefining what that break could mean. The long-term impact of this attitude shift is still unknown but will certainly be seen for decades to come, especially as the percentage of millennial caregivers continues to rise.
If you’re a caregiver, experiencing millennial burn-out and think an alternative career path might be for you, it’s important that you start thinking through your goals and priorities. And then talk with people you trust – like your spouse, family members and even a financial professional. Having a clear plan in place – that balances life, career and financial goals – can make all the difference. Just ask the woman that retired at 38 because of her frugal savings strategies.6
Location
Meet My Team
About Kristin E. Carter
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, she worked for Johns Hopkins Health System for 3 years where she increased the internal staffing revenue for temporary administrative professionals. She was integral in converting temporary staff to permanent staff by coaching, training, and monitoring over 400 employees at a 95% compliance rate.
Kristin was an actress and model, has been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 2001, has a background in restaurant management, and holds a BS from Towson University with a degree in Theatre Arts and Mass Communications.
In her spare time Kristin volunteers with Make a Wish Mid-Atlantic and is a member of the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. She lives in Lutherville with her Goldendoodle, Trixie.
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
Portfolio Insights
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
Insights and Outcomes
Private Wealth Management Podcast
- Intergenerational Planning
- Philanthropic Giving
- Non-Traditional Assets
- Managing Family Wealth
Financial Wellness
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
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.
3Alternative 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.
4Morgan 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.
Morgan 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.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (the “Firm”) and its affiliates do not currently offer the services provided by this Service Provider(s). The Service Provider(s) is not an affiliate of the Firm. Any review of the Service Provider(s) performed by the Firm was based on information from sources that we believe are reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This referral should in no way be considered to be a solicitation by the Firm for business on behalf of the Service Provider(s). The Firm makes no representations regarding the appropriate or otherwise of the products or services provided by the Service Provider(s). There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. If you choose to contact the Service Provider(s), do thorough due diligence, and make your own independent decision.
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.
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