Our Story and Services

At the heart of the Agentic Group lies a commitment to guiding our clients through the intricate landscape of financial markets with a blend of expertise, personalized attention, and an agentic mindset. Founded by industry veterans Mike and Kyle, our team embodies a holistic approach that prioritizes the unique needs and goals of each client.

The Agentic Mindset
Central to our philosophy is the agentic mindset—a proactive, empowered approach to financial management. We empower our clients to take charge of their financial futures, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions. Our team is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where clients feel supported and confident in their financial journey.

Navigating Complexity with Competence
In today's ever-evolving financial landscape, navigating complexity requires unwavering competence. At Agentic Group, we pride ourselves on our ability to simplify the complex, offering clear, actionable insights that guide our clients through uncertainty. Our personalized attention ensures that each client receives the dedicated support they deserve, tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Holistic Approach
At Agentic Group, we believe that financial success is not just about numbers; it's about understanding the broader picture. Our holistic approach ensures that we consider all aspects of our clients' financial lives, integrating investment strategies with personal goals and values. This comprehensive perspective allows us to offer solutions that are not only financially sound but also aligned with our clients' long-term aspirations.

As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to excellence remains steadfast. We invite you to join us on this journey, where your financial success is our ultimate goal.

Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Strategy and Investments

We run a "Buy/write option strategy with a thematic overlay". Our experience with options allow us to run a portfolio for all markets, intended to make money in a flat to sideways market. In a down market, this portfolio can help add an element of downside protection and we describe it as investing with "bumpers" or "airbags" around the portfolio. In times of heightened volatility, we tend to write or sell tighter call options. In times of lower volatility, we allow the portfolio to run by selling calls farther out of the money or selling against half positions.

Corporate Solutions

For over 30 years, we have advised wealthy families and institutions, focusing on pre-M&A planning and post-recapitalization investment. We offer tailored solutions that encompass employee benefits, retirement plans, and succession planning to help secure the future of your business. Additionally, we provide expertise in wealth transfer strategies, trusts, and philanthropic endeavors to help preserve your family's legacy. Our dedicated professionals leverage Morgan Stanley's extensive resources and experience to support your ongoing success, ensuring that your financial strategies align seamlessly with your life's work.

    Total Tax 365 (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS - RT
    Private Businesses and Entrepreneurs

    As an entrepreneur who has built your own business, you understand the intricate connection between your personal finances and the vitality of your company. At The Agentic Group within Morgan Stanley, we recognize the unique challenges you face in balancing the growth of your enterprise with the management of your personal assets. Our team is committed to providing comprehensive strategies that support both your business ambitions and personal financial goals.

    Portfolio Risk Platform (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS - RT
    Technology Entrepreneur

    As a technology entrepreneur, your focus is perpetually on the horizon, anticipating the next venture or groundbreaking innovation. At the Agentic Group within Morgan Stanley, we understand the importance of maintaining a robust financial foundation that not only supports your current success but also positions you to seize emerging opportunities.

    Our team is adept at assisting entrepreneurs and business owners in harmonizing their personal financial goals with their professional aspirations. We recognize the unique challenges you encounter, whether it's managing newfound success or accessing the liquidity necessary for seed capital or personal needs. Our commitment is to provide you with the expertise and resources essential for sustaining and enhancing your success.

    Icon Image
    Corporate Executives

    At the Agentic Group within Morgan Stanley, we recognize the complexities and demands that accompany your executive role. Our team is dedicated to crafting a personalized financial strategy that aligns with your unique compensation structure and financial objectives. We offer expertise in risk management strategies for managing concentrated stock positions, while adeptly navigating the intricate SEC regulations, trading restrictions, and reporting requirements.

Client Experience

Alternative Investments

Morgan Stanley Investment Management is a leading provider of alternative investment strategies with expertise that spans across private equity, private credit, hedge funds, real estate, infrastructure and managed futures markets. We are dedicated to serving the unique needs of our clients by delivering exceptional portfolios and custom alternative investment programs.

Disclosure:
Alternative investments often are speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors could lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for eligible, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time. They may be highly illiquid and can engage in leverage and other speculative practices that may increase the volatility and risk of loss. Alternative Investments typically have higher fees than traditional investments. Investors should carefully review and consider potential risks before investing.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Actual results may vary. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

    Alternative Investments - (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS - RT
    Alternative Investments

    Our leading alternatives platform offers 200+ third-party and proprietary funds, including first look and exclusive opportunities, that may help qualified investors enhance returns, reduce volatility, manage taxes and generate income. From simplified vehicles available more broadly to institutional strategies, the platform supports a goals-based approach for asset allocation tailored to investor needs.

    Morgan Stanley Alternative Investments

Location

301 Congress Avenue
Suite 1400
Austin, TX 78701
US
Direct:
(512) 469-3420(512) 469-3420
Toll-Free:
(800) 359-8250(800) 359-8250

Meet The Agentic Group

About Mike Taylor, MBA

Mike Taylor is a seasoned professional with over 34 years of experience in investment and banking. His career has been marked by a commitment to helping clients navigate complex financial markets and providing personalized attention to detail. He primarily works with high-level executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, and early retirees, offering them a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on portfolio management.

Mike Taylor's career spans various sectors, including Commercial Banking, Private Banking, Investment Banking, and Portfolio Management. His role as a Senior Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley involves managing a unique custom portfolio with an active option, call writing overlay. His educational background includes an MBA in Finance, and he is a Certified Financial Planner, which further enhances his ability to serve his clients effectively. Mike's personal life is deeply rooted in Texas, having lived in several major cities and actively participating in community activities. He and his wife, Laura, have been married for 30 years and have two children. Mike's interests include sports, travel, and family time, and he has been involved with various community organizations and schools.

Mike Taylor's extensive experience and dedication to his clients make him a valuable asset to Morgan Stanley. His ability to provide a comprehensive perspective on portfolio management, combined with his personal commitment to community involvement, underscores his role as a trusted advisor and leader in the financial industry.
Securities Agent: DE, AZ, SC, WA, TX, MT, LA, AK, NM, IN, AR, MS, MI, VA, TN, KS, CO, PA, NC, MO, IL, FL, OR, UT, OH, NY, ME, MA, GA, AL, WY, WI, MN, OK, NV, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1295598

About Kyle Epperson

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® I primarily serve C-level executives, family offices, business owners, and early retirees. I have a background in public finance banking during which I worked with private family foundations and non-profit entities.

My practice utilizes a holistic approach to investment management by taking the time to develop a complete understanding of our client’s financial situation and tailoring solutions to help meet our client’s goals. We proactively work with our clients to provide appropriate solutions by utilizing the many teams and resources available at Morgan Stanley. We maintain an ongoing commitment to our clientele by concentrating on developing long-term relationships through quality client service, ongoing informative dialogue including periodic portfolio reviews, and performance analyses to respond to the ever-changing markets and our client’s evolving needs.
Securities Agent: AL, UT, OR, NY, MT, AZ, SC, WY, OH, GA, CA, WI, NM, NC, MN, MA, KS, IN, TX, MI, ME, PA, NV, MO, FL, DE, CO, AK, WA, MS, AR, LA, VA, TN, OK, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2314997

About Pamela Lafferty

Pamela Lafferty is a seasoned professional with 28 years of experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Agentic team. Born and raised in Texas, Pam has cultivated a deep understanding of the local culture and business landscape, which she leverages in her professional endeavors. Currently residing in the vibrant Austin area with her husband, Pam is a proud mother of four grown children and a doting grandmother to four grandchildren.

Pam's career is marked by her dedication and commitment to excellence, consistently delivering outstanding results and fostering strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Her extensive experience has equipped her with a unique perspective and a strategic approach to problem-solving, making her an invaluable asset to any team.

Outside of her professional life, Pam enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her love for creativity and the outdoors. She is an avid baker, often delighting friends and family with her culinary creations. Her passion for gardening allows her to connect with nature, while her love for reading keeps her continuously learning and exploring new ideas. Pam also cherishes spending time outdoors, embracing the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.

About Keith Kirsch

Keith Kirsch is a dynamic professional with a rich background in education and business, bringing a unique blend of skills and experiences to his role at Agentic Group. Born and raised in Central Texas, Keith has a deep appreciation for the values and community spirit that define the region.

With eight years of experience as a dedicated educator, Keith has honed his ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively, a skill that serves him well in the fast-paced world of business. His passion for teaching and mentoring continues to influence his approach to leadership and team development.
Keith holds an MBA from Texas State University, where he developed a strong foundation in business strategy and management. His academic achievements, combined with his practical experience, enable him to contribute valuable insights and innovative solutions to the Agentic Group team.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Keith is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Texas. He is also a passionate football fan, often spending his weekends cheering on his favorite teams.

At Agentic Group, Keith is committed to leveraging his diverse background to drive success and foster a collaborative and inclusive environment. His dedication to excellence and his ability to inspire those around him make him a vital part of the organization.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

This is a video content

Equity Compensation

Helping you make the most of your equity awards and better understand how it may fit into your your larger financial picture – today and tomorrow.

  • Vesting events
  • Option expirations
  • Restricted stock units
  • Tax implications

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
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
Article Image

Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

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
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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
Article Image

Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
Article Image

Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving

There's more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here's one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
Article Image

The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Agentic Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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.

1Alternative 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.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

Back to top



2Morgan 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.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

Back to top



5Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

Back to top



6Morgan 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.

Back to top



7Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

Back to top



8When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

Back to top



9Morgan 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

Back to top



10Products 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.
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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

Back to top



11Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

Back to top



12Municipal 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.

Back to top



13Morgan 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.

Back to top



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)