Suzanne Akian, CFP®
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Family Wealth Director
Phone:
(212) 613-6773(212) 613-6773
The Akian / Zalanskas Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(212) 613-6757(212) 613-6757
Our Mission Statement
We work to help you preserve and grow your wealth while serving as the go-to advisors you need to make informed decisions on any financial matter.
Our Story
We are thrilled to announce our recognition as Best-In-State Wealth Management Team by Forbes for 2024.
Our story is about people like you. You worked hard, took risks, made sacrifices and created significant wealth as a result. That may have happened the day you sold your business, or perhaps your wealth grew steadily over the course of a successful career. Either way, you now face questions that don’t have simple answers. How do I protect what I have earned? Is my philanthropy having the impact I envisioned? Are my children ready to manage the money they will inherit, and will having that money cause them problems? These are the kinds of questions that we help our clients work through every day. We are a highly experienced team of portfolio managers, financial planners and client service associates. Our partners have extensive backgrounds in the capital markets and actively manage portfolios for most of our clients. Our scope, however, is far broader. We serve as our client’s go-to, speed-dial advisors on any financial matter Drawing on our own experience and the extensive wealth planning resources available to us as Family Wealth Directors, we deliver whatever it takes to help you pursue your goals. We look forward to learning more about you and your family, and to discussing how we can help you realize your ambitions.
Suzanne Akian, Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2006-2017. Kevin R Zalanskas II, Morgan Stanley’s President’s Club, 2007-2014, and Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2015-2017. Adam De Stefano, Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2010-2017.
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/22-3/31/23.
Our story is about people like you. You worked hard, took risks, made sacrifices and created significant wealth as a result. That may have happened the day you sold your business, or perhaps your wealth grew steadily over the course of a successful career. Either way, you now face questions that don’t have simple answers. How do I protect what I have earned? Is my philanthropy having the impact I envisioned? Are my children ready to manage the money they will inherit, and will having that money cause them problems? These are the kinds of questions that we help our clients work through every day. We are a highly experienced team of portfolio managers, financial planners and client service associates. Our partners have extensive backgrounds in the capital markets and actively manage portfolios for most of our clients. Our scope, however, is far broader. We serve as our client’s go-to, speed-dial advisors on any financial matter Drawing on our own experience and the extensive wealth planning resources available to us as Family Wealth Directors, we deliver whatever it takes to help you pursue your goals. We look forward to learning more about you and your family, and to discussing how we can help you realize your ambitions.
Suzanne Akian, Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2006-2017. Kevin R Zalanskas II, Morgan Stanley’s President’s Club, 2007-2014, and Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2015-2017. Adam De Stefano, Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2010-2017.
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/22-3/31/23.
Services Include
- Wealth ManagementFootnote1
- Financial PlanningFootnote2
- Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote3
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote4
- Cash ManagementFootnote5
- Lending Products
- Fixed IncomeFootnote6
- Municipal BondsFootnote7
- Retirement PlanningFootnote8
- Life InsuranceFootnote9
- AnnuitiesFootnote10
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Philanthropic Services
- Trust AccountsFootnote11
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Working With You
We are capital markets professionals with a comprehensive wealth planning perspective. So, we start by learning everything we can about your needs, goals, preferences and current financial situation. We come back with recommendations on virtually everything from your insurance policies to your estate strategy to your cash flow management. Of course, we also come back with investment recommendations.
Unlike many Financial Advisors who farm out client assets to third parties, we manage all of your assets personally. This allows us to offer you complete transparency, competitive trading fees, and most important, it allows us to inform you about the intricacies of your investments. We relish the complexity of evaluation and analysis that goes into choosing equities, derivatives, and bonds in today’s fast-paced market. Our team has over 165 years of combined experience doing exactly that, and we take great pride in having helped countless clients manage their wealth and reach their goals during our careers.
Unlike many Financial Advisors who farm out client assets to third parties, we manage all of your assets personally. This allows us to offer you complete transparency, competitive trading fees, and most important, it allows us to inform you about the intricacies of your investments. We relish the complexity of evaluation and analysis that goes into choosing equities, derivatives, and bonds in today’s fast-paced market. Our team has over 165 years of combined experience doing exactly that, and we take great pride in having helped countless clients manage their wealth and reach their goals during our careers.
Suzanne Akian, CFP®
35 years of experience
CFP® professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements, and commit to CFP Board's ethical standards that require them to put their clients' interests first.
CFP® professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements, and commit to CFP Board's ethical standards that require them to put their clients' interests first.
Kevin Zalanskas
33 years of experience
Adam De Stefano
27 years of experience
Michael Morrison
24 years of experience
Christine Davis
37 years of experience
Joseph Fereno
23 years of experience
Our Clients
We manage approximately $1.5 billon in investments for around 375 highly accomplished entrepreneurs, executives, High Net Worth Investors, and their families as of January 2025. Many of our clients are still active in their careers, others have retired, and still others are managing the legacy their parents and grandparents left to them. They are all active people with wide-ranging interests and involvements. They rely on us to help preserve their assets and simplify their lives. We work to inspire confidence as we strive to provide responsive service, proactive advice and access to the vast resources of a global financial leader.
Entrepreneurs
Executives
High Net Worth Investors
Families
In The Press
2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/23-3/31/24.
View Press Release Here2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/22-3/31/23.
View Press Release HereSuzanne Akian 2024 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors and Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC for the period 9/30/22 - 9/30/23.
View Press Release Here2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22.
View Press Release HereSuzanne Akian 2023 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors and Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
Source: Forbes (Awarded Feb 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/21 - 9/30/22
View Press Release HereSuzanne Akian 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded April 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22.
View Press Release HereSuzanne Akian Forbes' 2022 Top Women Wealth Advisors
Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/20 - 9/30/21.
View Press Release HereSource: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/20 - 9/30/21.
Suzanne Akian 2020 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Apr 2020) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/18 - 9/30/19.
View Press Release HereSuzanne Akian 2019 Working Mother Top Wealth Advisor Mom
Working Mother Magazine & SHOOK Research's Top Wealth Advisor Moms
Source: Workingmother.com (Awarded October, 2019) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/18 - 3/31/19.
Source: Workingmother.com (Awarded October, 2019) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/18 - 3/31/19.
Upcoming Firm Events
We hope you will join us for this upcoming event.
U.S. Policy Pulse: Trump 2.0 and the Markets
DATE: February 25, 2025 at 4:15 p.m. ETJoin Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Chief Investment Officer, Lisa Shalett, on Tuesday, February 25, for a conversation with Chief Economic Strategist and Global Head of Thematic and Macro Investing, Ellen Zentner, and Head of U.S. Public Policy, Monica Guerra, on the top policy and regulatory actions that could impact investors in the months ahead.
CRC4192005 02/2025
Online
Location
1 Penn Plaza
43rd Fl
New York, NY 10119
US
Direct:
(212) 613-6757(212) 613-6757
Meet The Akian / Zalanskas Wealth Management Group
Kevin Zalanskas
Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager, Financial Advisor
Phone:
(212) 613-6836(212) 613-6836
Adam De Stefano
Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager, Financial Advisor
Phone:
(212) 613-6715(212) 613-6715
Michael Morrison
First Vice President, Financial Advisor
Phone:
(212) 613-6774(212) 613-6774
Christine E Davis
Director of Business Strategy
Phone:
(212) 613-6757(212) 613-6757
Joseph Fereno
Vice President, Business Development Director
Phone:
(212) 613-6791(212) 613-6791
About Suzanne Akian
Suzanne Akian, CFP®
Senior Vice President
Family Wealth Director
Senior Portfolio Manager
Financial Advisor
Drawing on over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Suzanne Akian works closely with the team’s clients to develop comprehensive wealth management plans based on their specific circumstances, challenges and aspirations. This includes asset management, risk management, access to lending and a variety of other services. The hallmark of her practice has been an intense focus on the financial planning process as the foundation of wealth management. From discovery to analysis to fully understanding her client’s goals, Suzanne and her team articulate a 360-degree financial plan covering virtualy all aspects of her client’s financial life. Committed to a premium level of client service, Suzanne forms personal relationships with her clients, some who have been with her for over 20 years.
Suzanne is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ from The College for Financial Planning. Suzanne has also been named as a Morgan Stanley Family Wealth Director, a designation given to approximately 4% of the firm’s approximately financial advisors as of December 2022. It signifies that she has met the stringent quantitative and qualitative requirements set by the firm after having successfully completed a rigorous, high-end professional development program.
A member of Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, a group of the firm’s elite Financial Advisors, Suzanne has also been recognized by the firm as a member of Morgan Stanley’s Fixed Income Select Group. She has served on the firm’s Financial Advisors Council and its Women’s Leadership Council. Suzanne has been an attendee at the invitation-only Barron’s Top Women Advisors Summit for the past eight years.
A graduate of Central Connecticut State University with a B.S. in finance, she became a financial advisor at the boutique fixed income firm Lebenthal & Company in 1990. After growing her practice for 15 years, she moved to Morgan Stanley as a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor in 2005 and later founded The Akian/Zalanskas Wealth Management Group with her three partners.
Suzanne lives in Hoboken, NJ with her husband and three daughters. She serves as a board member of the Armenian Seminary of America and as a youth advisor for her daughters’ youth group. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, traveling, camping and hiking.
[1]Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2006-2017
Senior Vice President
Family Wealth Director
Senior Portfolio Manager
Financial Advisor
Drawing on over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Suzanne Akian works closely with the team’s clients to develop comprehensive wealth management plans based on their specific circumstances, challenges and aspirations. This includes asset management, risk management, access to lending and a variety of other services. The hallmark of her practice has been an intense focus on the financial planning process as the foundation of wealth management. From discovery to analysis to fully understanding her client’s goals, Suzanne and her team articulate a 360-degree financial plan covering virtualy all aspects of her client’s financial life. Committed to a premium level of client service, Suzanne forms personal relationships with her clients, some who have been with her for over 20 years.
Suzanne is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ from The College for Financial Planning. Suzanne has also been named as a Morgan Stanley Family Wealth Director, a designation given to approximately 4% of the firm’s approximately financial advisors as of December 2022. It signifies that she has met the stringent quantitative and qualitative requirements set by the firm after having successfully completed a rigorous, high-end professional development program.
A member of Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, a group of the firm’s elite Financial Advisors, Suzanne has also been recognized by the firm as a member of Morgan Stanley’s Fixed Income Select Group. She has served on the firm’s Financial Advisors Council and its Women’s Leadership Council. Suzanne has been an attendee at the invitation-only Barron’s Top Women Advisors Summit for the past eight years.
A graduate of Central Connecticut State University with a B.S. in finance, she became a financial advisor at the boutique fixed income firm Lebenthal & Company in 1990. After growing her practice for 15 years, she moved to Morgan Stanley as a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor in 2005 and later founded The Akian/Zalanskas Wealth Management Group with her three partners.
Suzanne lives in Hoboken, NJ with her husband and three daughters. She serves as a board member of the Armenian Seminary of America and as a youth advisor for her daughters’ youth group. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, traveling, camping and hiking.
[1]Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2006-2017
Securities Agent: NV, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, MO, MN, NY, MI, ME, MD, MA, LA, IL, ID, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC, AL, CT, CO, CA, AZ, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1423925
NMLS#: 1423925
About Kevin Zalanskas
Kevin R. Zalanskas II
Senior Vice President
Senior Portfolio Manager
Financial Advisor
With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Kevin R. Zalanskas II plays a wide variety of roles in service of the team’s clients. These include asset allocation strategist, macro analyst, senior portfolio manager, and investment banking liaison. He also concentrates on managing alternative investments, equities and derivatives.
Kevin and his team at The Akian/Zalanskas Wealth Management Group offer sophisticated wealth management strategies for high net worth individuals and families, asset managers, family offices, endowments, hedge funds and institutions. Unlike many Financial Advisors who rely on outside money managers, Kevin and his team personally manage their clients’ financial assets. Using experience derived from decades in the industry, they perform the research, the analysis, the investment selection, implement the plan, and perform the ongoing review necessary for success. Kevin was a member of Morgan Stanley’s President’s Club¹, one of the firm’s select groups recognizing elite Financial Advisors for consistent creativity and excellence in providing wealth management to their clients. Kevin is currently a member of Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, a group of the Firm’s elite financial advisors.2
Kevin earned his B.S. in finance from the University of Connecticut in 1990, followed by his MBA in finance from New York University Stern School of Business. He entered the financial services industry as an investment representative in the Private Accounts Group at Lehman Brothers, where he worked from 1991 to 2004. He soon formed relationships with many of Lehman’s top executives and management team and became their personal Financial Advisor. Many of those clients are still with him over 20 years later. Kevin joined Morgan Stanley in 2004, and founded The Akian/Zalanskas Wealth Management Group with his three partners in 2013.
Kevin lives in Brooklyn, NY, with his wife and two children. In his free time, he coaches youth soccer and is an avid skier and runner, and has competitively completed the New York City Marathon.
[1] Morgan Stanley’s President’s Club, 2007-2014
[2} [1]Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2015-2017
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
Senior Vice President
Senior Portfolio Manager
Financial Advisor
With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Kevin R. Zalanskas II plays a wide variety of roles in service of the team’s clients. These include asset allocation strategist, macro analyst, senior portfolio manager, and investment banking liaison. He also concentrates on managing alternative investments, equities and derivatives.
Kevin and his team at The Akian/Zalanskas Wealth Management Group offer sophisticated wealth management strategies for high net worth individuals and families, asset managers, family offices, endowments, hedge funds and institutions. Unlike many Financial Advisors who rely on outside money managers, Kevin and his team personally manage their clients’ financial assets. Using experience derived from decades in the industry, they perform the research, the analysis, the investment selection, implement the plan, and perform the ongoing review necessary for success. Kevin was a member of Morgan Stanley’s President’s Club¹, one of the firm’s select groups recognizing elite Financial Advisors for consistent creativity and excellence in providing wealth management to their clients. Kevin is currently a member of Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, a group of the Firm’s elite financial advisors.2
Kevin earned his B.S. in finance from the University of Connecticut in 1990, followed by his MBA in finance from New York University Stern School of Business. He entered the financial services industry as an investment representative in the Private Accounts Group at Lehman Brothers, where he worked from 1991 to 2004. He soon formed relationships with many of Lehman’s top executives and management team and became their personal Financial Advisor. Many of those clients are still with him over 20 years later. Kevin joined Morgan Stanley in 2004, and founded The Akian/Zalanskas Wealth Management Group with his three partners in 2013.
Kevin lives in Brooklyn, NY, with his wife and two children. In his free time, he coaches youth soccer and is an avid skier and runner, and has competitively completed the New York City Marathon.
[1] Morgan Stanley’s President’s Club, 2007-2014
[2} [1]Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2015-2017
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
Securities Agent: LA, VA, NJ, MO, MI, CO, ID, WA, DC, CA, OH, NH, HI, GA, NC, MN, IL, AL, RI, ME, MA, DE, CT, VT, UT, SC, PA, NY, MT, MD, FL, TN, OR, AZ, WI, TX, NV, NE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1297735
NMLS#: 1297735
About Adam De Stefano
Adam De Stefano
Senior Vice President
Senior Portfolio Manager
Financial Advisor
Adam De Stefano brings 25 years of experience in the financial services industry to the service of the team’s clients. His roles on the team include asset allocation strategist and portfolio manager. He also concentrates on managing alternative investments, equities, and derivatives.
With a focus on sophisticated portfolio management, Adam works with high net worth investors, asset managers, family offices, endowments, hedge funds, and other institutional investors. Utilizing his proficiency in equities research, selection and oversight, Adam helps the team create financial plans and manage portfolios for their clients centered on their specific goals, risk tolerance and the changing market. Adam is a member of Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club¹, one of the firm’s select groups recognizing elite Financial Advisors for consistent creativity and excellence in providing wealth management to their clients.
Adam received his B.A. in communications in 1998 from Denison University. He entered the financial services industry as an institutional equity sales trader with TIR Securities and moved to Lehman Brothers in 1999. There he spent five years as an investment representative where he focused on wealth management for high net worth clients and small institutions in the private accounts group with his partner, Kevin Zalanskas. He came to Morgan Stanley in 2004, and later joined The Akian/Zalanskas Wealth Management Group with his three partners.
Adam is a member of the Denison University Alumni, the Denison University Network, and the Montclair Kimberley Academy Alumni. A devoted father to his young son, Adam resides with his wife in Essex Fells, NJ, and is a fan of the New York Giants.
[1] Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2010-2017
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
Senior Vice President
Senior Portfolio Manager
Financial Advisor
Adam De Stefano brings 25 years of experience in the financial services industry to the service of the team’s clients. His roles on the team include asset allocation strategist and portfolio manager. He also concentrates on managing alternative investments, equities, and derivatives.
With a focus on sophisticated portfolio management, Adam works with high net worth investors, asset managers, family offices, endowments, hedge funds, and other institutional investors. Utilizing his proficiency in equities research, selection and oversight, Adam helps the team create financial plans and manage portfolios for their clients centered on their specific goals, risk tolerance and the changing market. Adam is a member of Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club¹, one of the firm’s select groups recognizing elite Financial Advisors for consistent creativity and excellence in providing wealth management to their clients.
Adam received his B.A. in communications in 1998 from Denison University. He entered the financial services industry as an institutional equity sales trader with TIR Securities and moved to Lehman Brothers in 1999. There he spent five years as an investment representative where he focused on wealth management for high net worth clients and small institutions in the private accounts group with his partner, Kevin Zalanskas. He came to Morgan Stanley in 2004, and later joined The Akian/Zalanskas Wealth Management Group with his three partners.
Adam is a member of the Denison University Alumni, the Denison University Network, and the Montclair Kimberley Academy Alumni. A devoted father to his young son, Adam resides with his wife in Essex Fells, NJ, and is a fan of the New York Giants.
[1] Morgan Stanley’s Master’s Club, 2010-2017
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
Securities Agent: HI, WI, AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, AZ, CA, CO, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1393527
NMLS#: 1393527
About Michael Morrison
Michael Morrison
Vice President
Financial Advisor
Drawing on 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Michael Morrison focuses on fixed income securities, municipal credit, and tax efficiencies. Committed to refining his skills, Michael has earned a Certificate in Wealth Management from New York University.
Michael began his career in finance at Lebenthal & Company in 2000, where he served as a financial advisor for five years. In 2005, he came to Morgan Stanley, where he uses his extensive knowledge of fixed income portfolio management needs to help create financial plans for the team’s clients.
An avid runner and triathlete, Michael lives in Locust, NJ, with his wife and two daughters.
Vice President
Financial Advisor
Drawing on 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Michael Morrison focuses on fixed income securities, municipal credit, and tax efficiencies. Committed to refining his skills, Michael has earned a Certificate in Wealth Management from New York University.
Michael began his career in finance at Lebenthal & Company in 2000, where he served as a financial advisor for five years. In 2005, he came to Morgan Stanley, where he uses his extensive knowledge of fixed income portfolio management needs to help create financial plans for the team’s clients.
An avid runner and triathlete, Michael lives in Locust, NJ, with his wife and two daughters.
Securities Agent: MO, MI, ME, MD, MA, LA, IL, ID, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, MN, WI, WA, VT, VA, UT, AL, TX, SC, RI, PA, OH, NY, NV, NJ, NH, NE, NC, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1331997
NMLS#: 1331997
About Christine E Davis
A 30-year financial services industry veteran, Christine Davis focuses on helping meet the full spectrum of her clients' needs while managing the team's advisory platforms and overseeing its marketing activities. Her investment, managerial and operations experiences give Christine a deep understanding of the financial industry and enables her to offer concierge level customer service to her clients.
After studying business at St. Peter's College in Jersey City, Christine entered the financial services industry as a vice president in the Investment Banking Division of Lehman Brothers, where she was responsible for global equity marketing. After 19 years at Lehman, she went on to hold several high level positions in finance, including syndicate manager at Ladenburg Thalmann and vice president for institutional marketing at Paine Webber. Christine came to Morgan Stanley after spending eight years at Advest, Inc. where she was the chief operating officer for its Equity Capital Markets division. Before becoming a Portfolio Associate with The Akian/Zalanskas Wealth Management Group, Christine was a Complex Service Manager in charge of managing operations and supervising a support staff.
An accomplished musician and opera singer, Christine studied at New York's prestigious Juilliard School, and has performed at Carnegie Hall as well as classical music venues across the globe. She has two grown children and lives in New York City with her husband.
After studying business at St. Peter's College in Jersey City, Christine entered the financial services industry as a vice president in the Investment Banking Division of Lehman Brothers, where she was responsible for global equity marketing. After 19 years at Lehman, she went on to hold several high level positions in finance, including syndicate manager at Ladenburg Thalmann and vice president for institutional marketing at Paine Webber. Christine came to Morgan Stanley after spending eight years at Advest, Inc. where she was the chief operating officer for its Equity Capital Markets division. Before becoming a Portfolio Associate with The Akian/Zalanskas Wealth Management Group, Christine was a Complex Service Manager in charge of managing operations and supervising a support staff.
An accomplished musician and opera singer, Christine studied at New York's prestigious Juilliard School, and has performed at Carnegie Hall as well as classical music venues across the globe. She has two grown children and lives in New York City with her husband.
About Joseph Fereno
Joe Fereno is a Business Development Director with The Akian / Zalanskas Wealth Management Group and the newest addition to our practice. Having over 15 years of experience, it is his continued journey to learn and be an engine for our team delivering the full force of the firm to our clients. Joe participates in the team’s overall business development as well as designs and updates tailored reporting for our practice. His focus is deepening our engagement of the firm infrastructure while helping enhance our overall value to clients.
Joe lives with his family in Central New Jersey and enjoys cooking, playing softball and being a dad.
Joe lives with his family in Central New Jersey and enjoys cooking, playing softball and being a dad.
Contact Suzanne Akian
Contact Kevin Zalanskas
Contact Adam De Stefano
Contact Michael Morrison
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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
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
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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
Article Image
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
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
Mosaic
Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
Article Image
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 The Akian / Zalanskas Wealth Management Group today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
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.
5Morgan 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
6Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
7Municipal 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.
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 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.
9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
10Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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 and other legal matters.
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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
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.
5Morgan 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
6Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
7Municipal 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.
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 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.
9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
10Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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 and other legal matters.
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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)
