Our Story

As Financial Advisors with over 25 years of financial advising experience in the Financial Services industry, the Bagnato Group at Morgan Stanley offers families and individuals the means to pursue their lifelong dreams and fulfill their legacy.

Our multigenerational team understands the respective needs of each generation of clients, including the importance of succession planning among their families.
This perspective is used to build custom-made investment strategies tailored to each client’s individual situation.

Our priority is that our clients obtain their financial goals.

We firmly believe long term investing is the key to reaching financial independence and our actively monitored financial plans keep you on track every step of the way.

Our oversight, partnered with Morgan Staley’s vast array of resources, gives our team the opportunity to provide our clients with unmatched service and advice.

The Bagnato Group supports the non-profit organization WEDC (Women’s Enterprise Development Center). We feel all individuals should have the equal opportunity to grow and preserve their wealth.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Digital Tools

Our goal is simple: “To be the firm where the most talented advisors in the industry leverage cutting-edge technology and deliver customized wealth management solutions to their clients and their families to enable them to achieve their life goals.” The Firm strives to ensure it serves clients on market-leading technology platforms that are resilient, safe, efficient, smart, fast and flexible.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online digital capabilities and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App provide clients with access to their account information, enriched reporting tools, several cash management solutions and robust market research. The Morgan Stanley Mobile App provides clients with access to their accounts in just a few taps.
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    Asset Aggregation
    The ability to view all of your assets together provides the opportunity to advise on your Morgan Stanley accounts with your entire financial picture in mind. Log into Morgan Stanley Online or download the Morgan Stanley Mobile App to link and add external accounts.
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    E-Delivery
    eDelivery provides you with the ability to view statements and other Firm documents electronically in lieu of paper. Clients who are registered in Morgan Stanley Online may enroll in eDelivery. Currently, documents available through eDelivery include statements, trade confirmations and prospectuses, general correspondence, selected Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approved tax documents, syndicate offerings, shareholder communications, and portfolio reports.
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    Digital Vault
    Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one of the best gifts you can give those you love. In the event of catastrophe or serious illness, disability or death, your Family Records Organizer can immediately provide vital, timely information to both your family and professional advisors. The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you and your clients to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
2015, 2018 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2015, 2018) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2015 Award - 12/7/2014 through 05/11/2015
2018 Award - 10/23/2017 through 05/10/2018
Honors & Recognition
  • Morgan Stanley Master's Club 2015-2018
  • Five Star Wealth Manager 2015 & 2018
  • Rochester Oppenheimer Funds Advisory Council 2009
  • Wells Fargo Chairman's Club 2007-2008
  • Wells Fargo Premier Advisor Council 2006
  • Wells Fargo President's Council 2004
  • Wells Fargo Quarterback Financial Advisor 2001-2003
  • Morgan Stanley Master's Club 2020
  • Morgan Stanley Master's Club 2021
  • Morgan Stanley Master's Club 2022
  • Morgan Stanley Master's Club 2023
Associations
  • The Financial Planning Association, Hudson Valley NY
  • Women's Enterprise Development Center (WEDC)
  • Mount Pleasant Sportsman's Club
  • U.S. Master's Swimming Association, NY

Advice Matters

Not all advice is the same. Our advice is backed by advanced technology, exceptional insight and institutional scale that can't be found just anywhere.

Location

2000 Westchester Ave 1nc
Purchase, NY 10577
US
Direct:
(914) 225-0704(914) 225-0704
Toll-Free:
(800) 438-6509(800) 438-6509
Fax:
(914) 418-3719(914) 418-3719

Meet The Bagnato Group

About Paul Bagnato

As the founder and managing partner of the Bagnato Group, Paul Bagnato brings over 27 years of industry experience to the practice. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Managing Director at Wachovia Bank where he worked for 17 years. Paul has been named to Morgan Stanley’s Master Club the past 7 years.

Paul’s practice is founded on delivering advisory services to his clients on actively managed customized investment solutions executed within a personalized context. Financial planning, estate planning strategies and tax efficiency in the retirement accumulation, retirement income distribution phases, as well as in the legacy of future generations, are key components of the group’s approach.

In his effort and goal of servicing only a limited number of families, Paul relies on the extensive resources of Morgan Stanley and his team to help meet his clients’ needs, individually one at a time.

Paul holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from Suny, Saratoga Springs. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association, Greater Hudson Valley, New York and a proud sponsor member of WEDC, Women’s Enterprise Development Center in White Plains.
Securities Agent: SC, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, MA, MD, MT, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WI, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1275674

About William Bagnato, CPM®

William has been with Morgan Stanley for 5 years focusing primarily on financial planning, portfolio management, and analytical investment research. He has created numerous personalized financial plans to help clients navigate the difficult road of long term investing. Achieving a balance between a comfortable lifestyle and preserving financial wealth for his clients is a top priority when creating customized and comprehensive financial plans. He believes the key to success is having a strong relationship while understanding and learning about his clients in order to provide them with the best possible investment strategy.

Education remains one of William's top priorities. As the world becomes more complex place, staying up to date with the latest developments in finance and portfolio management is crucial to serving his clients. He earned his Master's of Science in Finance from Fordham University and a Bachelor's in Management from Manhattan College.

Fundamentally, he believes in Investing with Impact, which is, investing in companies who make it their mission to help improve environmental and social conditions around the globe. He believes that in the long run, this ideology will not only be good for the world, but it will provide a more competitive financial return compared to other investments.

William lives in Stamford, Connecticut. He supports the non-profit organization Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC) and is actively trying to help his community through cleaning up the environment and supporting small local businesses. His interests include soccer, fishing, hiking, and brewing beer.

Disclosure:
Investing in the market entails the risk of market volatility. The value of all types of investments may increase or decrease over varying time periods. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable or impact investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability and impact criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria.
Securities Agent: TX, WI, VT, VA, SC, RI, PA, OH, NY, NV, NJ, NC, MT, MD, MA, GA, FL, CT, CO, CA, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1848318

About Sophie Mulosmanaj

Sophie began her career as a bank teller at Wells Fargo’s predecessor firms, First Union / Wachovia Bank, in 1998. After 4 years of stellar performance, she was given the opportunity to assist Paul in servicing his clients. Sophie has been with Paul’s practice for the last 17 years.

In her role as a registered client service associate, Sophie works closely with clients to ensure they receive the best level of service while helping them achieve their desired goals. Her responsibilities include daily transactional trading, statement review, document preparation, and account inquiries. Sophie holds Series 7 and 63 licenses.

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family. She is married and has three children, and 2 twin grandsons who are full of energy. The newest addition to her family is her pet dog Duke, who Sophie adores and looks forward to seeing when she gets home.

About Christian R. Alvarez

Christian joined the firm in 2024. He is dedicated in providing outstanding service to the Bagnato Group’s new and existing clients. He assists the team in ensuring that the clients’ needs and goals are met. His responsibilities include document preparation, transactional trading, statement review, and account inquiries. He works to build and maintain relationships with clients by providing personalized service and addressing their inquiries and concerns.

Christian graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance as well as a minor in Computer Science. Christian holds the Series 6, 7, 63, and 66 Licenses.

Born and raised in New York, Christian enjoys being around his family and his two dogs, Jeter and Milo. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, going to the gym, traveling, and taking his dogs out on adventures.
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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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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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 
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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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Bagnato Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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

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2Morgan 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.

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3Morgan 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.

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4When 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.

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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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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.

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7When 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.

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8Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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10An investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) involves risks similar to those of investing in a broadly based portfolio of equity securities traded on exchange in the relevant securities market, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. The investment return and principal value of ETF investments will fluctuate, so that an investor’s ETF shares, if or when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the ETF. To obtain a prospectus, contact your Financial Advisor or visit the ETF company’s website. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

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11Municipal 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.

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12Alternative 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.

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13GlobalCurrency 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.

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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)