Leta Bajraktari
Executive Director, Private Wealth Management, Private Wealth Advisor
Phone:
(312) 453-9141(312) 453-9141
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
The Bajraktari Kroll Team
Direct:
(312) 453-9141(312) 453-9141
Industry Award WinnerOur Mission Statement
We help high-achieving individuals and their families address complex, multigenerational financial issues, freeing them to pursue their visions of successful lives.
Our Story and Services
We are a dedicated team of highly experienced investing, wealth planning and client service professionals who serve a select clientele of affluent families, individuals and family offices. Rooted in investment strategy, we craft comprehensive wealth management solutions that touch every aspect of our clients' lives. We help our clients address both sides of their balance sheets, create and refine multigenerational wealth transfer strategies, magnify the impact of their philanthropy and prepare their children to become effective stewards of family wealth.
Among the capabilities that distinguish our practice:
- Diversifying large, concentrated equity positions in a tax-aware way
- Pre-liquidity and pre-IPO planning for founders and executives
- Multigenerational wealth transfer, family governance, and next-generation education
- Philanthropic planning, including donor-advised funds
- A high degree of customization and a consistent focus on tax efficiency
- Structured products
- Investment practices drawn from foundations, endowments, and academia
- 10b5-1 trading plans and strategies for restricted and control stock
- Connecting clients with a network of individuals with similar financial interests and goals
While the strategies we suggest are often quite sophisticated, our goal is simple. You tell us what you want to accomplish, and we will marshal the resources of our team and our firm to help you pursue those ambitions. We offer you the experienced perspective you need to make informed decisions on complex matters, and provide access to the products, services and expertise needed to put your decisions into action.
We look forward to learning more about you, your family and your goals for the future. To begin that conversation, please contact us.
Capabilities
- Comprehensive Wealth Planning
- Investment Management
- Hedging Strategies
- Risk Management
- Tax, Trust & Estate AdvisoryFootnote1
- Cash Management & LendingFootnote2
- Philanthropy Management
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory ServicesFootnote3
- Private Investments
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote4
- Open-Architecture Platform
- Pre-liquidity Planning
- Manager Selection
- 10b5-(1) Programs
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
About PWM
Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
- Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
- Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
- Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
- Approximately 300 teams specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $1.2 trillion in AUM
- Comprising 26% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2025
- Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, September 2025
Source: Barron's (Awarded March 2025) This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's for the period Oct 2023-Sept 2024. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to Barron's to obtain or use the ranking. This ranking is based on an algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the assessment of Barron's and may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
Clients
We work to build close advisory relationships with a select group of families who require a more sophisticated approach to wealth management. Our clients have established thriving professional practices, built successful businesses, led public companies and served as stewards of family wealth. Their commitments to family community and career often leave little time to focus on personal financial matters. We deliver the solutions and the service they need to simplify their financial lives and pursue their goals with confidence.
While every plan is fully customized to the objectives of an individual client, we find that they tend to share certain challenges that are specific to the ways in which they created their wealth:
While every plan is fully customized to the objectives of an individual client, we find that they tend to share certain challenges that are specific to the ways in which they created their wealth:
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs across a broad range of industries at various stages of development. Many of these relationships began in the critical period when they were assessing alternate approaches to monetizing their businesses.
Life Stages of a Successful EntrepreneurProfessionals
Professionals in the legal, medical and financial fields who face unique and complex wealth management challenges that call for sophisticated solutions, specialized resources and absolute discretion.
Senior Executives
Senior Executives who have complex incentive compensation packages and concentrated equity positions in public companies. While most are highly sophisticated in financial matters, their personal, business and civic commitments often leave little time to focus on their personal finances.
The Corporate ExecutiveFamily Offices
Family Offices who seek complementary perspectives and capabilities to expand and enhance the services they offer their owners.
Single Family Office Best PracticesLocation
233 S Wacker Dr
Ste 8600
Chicago, IL 60606
US
Direct:
(312) 453-9141(312) 453-9141
Meet The Bajraktari Kroll Team
Scott Kroll
Executive Director, Private Wealth Management, Private Wealth Advisor
Phone:
(312) 453-9147(312) 453-9147
Sharon H Nguyen Cross
PWM Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(312) 453-9136(312) 453-9136
About Leta Bajraktari
Drawing on nearly two decades of diverse financial services experience, Leta Bajraktari advises a national clientele of successful executives, entrepreneurs and others with complex financial needs. Resolute in her pursuit of client goals, Leta strives to develop a nuanced understanding of each client’s specific needs and aspirations, and to deliver holistic solutions that touch every aspect of their financial lives. She serves as a close family advisor, on call to help make informed decisions on complex issues and to deliver an exceptional level of personalized service.
An émigré from Kosovo at age 16, Leta appreciates the determination and effort involved in wealth creation. She looks to make her clients’ lives as easy as possible, so they can focus their energy on the professional or personal pursuits they most value. Working in concert with a team of specialists, she connects clients to a suite of capabilities, including investment management, trust and estate planning, next-generation education and stewardship, and banking and lending. Committed to each client’s long-term well-being, she offers a transparent approach founded on frequent communication and reliable follow-through.
Leta began her financial services career in 2004. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, she served as a Private Client Advisor at the Bank of America’s Private Bank (formerly U.S. Trust). Earlier in her career, she spent thirteen years with Citibank in Chicago, where she steadily took on additional responsibilities. Her positions included Sales Division Manager, Sales Development Consultant, Client Financial Analyst and Business Banker. Leta earned her bachelor’s degree in technical management and finance from DeVry University.
Highly active in the community, Leta volunteers with Cradles to Crayons, March of Dimes, Junior Achievement and a variety of other organization. Her hobbies include golf and beach volleyball. She is deeply passionate about art. She has traveled widely and savors the opportunity to explore new cultures.
An émigré from Kosovo at age 16, Leta appreciates the determination and effort involved in wealth creation. She looks to make her clients’ lives as easy as possible, so they can focus their energy on the professional or personal pursuits they most value. Working in concert with a team of specialists, she connects clients to a suite of capabilities, including investment management, trust and estate planning, next-generation education and stewardship, and banking and lending. Committed to each client’s long-term well-being, she offers a transparent approach founded on frequent communication and reliable follow-through.
Leta began her financial services career in 2004. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, she served as a Private Client Advisor at the Bank of America’s Private Bank (formerly U.S. Trust). Earlier in her career, she spent thirteen years with Citibank in Chicago, where she steadily took on additional responsibilities. Her positions included Sales Division Manager, Sales Development Consultant, Client Financial Analyst and Business Banker. Leta earned her bachelor’s degree in technical management and finance from DeVry University.
Highly active in the community, Leta volunteers with Cradles to Crayons, March of Dimes, Junior Achievement and a variety of other organization. Her hobbies include golf and beach volleyball. She is deeply passionate about art. She has traveled widely and savors the opportunity to explore new cultures.
Securities Agent: CT, IN, TX, MT, IA, FL, MI, DC, CA, AZ, PA, OR, MA, VA, GA, NY, NH, WA, NV, IL, CO, WI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 725233
NMLS#: 725233
About Scott Kroll
Scott Kroll brings over three decades of portfolio management and wealth management experience to the service of his team’s clients. Working with a national clientele of affluent individuals, families and family offices, Scott crafts personalized, tax-efficient investment strategies within a comprehensive wealth planning framework. Scott is a hands-on portfolio manager who focuses on the daily work of asset allocation, manager selection and risk evaluation. He also has extensive experience working with complex estate planning vehicles and multifaceted investment platforms.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Scott served as a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Bank of America Private Bank (formerly U.S. Trust). Earlier in his career, he was the Chief Investment Officer of Florida PNC Advisors, and a Portfolio Manager for ABN Ambro in their high net-worth client group.
The first member of his family to go to college, Scott worked his way through school and graduated from Illinois State University magna cum laude with honors.
Outside of work, Scott is an avid motorsports enthusiast and participant, and an audiophile with wide-ranging musical tastes.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Scott served as a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Bank of America Private Bank (formerly U.S. Trust). Earlier in his career, he was the Chief Investment Officer of Florida PNC Advisors, and a Portfolio Manager for ABN Ambro in their high net-worth client group.
The first member of his family to go to college, Scott worked his way through school and graduated from Illinois State University magna cum laude with honors.
Outside of work, Scott is an avid motorsports enthusiast and participant, and an audiophile with wide-ranging musical tastes.
Securities Agent: NY, GA, DC, AZ, IA, CA, WI, PA, IN, FL, NV, MI, CT, WA, OR, NH, CO, MT, IL, MA, VA, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2469116
NMLS#: 2469116
About Sharon H Nguyen Cross
Sharon Nguyen Cross is a dedicated professional who contributes to an outstanding overall service experience for clients of The Bajraktari Kroll Team. Having worked with wealth management clients for more than two decades, Sharon understands the needs and expectations of affluent families with complex financial lives. In addition to handling direct requests, she is responsible for overseeing the team’s administrative functions and streamlining operations.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Sharon served in a variety of client service and support roles at RBC Wealth Management, Merrill Lynch and Betzold Research and Trading (now Performance Trust). She earned a B.S. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds Series 7, 66, 9, 10 and insurance licenses.
Outside the office, Sharon volunteers at Ronald McDonald House and with Feed My Starving Children. She lives in Glen Ellyn, Illinois with her husband and son. She enjoys crafting and feeding family and friends.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Sharon served in a variety of client service and support roles at RBC Wealth Management, Merrill Lynch and Betzold Research and Trading (now Performance Trust). She earned a B.S. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds Series 7, 66, 9, 10 and insurance licenses.
Outside the office, Sharon volunteers at Ronald McDonald House and with Feed My Starving Children. She lives in Glen Ellyn, Illinois with her husband and son. She enjoys crafting and feeding family and friends.
Contact Leta Bajraktari
Contact Scott Kroll
Awards and Recognition
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
2025-2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2025-2026). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
This is a video content
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
PWM Leadership Insights & Outcomes
Article Image
Insights and Outcomes
Thought Leadership for our ultra high net worth clients, which contains thought-provoking articles, authored by leading experts from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources.
Private Wealth Management Podcast
Bringing you engaging stories and key insights surrounding the complexities associated with significant wealth, including:
- Intergenerational Planning
- Philanthropic Giving
- Non-Traditional Assets
- Managing Family Wealth
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
1Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and its affiliates and their employees (including Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors) are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any statements contained herein should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their personal tax advisor or attorney for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving personal trusts and estate planning.
2Morgan 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
3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (the “Firm”) and its affiliates do not currently offer the services provided by this Service Provider(s). The Service Provider(s) is not an affiliate of the Firm. Any review of the Service Provider(s) performed by the Firm was based on information from sources that we believe are reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This referral should in no way be considered to be a solicitation by the Firm for business on behalf of the Service Provider(s). The Firm makes no representations regarding the appropriate or otherwise of the products or services provided by the Service Provider(s). There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. If you choose to contact the Service Provider(s), do thorough due diligence, and make your own independent decision.
4Alternative 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.
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.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
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.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
2Morgan 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
3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (the “Firm”) and its affiliates do not currently offer the services provided by this Service Provider(s). The Service Provider(s) is not an affiliate of the Firm. Any review of the Service Provider(s) performed by the Firm was based on information from sources that we believe are reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This referral should in no way be considered to be a solicitation by the Firm for business on behalf of the Service Provider(s). The Firm makes no representations regarding the appropriate or otherwise of the products or services provided by the Service Provider(s). There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. If you choose to contact the Service Provider(s), do thorough due diligence, and make your own independent decision.
4Alternative 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.
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.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
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.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4677197 (7/2025)
