The Bakshi Group

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience through multiple market cycles, Vishal Bakshi brings a proactive approach to investment management based on a thoughtful perspective on global economic and financial markets. Working with a select clientele of highly affluent individuals and families, Vishal builds highly customized investment portfolios within comprehensive wealth plans.

Vishal’s clients have included entrepreneurs, business owners, Fortune 500 company CEOs and board members, and professional sports team owners. Thanks to the trust they have placed in him and his team, Vishal has been recognized among America’s top advisors over the past decade. This recognition includes Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors (2013) and Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State by State (2012–2013, 2015–2020, 2022), Forbes’ Best-In-State Advisors (2018–2020, 2022) and Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors (2016–2019).

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2023, Vishal served as a Managing Director at First Republic Investment Management. Earlier in his career, he held similar positions at Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management, and Credit Suisse’s Private Wealth group. Vishal received his MBA from Harvard Business School and a mechanical engineering degree from Kettering University, a co-op program where he worked for General Motors while attending school.

Active in his community, Vishal supports Cerebral Palsy of Westchester and Aspire of Western New York, organizations that work with disabled individuals to help them live a life of full potential. He also participates in Cycle for Survival, a charity that raises funds for the fight against rare cancers.

Vishal emigrated from India to Buffalo, New York, when he was four years old and grew up in public housing. He now lives with his family in the suburbs of New York City but remains a proud and ever-hopeful Buffalo Bills fan.

Disclaimers:
Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors
Source: Barron's.com (Awarded Apr 2013) Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Dec 2011 - Dec 2012.

2012-2013, 2015-2020, 2022 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2012-2013, 2015-2020, 2022). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

​2012-2013, 2015-2020, 2022 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2012-2013, 2015-2020, 2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2016–2019 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors
Source: ft.com. Data compiled by the Financial Times based the following time periods: Awarded 2019; data 6/30/15 - 6/30/18, Awarded 2018; data 6/30/15 - 6/30/17, Awarded 2017; data 9/30/14 - 9/30/16, Awarded 2016; data 9/30/13 - 9/30/15

Bringing over ten years of diverse financial services experience to the service of his clients, Alexander Plum focuses on the complex investing and wealth planning needs of highly accomplished entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate executives, and their families. Alex leverages an investment philosophy focused on long-term market participation, applying straightforward solutions to help achieve complex financial goals.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2023, Alex was a Wealth Manager at First Republic Investment Management. Earlier in his career, he was a Relationship Manager at a growth stage company, a Private Wealth Analyst at Merrill Lynch, and a Relationship Associate at Credit Suisse Private Bank.

Active in his community, Alex volunteers his time supporting Cycle for Survival, a national organization funding research to beat rare cancers. He also supports Make The World Better, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit focused on urban recreational development. Alex and his wife reside in Philadelphia.

Alex received a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Northeastern University where he completed international work assignments in Thessaloniki, Greece, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. He earned his MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Drawing on 14 years of experience working in the capital markets, David Greene is responsible for overseeing the team’s core and satellite investment strategies. Taking a highly customized approach, he focuses his efforts on bespoke portfolio construction to help each client achieve their specific financial goals. These investors have included entrepreneurs, senior executives, family offices and foundations. David is skilled across multiple asset classes, encompassing both domestic and international markets, as well as traditional and alternative vehicles. He recognizes the importance of long-term compound returns within a risk management framework for the effective stewardship and transfer of wealth.

Before joining Morgan Stanley in 2023, David served as a Vice President at First Republic Investment Management and Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management. He began his career at Credit Suisse Private Bank, where he was a Senior Business Analyst. In addition to his role on the team, David serves as an Officer for the David and Alan Greene Family Foundation, Inc.

David holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC^®) designation from the College for Financial Planning and earned his bachelor’s degree from Colgate University.

A member of the Bakshi Group since 2004, Cynthia Lichwick oversees the team’s operational and administrative functions. With extensive experience and a strong commitment to the families she serves, Cynthia contributes to an outstanding overall service experience for the team’s clients.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2023, Cynthia served as a Client Relationship Director with First Republic Investment Management. She previously worked at Merrill Lynch as a Private Wealth Planner, where she led the team’s operations management and conducted portfolio cash flow analyses to coach families on their long-term planning needs. Cynthia also worked alongside their firm’s estate, insurance and tax advisors to facilitate and implement their wealth preservation strategies. Prior to Merrill Lynch, Cynthia was a Relationship Associate at Credit Suisse’s Private Bank.

Active in her local community, Cynthia volunteers for Angels of Light, a charity that provides financial assistance to children and families with life-threatening illnesses. She also helps fundraise for Hudson Valley Light It Up Blue, an organization promoting awareness of autism spectrum disorders.

Cynthia has obtained her CFP^® certification, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC^®) designation and earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Florida.

Drawing on six years of experience working with affluent wealth management clients, Blake Winick is involved in all aspects of client service, operations management and digital enhancement. His primary focus is on the day-to-day financial needs of the team’s clients, including but not limited to, portfolio trading, facilitating transfers and account administration. He strives to provide the highest level of service with an attentive focus on every detail.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2023, Blake served as a Senior Client Service Associate at First Republic Investment Management and, earlier, at Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management.

Blake has always played an active role in his community, serving as a youth group leader, junior police academy mentor, and tennis coach.

He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University and has obtained his CFP^® certification.

The newest member of the team, Thomas Caswell is committed to providing all clients with the highest level of personalized service to help them realize their financial goals. He is responsible for an extensive range of operational activities including account opening and maintenance, cash management and funds transfers, online access and enrollment, and various other tasks.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2023, Thomas held similar roles at First Republic Investment Management and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

Active in his local community, Thomas volunteers his time working with Angels of Light, an organization benefitting individuals and families suffering from life-threatening illnesses. An avid golfer, he shares his love of the sport by coaching youth golfers in the Hudson Valley.

Thomas earned his Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the State University of New York at Oneonta.