

The Banyan Group at Morgan Stanley

Our Mission Statement
Our Story and Services
At the Banyan Group we take inspiration from the strong and resilient banyan tree, which represents growth, stability, and longevity. With over 100 years of combined experience in the financial services industry, our team is provides individuals and families with comprehensive and personalized financial planning, investment management, wealth advisory, banking, insurance, alternative investments, and trust services.
Our process starts with you. We actively listen and help formulate a financial plan and solutions that are customized to each client. We take a holistic approach to financial planning, considering all aspects of our clients' financial lives. We work closely with our clients to develop a comprehensive plan that is tailored to their specific needs and goals. Our mission is to help our clients achieve their financial goals and build lasting wealth, supported by our expertise and experience.
- Wealth ManagementFootnote1
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote2
- Portfolio Management
- Financial PlanningFootnote3
- Retirement PlanningFootnote4
- Business PlanningFootnote5
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote6
- Stock Plan ServicesFootnote7
- Trust ServicesFootnote8
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Life InsuranceFootnote9
- Corporate Pension Plans
- Stock Option PlansFootnote10
- Cash ManagementFootnote11

The Banyan Group at Morgan Stanley is a distinguished team of financial advisors dedicated to providing comprehensive financial planning, wealth preservation, and wealth transfer services. With a combined experience of over 100 years, this elite group brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their clients.
Financial Planning Excellence:
At the core of The Banyan Group's philosophy is a commitment to meticulous financial planning. The team works closely with clients to understand their unique financial goals, risk tolerance, and aspirations. By conducting in-depth analyses, they tailor personalized financial plans that encompass investment strategies, retirement planning, and tax-efficient wealth management.
- Wealth Preservation Strategies: Safeguarding Prosperity Amidst Market Dynamics
Recognizing the importance of safeguarding wealth, The Banyan Group employs sophisticated wealth preservation strategies. Through diversification, risk management, and a keen understanding of market trends, they aim to protect and grow their clients' assets. The team remains vigilant in adapting strategies to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape, ensuring that clients' wealth is resilient against market fluctuations. - Diversification as a Shield:
The Banyan Group employs a multi-faceted approach to wealth preservation, with diversification at its core. By strategically allocating assets across various investment vehicles, the team minimizes risk exposure and shields clients' portfolios from the impact of fluctuations in any single market sector. This prudent strategy not only safeguards against potential losses but also positions clients to capitalize on opportunities in diverse market conditions. - Risk Management Expertise:
Navigating the intricate landscape of financial markets demands a keen understanding of risk. The financial advisors at The Banyan Group are adept at assessing risk tolerance levels for each client. Through meticulous risk management, they tailor investment strategies that align with clients' individual preferences and financial goals. This personalized approach ensures that clients can achieve a balance between risk and reward that suits their unique circumstances. - Adaptability in Dynamic Markets:
Markets are dynamic and subject to rapid changes. The Banyan Group excels in adapting wealth preservation strategies to evolving economic landscapes. Regular market analyses, continuous monitoring of global trends, and a proactive stance enable the team to make timely adjustments to client portfolios. This adaptability ensures that clients' wealth not only endures market fluctuations but also thrives in changing conditions. - Educating Clients on Preservation Strategies:
Beyond implementing wealth preservation strategies, The Banyan Group is committed to educating clients on the principles behind these approaches. Transparent communication is key, and the team empowers clients with the knowledge to understand the rationale behind specific investment decisions. This educational aspect fosters a sense of confidence and trust, as clients are actively involved in the preservation of their financial well-being.
Wealth Transfer Expertise:
The Banyan Group understands that wealth transfer is a critical aspect of financial planning. With a focus on legacy planning, they assist clients in structuring estate plans and inheritance strategies. The team aims to optimize wealth transfer efficiency, minimizing tax implications and facilitating a seamless transition of assets to the next generation.
- Wealth Transfer Expertise: Paving the Way for a Lasting Legacy
In the realm of comprehensive financial services, The Banyan Group at Morgan Stanley stands out for its nuanced approach to wealth transfer. Recognizing that the journey to financial well-being extends beyond an individual's lifetime, the team places a significant emphasis on legacy planning and efficient wealth transfer strategies. - Structuring Estate Plans for Generational Success:
The Banyan Group understands that effective wealth transfer starts with meticulous estate planning. The financial advisors work closely with clients to structure estate plans that align with their values and long-term objectives. This involves a careful examination of family dynamics, asset distribution preferences, and tax implications. By tailoring estate plans to each client's unique circumstances, The Banyan Group ensures a seamless and tax-efficient transfer of assets to the next generation. - Inheritance Strategies for Optimal Impact:
Wealth transfer isn't merely about the physical transfer of assets; it's about ensuring that the intended impact is preserved. The Banyan Group develops inheritance strategies that go beyond the transactional aspects. They assist clients in imparting financial wisdom, values, and a sense of responsibility to heirs. By fostering a holistic understanding of wealth transfer, the team contributes to the creation of a lasting legacy that transcends monetary assets. - Optimizing Wealth Transfer Efficiency:
Minimizing tax implications is a central focus of The Banyan Group's wealth transfer expertise. Leveraging their deep understanding of tax laws and regulations, the financial advisors strategically structure wealth transfer plans to optimize tax efficiency. This not only preserves a larger portion of the estate but also ensures that heirs receive their inheritances with minimal encumbrances. - Facilitating Seamless Asset Transition:
The Banyan Group excels in orchestrating the seamless transition of assets from one generation to the next. This involves comprehensive coordination with legal and financial professionals to navigate legal complexities and streamline the transfer process. By providing clients with a roadmap for the efficient transfer of wealth, the team contributes to a smooth transition that honors the intentions of the benefactor.
Collaborative Approach:
One of the key strengths of The Banyan Group is its collaborative approach. The four financial advisors work synergistically, leveraging each other's strengths to deliver holistic solutions. This collaborative spirit extends to their relationships with clients, fostering open communication and trust. Clients benefit from a team that is not only knowledgeable but also responsive to their evolving needs.
Client-Centric Philosophy:
Putting clients at the center of their practice, The Banyan Group prioritizes transparency and integrity. They strive to educate clients on financial matters, empowering them to make informed decisions. Regular communication and reviews ensure that financial plans stay aligned with clients' goals and adapt to changes in their lives.
Commitment to Professional Development:
In an ever-evolving financial landscape, The Banyan Group stays ahead through a commitment to continuous professional development. The team regularly engages in training, stays abreast of industry trends, and refines their strategies to offer cutting-edge financial solutions.
In conclusion, The Banyan Group at Morgan Stanley stands as a beacon of excellence in the financial advisory landscape. With a steadfast commitment to financial planning, wealth preservation, and wealth transfer, this team of seasoned advisors brings unparalleled expertise to their clients. As they continue to evolve with the dynamic nature of finance, The Banyan Group remains dedicated to helping clients achieve and sustain financial success.
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Meet The Banyan Group
About Joseph Compitello
Joe and his team deliver customized solutions to individuals, families, business owners and corporate executives. He addresses the full spectrum of wealth management needs, including investment management, retirement and business succession planning, liability management, trust and estate planning, tax management and philanthropic strategies. He holds a B.S. from Roberts Wesleyan University and attended the Yale School of Management where he completed the Wealth Management Theory and Practice executive education program.
Joe is a current member of the Collier County Community Board for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Sun Coast and is a previous member of the Judy Sullivan Center Committee for Catholic Charities in Naples, Fl. Joe and his family relocated from Rochester, NY to Naples, FL in 2013. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and spending time and travelling with his wife Kathy and their two sons.
NMLS#: 532106
About Joseph Paiva
Joe’s focus is advising on the development, education, and the implementation of investment strategies to help clients meet their immediate and future goals. He follows a disciplined process of assessing a client’s financial situation, determining risk tolerance, forming and executing an appropriate investment plan, as well as regular portfolio rebalancing in order to obtain measurable results. He also consults on risk management, retirement planning, estate planning, and other critical financial strategies.
Originally from Philadelphia, Pa, Joe made the transition to Florida in 1999. He attended Florida State University where he competed in Track and Field. He and his wife, Kristin, have 2 boys Joey and James. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and traveling.
NMLS#: 2421799
About Prinya Sommala
Prinya’s focus is advising on the education, development and the implementation of investment strategies to help clients meet their short and long term goals. He utilizes a disciplined process in assessing a client’s financial situation to determining risk tolerance, forming and executing an appropriate investment plan, as well as regular portfolio rebalancing in order to obtain measurable results. He also consults on risk management, retirement planning, tax harvesting, estate planning, and other critical financial strategies.
Prinya relocated to Naples, FL from Massachusetts in 2015. He attended the University of Arkansas where he completed a Bachelors degree and later attended the Massachusetts School of Law attaining a Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 2010. Prinya was sworn into the Massachusetts Bar in December of 2010. Outside of work Prinya and his wife Ariane enjoy spending time with their families, going to the local beaches, traveling abroad and are passionate sports fans. Prinya is an active member of the Bonita-Naples Rotary club and enjoys giving back to his community.
NMLS#: 2430136
About Eric Benson
He was born and raised in Chicago, IL and graduated from DePaul University.
Eric began his career with Harris Bank and Trust and has worked as a bond trader on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade,
Trust and Portfolio Management at Northern Trust and previously as an Advisor with J.P. Morgan.
Eric lives in Naples, FL with his daughter who is in her senior year of High School at Barron Collier.
He enjoys golf and tennis in his spare time and traveling with family/friends.
NMLS#: 2434247
About Kathy Compitello
Kathy brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services, sales and event planning to the team and to our clients. She was previously a Paraplanner for an independent financial advisory firm in Naples, Florida. Before relocating from Rochester, New York to Naples in 2013, Kathy managed the operations and client service for a financial services practice.
Kathy attended college in Upstate New York and graduated with a degree in Anthropology, with a concentration in Archeology. She spent several summers doing field work in Central America and in Upstate New York. Kathy is married to Joe Compitello, a financial advisor with the Banyan Group, and has two sons, Joseph and Jack. Outside of the office Kathy enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis and traveling.

Contact Joseph Compitello

Contact Joseph Paiva

Contact Prinya Sommala

Contact Eric Benson
The Power of Partnerships
About Stacey Herring
Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.
Stacey began her career in financial services in 1994, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Mortgage Sales Manager at SunTrust Bank and a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer for over 17 years at Fifth Third Bank. Stacey is a graduate of Florida State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing and a Minor in Communications.
Stacey currently serves on the Women’s Foundation of Collier County Board of Directors, as well as Junior Achievement of SWFL’s Advisory Board. In addition, Stacey has chaired many community endeavors, serving Naples Community Hospital, PACE Center for Girls of Collier County, and Youth Haven. She is a graduate of the Naples Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Collier program, awarded Gulfshore Business Magazine’s “40 Under 40 Award”, and in 2013 was awarded the Glass Slipper Award by The Education
Foundation, Champions for Learning. In 2014, Stacey was named a Woman of Initiative by the Community Foundation of Collier County for her philanthropy,dedication, and commitment to children’s causes.
4.25% ANNUAL PERCENTAGE YIELD (APY) PREFERRED SAVINGS PROGRAM
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Philanthropy
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Financial Wellness
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
2Morgan 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.
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.
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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6Alternative 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.
7Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
8Morgan 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.
9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
10Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
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