

The Blue Lake Group at Morgan Stanley

Our Mission Statement
Welcome
At The Blue Lake Group, everything we do is driven by purpose. We partner with high-net-worth individuals and families to help them navigate the complexities of managing generational wealth - intentionally and strategically. Through thoughtful collaboration with your accountants, attorneys, and other trusted advisors, we create financial plans and investment strategies that are not only customized, but also aligned with what matters most to you.
We believe that meaningful financial guidance starts with understanding your purpose. That's why we take the time to explore your goals, values, and long-term vision. With that foundation, we apply insight and experience to develop a plan that reflects your intentions. Every decision is made with care and clarity to support your unique journey.
We take a proactive and intentional role in every aspect of your financial life, including estate planning, tax strategy, succession planning, and philanthropic giving. Our goal is to help you maximize the impact of your wealth, today and across generations, by focusing on what truly matters to you.
Our model is holistic, rooted in empathy, education and forward thinking strategy. We don't just manage assets; we help clients align their wealth with their purpose. True financial success is about more than just returns; it's about building a legacy of meaning and intention.
Awards and Recognitions
Awarded by Forbes, Best-In-State Wealth Management team in 2023, 2024, 2025.
Carter Bass- Awarded by Forbes, Top Next-Gen Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in 2025
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote1
- Cash Management and Lending ProductsFootnote2
- Executive Financial ServicesFootnote3
- Financial PlanningFootnote4
- Life InsuranceFootnote5
- Philanthropic ManagementFootnote6
- Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote7
- Stock Plan ServicesFootnote8
- Trust ServicesFootnote9
- Wealth ManagementFootnote10
Location
Meet The Blue Lake Group
About Carter Bass
Carter now focuses on helping corporate executives and high net-worth families advance and protect their wealth by engaging with them on important issues such as stock concentration, estate planning and portfolio construction. Carter’s focus in the Alternative Investments space allows him to deliver innovative investment opportunities to help strengthen client portfolios and better align them with their financial goals. Carter’s continued dedication to helping clients has earned him national recognition in the industry as a Forbes Top Next-Gen Best-In-State Wealth Advisor for 2023 and 2024.
Carter and his wife currently reside in Chicago’s Old Town Neighborhood. Carter is passionate about traveling, Green Bay Packers football and enjoys an active lifestyle playing basketball, golfing, snow skiing and chasing around his Golden Retriever, Ralph.
2023 and 2024 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023 and 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.
NMLS#: 1744848
About Michael J. DeVries
Michael has been recognized as a 5 Star Wealth Manager in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Michael graduated from the University of Illinois- Chicago with a Bachelors in Business Administration. When Michael is not in the office or seeing clients, he can be found Golfing, Wakeboarding or spending time with his family in South Florida.
NMLS#: 1282657
About Gianna Bugno
Gianna handles executive interaction including trading, transaction support, and money movement. She ensures the team is continuously evolving by producing materials aimed at enhancing the complete client experience. Gianna earned her Series 7 and 66 Licenses, as well as her Illinois Life and Health Insurance Licenses.
Gianna resides in Chicago and enjoys spending time at the lakefront, exercising and traveling to new places with her family and friends.
About Bella Anichini
She currently holds a B.S. in Finance from Miami University, Farmer School of Business. Outside of work, Bella resides in Chicago, where she enjoys exploring the city with family and friends by trying new restaurants and experiences.

Contact Carter Bass

Contact Michael J. DeVries
Portfolio Insights
Retirement for Plan Sponsors
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
- Plan Evaluation
- Investment Management
- Plan Management Support
- Plan Participant Education
Financial Wellness
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
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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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Awards Disclosures