Phone:
(212) 883-8137(212) 883-8137
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
The Brisbane Group
Direct:
(212) 883-8137(212) 883-8137
Our Mission Statement
The Brisbane Group is focused on helping Ultra High Net Worth individuals, families, and not for profit organizations create customized investment strategies with a focus on custom tailored equity portfolios.
WELCOME
The Brisbane Group at Morgan Stanley brings a high level of experience to a limited number of clients, providing a level of service appropriate for the needs of the Ultra High Net Worth client base.
Unlike many other Private Wealth Advisors, Maria Brisbane has an extensive background as a portfolio manager and works with clients to create Custom-Tailored Equity Portfolios. Each portfolio is designed for preservation and appreciation with an emphasis on competitive returns. With a long-term view, Maria creates each portfolio according to a client’s personal preferences and continues to focus on the use of tax minimization strategies.
We take a holistic approach that is grounded in investment strategy, but covers virtually every aspect of your financial life: risk management, liabilities, trusts and estate structures and even family dynamics and lifestyle management issues. Our goal is to help preserve and grow your financial, family and social capital so that it can have the greatest positive impact today and for generations to come.
Unlike many other Private Wealth Advisors, Maria Brisbane has an extensive background as a portfolio manager and works with clients to create Custom-Tailored Equity Portfolios. Each portfolio is designed for preservation and appreciation with an emphasis on competitive returns. With a long-term view, Maria creates each portfolio according to a client’s personal preferences and continues to focus on the use of tax minimization strategies.
We take a holistic approach that is grounded in investment strategy, but covers virtually every aspect of your financial life: risk management, liabilities, trusts and estate structures and even family dynamics and lifestyle management issues. Our goal is to help preserve and grow your financial, family and social capital so that it can have the greatest positive impact today and for generations to come.
Capabilities
- Investment Management
- Comprehensive Wealth Planning
- Tax, Trust & Estate AdvisoryFootnote1
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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 350 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $980 billion in AUM1
- Comprising 23% of the Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams for 2024
- 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, December, 2024
Source: Barron's.com (May 2024) 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams awarded in 2024. The teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. Clients are encouraged to approach a search for an advisor the way they would a search for a doctor—interviewing multiple professionals and getting opinions from multiple third parties. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and this ranking 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.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Barron’s Top 100 Women Financial Advisors
Awarded 2021, 2022, 2023: Barron's Top 100 Women Financial Advisors
Source: Barron's.com (June 2021, 2022, 2023) 2021, 2022, 2023 Barron's Top 100 Women Financial Advisors ranking awarded in 2021, 2022, 2023. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's during the period from Mar 2020 - Mar 2023
Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State
Awarded 2022, 2023, 2024 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: Barron's.com (March 2012-2022) 2012-2022 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State ranking awarded in 2012-2022. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's during the period from Sept 2011 - Sept 2021
Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisor 2024
Source: Forbes.com (April 2024) 2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors rankings awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23.
Forbes America’s Top Women Advisors 2024
Source: Forbes.com (February 2024) 2024 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State rankings awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 9/30/22-9/30/23
ESTATE PLANNING
Our experienced professionals are available to discuss various tax, trust and estate strategies with you and your advisors, help facilitate the implementation of those strategies, and focus on the integration of your investment plans.
US Legacy Income Trusts Brochure
The U.S. Legacy Income Trusts (Trusts) are next-generation charitable planned giving instruments established by the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust® (Gift Trust), a tax-exempt public charity offering donor-advised funds.
Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLAT) Illustration
A SLAT is a form of irrevocable trust that cannot be amended or terminated except under limited circumstances. View the presentation below to learn more about SLATs.
Gifting the Estate Tax Exemption While Maintaining Access
The gift and estate tax exemption amount is $12.92 million in 2023. Many clients wish to use the exemption but are concerned with maintaining control of the funds and maintaining access should they need it.
Concentrated Position Toolkit
The concentrated position toolkit assists in curating and navigating an expansive suite of specialized resources to address concentrated positions.
Equity Compensation Can Have Complex Implications
Your Compensation Package may Include an Equity Plan. Learn more about various equity compensation forms below.
Maximizing Your Equity Compensation
Learn how executives can define a strategy that efficiently navigates the complexities of equity awards to achieve their personal financial goals.
FAMILY OFFICE RESOURCES
Family Office Resources (FOR) provides specialized technical expertise to ultra-high net worth clients across a broad range of family wealth management issues. View our linked resources below to learn more about Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources capabilities.
Family Office Resources Overview
As your family grows and your wealth increases, you may face more subtle and profound wealth management issues. As the demands of your family grow and evolve, you will likely need professionals who have expanded capabilities.
Philanthropy Management
Philanthropy Management supports individuals, families, corporate and private foundations, and nonprofit organizations by offering a suite of services to help define and realize clients' charitable missions. View the link below to learn more about Philanthropy Management.
Family Governance and Wealth Education
For many UHNW clients, the most difficult wealth planning challenge they face relates not to their financial capital, but to their human capital. Family Governance Services is a comprehensive offering designed to support each family's unique challenges.
Estate Planning Strategies
Our experienced professionals are available to discuss various tax, trust and estate strategies with you and your advisors, help facilitate the implementation of those strategies, and focus on the integration of your investment plans.
Donor Advised Funds
While many individuals and families have a deep commitment to philanthropy, charitable giving is not limited to those with significant wealth. Donor advised funds (DAFs) are among the easiest and most tax-advantaged ways to give to charity for donors across the spectrum of wealth.
Trust Services
Our trustee platform is "open architecture," meaning that we provide you with access and ability to select an appropriate third-party corporate trustee for your trust account. Trust Specialists, within Morgan Stanley, analyze client trust documents and situations and then suggest a fiduciary solution for your needs and goals.
Executive Financial Services
Morgan Stanley's Executive Financial Services team ("EFS") is a dedicated team that specializes in helping key corporate insiders effectively navigate the complex landscape of insider trading and reporting requirements.
Morgan Stanley Equity Solutions
Equity is more than shares. It's a commitment to your employees. That's why we design equity compensation solutions that can grow alongside your business and people at any stage. With tailored solutions, modern technology, hands-on guidance and dedicated service, we help you effectively administer equity while managing risk and compliance on a global scale.
Location
55 East 52nd Street 10th
29th Fl.
New York, NY 10055
US
Direct:
(212) 883-8137(212) 883-8137
Meet The Brisbane Group
Phone:
(212) 883-8138(212) 883-8138
Soumya Varughese
Registered Client Associate
Phone:
(212) 903-7737(212) 903-7737
About Me
Maria Brisbane began her professional career after receiving a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Journalism from New York University and a Master’s degree from University of Virginia. Before joining Morgan Stanley, Maria was a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Merrill Private Wealth Management. And before joining Merrill in 2007, Maria was a Portfolio Manager at U.S. Trust and Brown Brothers Harriman. From 1984-7 she was a Press Associate for New York City Mayor Edward I. Koch.
Maria Brisbane is a CFA® charterholder.
Maria is the founder of the Brisbane Group, a wealth management team within Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management. Maria manages custom tailored equity portfolios. She provides wealth strategies, advice and guidance to individuals, families, not-for-profit organizations, and endowments.
Today, Maria is an active philanthropist. Dove-tailing on her previous experience as a biotechnology mutual fund manager at Bank of America Private Bank (formerly US Trust), Maria sits on the board of Cancer Research and Treatment Fund. She is also a member of the Havens Relief Fund Society, and a past advisor to The Grass Foundation, a neuroscience not-for-profit organization.
Maria Brisbane is a CFA® charterholder.
Maria is the founder of the Brisbane Group, a wealth management team within Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management. Maria manages custom tailored equity portfolios. She provides wealth strategies, advice and guidance to individuals, families, not-for-profit organizations, and endowments.
Today, Maria is an active philanthropist. Dove-tailing on her previous experience as a biotechnology mutual fund manager at Bank of America Private Bank (formerly US Trust), Maria sits on the board of Cancer Research and Treatment Fund. She is also a member of the Havens Relief Fund Society, and a past advisor to The Grass Foundation, a neuroscience not-for-profit organization.
About Me
Alex Zachary is a Private Wealth Advisor in The Brisbane Group of Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in New York.
He is a CFA® charterholder.
Alex began his career in financial services at Bank of America Private Bank, formerly U.S. Trust, focused on their art-related businesses. He joined Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in 2024.
He has a bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) from Columbia University and a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge, where he was the 2006-7 Euretta J. Kellett Fellow.
He is a CFA® charterholder.
Alex began his career in financial services at Bank of America Private Bank, formerly U.S. Trust, focused on their art-related businesses. He joined Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in 2024.
He has a bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) from Columbia University and a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge, where he was the 2006-7 Euretta J. Kellett Fellow.
About Soumya Varughese
Soumya Varughese joined the Brisbane Group in January 2024 after completing Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management Rotational Analyst Program. While being a summer analyst in 2020 and joining the firm in the summer of 2021, she enjoyed the opportunity to work in three distinct areas of Wealth Management, learning the business from multiple angles.
Soumya’s responsibilities include overseeing the team’s daily operations and client relationships. Soumya maintains the Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses and is currently completing her Masters in Business Administration. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Soumya graduated from Binghamton University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting with concentrations in Finance and Management Information Systems.
Soumya’s responsibilities include overseeing the team’s daily operations and client relationships. Soumya maintains the Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses and is currently completing her Masters in Business Administration. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Soumya graduated from Binghamton University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting with concentrations in Finance and Management Information Systems.
About Nathaniel Bozzella
Nathaniel Bozzella joined both the Brisbane Group and Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in November 2024.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Nathaniel worked in San Francisco at Hall Capital Partners as a portfolio management analyst.
Nathaniel graduated from Tufts University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics with minors in Finance and Entrepreneurship. While at Tufts, Nathaniel also competed on the Tufts varsity baseball team.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Nathaniel worked in San Francisco at Hall Capital Partners as a portfolio management analyst.
Nathaniel graduated from Tufts University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics with minors in Finance and Entrepreneurship. While at Tufts, Nathaniel also competed on the Tufts varsity baseball team.
Contact Maria Brisbane
Contact Alex Zachary
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
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.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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 DisclosuresLink Opens in New Tab
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
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CRC 4237142 (02/2025)
