Welcome

At the Connolly Group, we have a unique perspective on multigenerational wealth creation and preservation. Our practice was founded in the 1960s by the father of our current senior partner, and many of our client relationships now span four generations.

The investment strategies and planning techniques we employ have evolved considerably over the years as the needs of our clients call for increasingly sophisticated solutions. The core values of our practice have remained the same. We dedicate ourselves to understanding our clients’ challenges and ambitions so we can craft solutions based on their specific goals. We leverage the vast resources of our firm to support the pursuit of those goals. The needs of our clients come first, every time, and we deliver an exceptional level of service that helps to simplify their financial lives.

While our team brings you the sophisticated resources and expertise of an exclusive family office, we never lose sight of the basics—and the importance of doing them well. We look forward to learning more about you and your family, and to discussing our approach to helping you preserve and enhance your assets, secure your legacy and support your unique vision of a success. To begin the conversation, please contact us.

Thanks to the trust our clients have placed in us, our group was recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team in 2024.

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/22-3/31/23.
Capabilities
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Philanthropy Management
  • Comprehensive Wealth Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Sustainable & Responsible InvestingFootnote1
  • Tax, Trust & Estate AdvisoryFootnote2
  • Insurance SolutionsFootnote3
  • Lifestyle Advisory ServicesFootnote4
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 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.
Morgan Stanley Private Markets brings together a broad range of private markets solutions to comprehensively service client needs.
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    Private Markets Brochure
    The private markets landscape has evolved into a fast-growing source of potential investment opportunities. So with our vast network of private investors and liquidity solutions, we believe we can help connect private market participants to these opportunities.
    Private Markets Brochure
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    Cap Table Management
    Simplify cap table management and provide a unified, real-time view for stakeholders with an intuitive digital solution.
    Cap Table Management
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    Liquidity Solutions
    Prepare an efficient workflow to effectively handle equity transactions, from processing and settlement, to recording. Here are a few important considerations to remain transaction-ready in uncertain market conditions.
    Liquidity Solutions
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    Tender Offers
    Structure and execute tender offers with administrative ease, allowing shareholders to realize the value of their ownership under your control.
    Tender Offers

Awards

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    Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor
    Ryan Connolly recognized as a Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor: Awarded 2022 & 2023

    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022 & 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on each time period .
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    Barron's Top Private Wealth Management Team
    The Connolly group recognized as a Barron's Top Private Wealth Management Team: Awarded 2021

    Source: Barron's.com (Awarded 2022) Data compiled by Barron's based on the time period.
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    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team 2025
    The Connolly group was recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team: Awarded 2024

    Source: Forbes.com Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on each time period.

OUR SUITE OF DIGITAL TOOLS...

As a client of Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, you have access to a wide array of digital tools designed to enhance every aspect of your financial life. Here are a few of the technologies we offer to our clients:

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    Morgan Stanley Online / Mobile

    Seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place. Beyond viewing your account balance and activity, Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and Morgan Stanley Mobile has a suite of features that allows you to manage your everyday finances from paying bills and sending money, to transferring funds and authorizing transactions with one click using eAuthorizations.

    Morgan Stanley Online / Mobile
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    LifeView Financial Plan

    Morgan Stanley's LifeView® Financial Planning tool helps clients create a personalized strategy around long-term goals. To begin your complementary financial planning analysis, please click the link below.

    LifeView® Advisor Client Questionnaire
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    CashPlus

    Designed as a modern alternative to banking, providing more value, more protection, and a seamless digital experience. You can benefit from unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide, complimentary Identity and Credit Protection from Experian®, plus more. Access your cash from banks or tellers that accept Mastercard® and manage your cash on the go with Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.

    CashPlus: A Modern Alternative to Banking
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    Online Security Center

    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.

    Cybersecurity Resources
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    Total Wealth View

    Managing multiple financial accounts across different firms can be complicated. With Morgan Stanley Online, you can link your non-Morgan Stanley accounts and analyze your cash flow all in one place. Viewing a snapshot of your finances will allow you and your Advisor to make more informed decisions with respect to your Morgan Stanley accounts by identifying opportunities and risks across your full financial picture. Add your external 401(k), checking/savings, brokerage accounts and more to Morgan Stanley Online to see all your finances in one place.

    Aggregate Your Wealth
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    Liquidity Access Line

    Whether you're covering expenses or seizing opportunities, Liquidity Access Line is there where you need it. It's a flexible line of credit that's based on the value of the securities in your brokerage account, exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.

    Learn More About LAL
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    Digital Vault

    Digital Vault, available on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App, allows you to build a centralized document library where files are stored using encryption.

    Learn More About Digital Vault
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    Private Wealth Management Ideas & Insights

    Gain fresh perspective on the complex investing, wealth planning, family governance and lifestyle issues that impact your life and legacy. Discover more about MSPWM's:
    • Leading Insights
    • Wealth and Estate Planning Series
    • Case Studies and Strategies
    • Wealth Education Series

    Ideas & Insights

Location

28 State Street
32 Floor
Boston, MA 02109
US
Direct:
(617) 946-5123(617) 946-5123

Meet The Connolly Group

About Ryan Connolly

Ryan works closely with high-net-worth families, endowments, institutions and charitable organizations to construct customized portfolios and financial plans designed to achieve their goals within the parameters of their risk tolerance and time horizon. He focuses on helping clients manage both the asset and liability sides of their personal balance sheets by leading the team’s banking and lending initiatives and facilitating access to Morgan Stanley’s Family Office Resources. Ryan is a Senior Vice President and Family Wealth Director, an accreditation held by just 2% of all Morgan Stanley advisors. Family Wealth Directors specialize in areas that include wealth transfer, asset management, lending, philanthropy, income taxation and business succession planning.

Ryan has more than 14 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Private Wealth Management in 2013, Ryan worked on Morgan Stanley’s Capital Markets desk in New York and San Francisco for four years, where he focused on interest rate, credit and structured investments. Ryan holds the Series 7, 63 and Life Insurance licenses, and he graduated from Colby College with a B.A. in political science.

He and his wife, Kerryn, live in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with their children, Isla, Owen and Nealie , and their black lab, Jack. Giving back to the local community is an important part of Ryan’s life, and he is the president of the board at Herren Project and serves on the boards of the Francis Ouimet Society and the Inner-City Scholarship Fund of the Catholic Schools Foundation. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, running, playing squash and trying to keep pace with his children.
Securities Agent: MN, AK, VT, NY, MA, KS, ID, DC, MD, IL, HI, TX, NH, ME, FL, RI, OR, NC, PA, NV, MO, GA, SC, NM, NJ, CT, CO, MT, WA, VA, UT, MS, CA, KY, OH, MI, DE, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1717181

About William J. Connolly

As a Private Wealth Advisor, Will helps affluent families and individuals address their most complex financial challenges. Acting as a de facto family office with the backing of Morgan Stanley, his team provides access to the resources required to address all aspects of a client's financial life. This includes asset allocation, portfolio construction, financial, tax, estate and legacy planning strategies and more.

Will has more than 10 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Will worked at Goldman Sachs and UBS in their Private Wealth Management groups. Will received an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and a BA from Dartmouth College where he played football. He is also a CFA Charterholder and has his Series 3, 7 and 66 Licenses.

Will lives in Boston’s South End with his wife. Outside of the office, he is an Alumni Board Member at St. Sebastian’s School, a Young Leader of the Ireland Funds America and is involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Will enjoys spending time with family, skiing, golfing and running.
Securities Agent: NY, AK, AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, AZ, MN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures

About Nicholas Morgan

“I want to help you further your money and plan your life down the road, so I start by trying to help you construct a stable investment portfolio. Our team’s objective is to protect your assets while helping grow them at a reasonable rate.”

Nick works with the team to determine appropriate asset allocations and execute trades for clients’ portfolios. Specifically, he analyzes portfolios to ensure their asset allocations continue to align with clients’ unique needs, goals and risk tolerance, and then he uses the latest Morgan Stanley research to identify suitable individual securities and other investment choices. He welcomes the opportunity to talk with clients about their portfolio holdings and explain the team’s rationale for buying or selling certain positions.
Nick started working with the Connolly Group at Morgan Stanley in 2010 as an intern and joined the team full time after college. He earned a B.S. in economics and finance and a master’s degree in finance from Bentley University, and he holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Originally from Newton, Massachusetts, Nick currently lives in Norwood with his wife Jaime and his daughter Siena. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and being active outdoors. Some of his favorite activities relate to his Italian heritage, such as making wine and homemade Italian food with his family.

About Sheila Feeney

"I’ve learned that you can’t reach out to clients too often, as long as you are offering them useful information. Every time I talk with you, I want you to feel like you gained something valuable from our conversation.”

Sheila is the primary point person for client communications, and her responsibilities include a broad range of essential functions, from monitoring portfolio performance to alerting team members and clients about Morgan Stanley research that is relevant to their portfolio positions. In addition, she acts as a liaison with the Morgan Stanley Executive Services Team, serving as the contact for all issues related to corporate insider sales. During her tenure with the Connolly Group at Morgan Stanley, Sheila has strengthened many client relationships through her high degree of service and market knowledge, and she is an invaluable asset to the team.
Sheila has been working with Dick Connolly since 1987 and brings more than 35 years of industry experience in a variety of administrative, research and investment advisory positions. During her career, she has gained an expansive working knowledge of fixed income and equity markets, and she has been an active trader of corporate, government and municipal bonds for more than 30 years. Sheila graduated from Curry College with a business management degree, and she holds the Series 7 and 63 securities licenses.
Sheila lives in Norfolk, Massachusetts, with her husband, John, and their German Shepherd, Fergus. In her free time, she is an avid cook and enjoys gardening in the spring and summer months. Additionally, she supports several nonprofit groups and is especially passionate about Work Inc., a Boston-based organization that provides job training and other resources to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.

About Theresa Eisnor

"I want to modernize the client experience by offering an elevated standard of care—and that means being there for whatever you need, whenever you need it.”

Terri is responsible for on-boarding new clients and managing the team’s day-to-day operations. She anticipates clients’ needs, addresses their inquiries and requests, and monitors their accounts, facilitating the highest level of personalized service. Terri strives to ensure that all operational processes are handled through a seamless and full-service client experience using her attention to detail and organizational skills. By focusing on the small details on behalf of the team’s clients, she seeks to simplify and improve their lives.
For more than 27 years, Terri has enjoyed a successful career in the financial services industry. She spent 16 years at Bear Stearns, where she excelled in a variety of managerial, operational, service and training positions, before joining Morgan Stanley in 2008. Since then, she has been chosen by management to be a Morgan Stanley Boston Complex Support Professional Coach and a member of the firm’s Boston Complex Support Professional Council. Terri is an accelerated magna cum laude graduate of Pine Manor College, graduating with a B.A. in management, and she holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Terri lives in Medford, Massachusetts, with her husband, Dan, and their children—Ashley, MaKenzie, Dawn and Shawn, who are all very involved in sports as athletes or coaches. As an active member of her community, Terri supports and helps out with several groups in Medford to help raise money for kids athletics.

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Jessica Birkins

Jessica Birkins is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Massachusetts.

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.

Jessica began her career in financial services in 2010, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017 as a Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Team Leader and Internal Wholesaler at Eaton Vance.

Jessica is a graduate of the Connecticut College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She lives in Scituate, Massachusetts with her family. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, running, and reading.
NMLS#: 1699963
Private Wealth Management
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Portfolio Insights

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
LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art
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LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art

When a passion for collecting evolves into something of considerable value, new issues are raised. Hear what the professionals have to say about the best practices and pitfalls of collecting art and collectibles.

Managing Significant Wealth

  • Investment Management
  • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
  • Cash Management & Lending
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Lifestyle Advisory
  • Business Services
Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy
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Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy

Share a new report in collaboration with the Aspen Institute. The report aims to help climate-oriented philanthropists explore critical issues and align their wealth management strategies with their environmental impact ambitions.

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.
Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values
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Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values

The renowned NFL wide receiver shares insights on aligning your investments with your values.
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Investing in the market entails the risk of market volatility. The value of all types of investments may increase or decrease over varying time periods. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable or impact investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability and impact criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria.

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2Morgan 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.

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3Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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4Morgan 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.

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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 Disclosures
CRC 4237142 (02/2025)