Ben B Cravens
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Alternative Investments Director
Phone:
(713) 993-2775(713) 993-2775
The Cravens Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(713) 993-2775(713) 993-2775
Toll-Free:
(800) 231-0060(800) 231-0060
Our Mission Statement
Working together to help you preserve and grow your familys wealth, by understanding what is important to your family and your legacy
Welcome
Just like the bond between a family; integrity, trust, and communication are key to developing the type of relationships that we at the Cravens Group at Morgan Stanley, value. Drawing on over four decades of client service, we firmly believe that without understanding your family’s values and goals, we cannot provide the type of guidance that you expect and deserve. This is why, we work with a limited number of families because we feel the responsibility to take care of you, as if you are part of our own family.
Services Include
- Wealth ManagementFootnote1
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote2
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Financial PlanningFootnote3
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote4
- Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote5
- Trust AccountsFootnote6
- Corporate Retirement PlansFootnote7
- Business PlanningFootnote8
- Cash ManagementFootnote9
- 529 PlansFootnote10
- Life InsuranceFootnote11
- Philanthropic Services
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Working With You
Having worked with over four generations of client's families, we believe they choose us—and stay with us—because of our deep understanding of what truly matters to them. Our investment philosophy stems from the belief that each family is unique, with its own set of challenges and goals. Using this approach, we have developed and refined a investment process that puts all the pieces of the financial puzzle together, while striving to reduce the natural anxiety and confusion that comes with investing and financial planning.
It is important that our clients are comfortable with our process, which is why we set clear expectations for consistent communication and service. We want each client to have the confidence that their financial strategy is being executed as expected, and that their best interest in our top priority. It is through these frequent and candid conversations that we believe effective financial planning is achieved.
We believe our work has to enhance our client's lives, or it's simply not worth doing. This is why work with a limited number of wealthy families and use a repeatable, long-term process, that focuses on their financial, occupational, recreational, and personal goals. Our team's experience and consistent approach in servicing wealthy families, is what sets The Cravens Group apart.
It is important that our clients are comfortable with our process, which is why we set clear expectations for consistent communication and service. We want each client to have the confidence that their financial strategy is being executed as expected, and that their best interest in our top priority. It is through these frequent and candid conversations that we believe effective financial planning is achieved.
We believe our work has to enhance our client's lives, or it's simply not worth doing. This is why work with a limited number of wealthy families and use a repeatable, long-term process, that focuses on their financial, occupational, recreational, and personal goals. Our team's experience and consistent approach in servicing wealthy families, is what sets The Cravens Group apart.
At Morgan Stanley Investment Management, we are a leading provider of alternative investment strategies with expertise that spans across private equity, private credit, hedge funds, and real estate. we are dedicated to serving the unique needs of clients by delivering exceptional portfolios and custom alternative investment programs.
Our alternative investments teams pursue a broad range of strategies in diverse markets and geographies, yet they share a common perspective on value creation. Over the long term, the best means to deliver attractive, uncorrelated returns is to focus on segments where specialized expertise and a partnership approach is rewarded; structural dislocation, capital supply/demand imbalances and complexity prevail; and Morgan Stanley's resources and reputation provide unique sourcing, information and value-creation advantages. We avoid segments where we believe the competition for alpha is high, the supply of capital is abundant and the potential to deliver differentiated strategies and investment opportunities is low.
Our alternative investments teams pursue a broad range of strategies in diverse markets and geographies, yet they share a common perspective on value creation. Over the long term, the best means to deliver attractive, uncorrelated returns is to focus on segments where specialized expertise and a partnership approach is rewarded; structural dislocation, capital supply/demand imbalances and complexity prevail; and Morgan Stanley's resources and reputation provide unique sourcing, information and value-creation advantages. We avoid segments where we believe the competition for alpha is high, the supply of capital is abundant and the potential to deliver differentiated strategies and investment opportunities is low.
Alternative Investments
Our leading alternatives platform offers 200+ third-party and proprietary funds, including first look and exclusive opportunities, that may help qualified investors enhance returns, reduce volatility, manage taxes and generate income. From simplified vehicles available more broadly to institutional strategies, the platform supports a goals-based approach for asset allocation tailored to investor needs.
Morgan Stanley Alternative InvestmentsRedefining Family Office
Morgan Stanley has created an extensive offering to cater to investors and Family Offices with a net worth over $500 million in the United States. The range of services includes subject area expertise on a number of topics that are crucial for managing substantial wealth, administrative help, and advise on investments.
- Our goal is to simplify administrative procedures and improve decision-making in investment management so that families can more effectively work toward their objectives and prioritize the things that are important to them.
- Our capabilities enable Morgan Stanley to provide consolidated tax-lot level accounting and reporting across custodians through an institutional quality platform
- We strive to complement the investor's current structure, giving them leverage through infrastructure and investment management capabilities, as well as the breadth of Morgan Stanley.
Location
2800 Post Oak Blvd
18th Fl
Houston, TX 77056
US
Direct:
(713) 993-2775(713) 993-2775
Toll-Free:
(800) 231-0060(800) 231-0060
Meet The Cravens Group
Ben Cravens
Financial Advisor, Financial Planning Specialist
Phone:
(713) 965-5017(713) 965-5017
Catherine Rocque
Senior Registered Associate
Phone:
(713) 965-5069(713) 965-5069
About Ben B Cravens
- Senior Vice President, Wealth Management
- Alternative Investments Director
- Financial Services Industry since 1981
- Series 7, 31. 63 & Texas Insurance Register Representative
- B.S. in Business Administration from The University of Texas
- Ben enjoys getting the opportunity to get outside, whether that be hunting with his black lab named Bella, casting a line on the coast, or playing a round of golf at Houston Country Club. He has dedicated much time and effort supporting wildlife conservation, and currently sits on the C.C.A. Star Board. Ben and his wife, Susan are active members of St. Martins Episcopal Church and have two sons.
- Alternative Investments Director
- Financial Services Industry since 1981
- Series 7, 31. 63 & Texas Insurance Register Representative
- B.S. in Business Administration from The University of Texas
- Ben enjoys getting the opportunity to get outside, whether that be hunting with his black lab named Bella, casting a line on the coast, or playing a round of golf at Houston Country Club. He has dedicated much time and effort supporting wildlife conservation, and currently sits on the C.C.A. Star Board. Ben and his wife, Susan are active members of St. Martins Episcopal Church and have two sons.
Securities Agent: FL, CA, AL, NY, KS, MO, IL, AZ, TX, OR, NC, CO, OK, LA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1288285
NMLS#: 1288285
About Ben Cravens
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Planning Specialist
- Financial Services Industry since 2015
- Series 7, 66 & Texas Insurance Register Representative
- B.S. in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama
- Just like his father, Ben Jr. also enjoys spending time with friends and family outdoors. He gives back to the community by his involvement with the Stewards of the Wild Organization and currently sits on the C.C.A. Central Houston Chapter Board.
- Financial Planning Specialist
- Financial Services Industry since 2015
- Series 7, 66 & Texas Insurance Register Representative
- B.S. in Commerce & Business Administration from The University of Alabama
- Just like his father, Ben Jr. also enjoys spending time with friends and family outdoors. He gives back to the community by his involvement with the Stewards of the Wild Organization and currently sits on the C.C.A. Central Houston Chapter Board.
Securities Agent: NC, CO, TX, AZ, FL, IL, NY, OR, MO, KS, OK, LA, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1558360
NMLS#: 1558360
About Catherine Rocque
- Senior Registered Associate
- Series 7 63, & 65
- Catherine has been serving Morgan Stanley clients for over 30 years and has enjoyed her active role in helping clients with their administrative issues. She takes great pride in assisting our clients with their day-to-day problems and is the truly the backbone of our team. Outside the office, Catherine enjoys spending time with her three dogs (Gabriel, Lilly and Pennie).
- Series 7 63, & 65
- Catherine has been serving Morgan Stanley clients for over 30 years and has enjoyed her active role in helping clients with their administrative issues. She takes great pride in assisting our clients with their day-to-day problems and is the truly the backbone of our team. Outside the office, Catherine enjoys spending time with her three dogs (Gabriel, Lilly and Pennie).
Contact Ben B Cravens
Contact Ben Cravens
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
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Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Cravens Group today.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Alternative 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.
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.
4Morgan 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.
5Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
6Morgan 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.
7When 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.
8Morgan 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.
9Morgan 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
10Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
11Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Alternative 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.
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.
4Morgan 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.
5Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
6Morgan 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.
7When 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.
8Morgan 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.
9Morgan 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
10Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
11Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
