Doug Deaton
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager, Alternative Investments Director, Insurance Planning Director
Phone:
(512) 633-9281(512) 633-9281
The Deaton Group at Morgan Stanley
Our Mission Statement
We guide founders, families, and businesses through inflection points — delivering seamless execution and extraordinary outcomes powered by the full scope and capabilities of Morgan Stanley.
Our Story and Services
The Deaton Group at Morgan Stanley serves founders, families, and businesses across the state and nationwide. With decades of experience and a strong Texas presence, we guide clients through inflection points including capital raises, recapitalizations, asset sales, corporate compensation, liquidity events, succession planning, wealth management, philanthropy planning, risk transfer. We deliver seamless execution and extraordinary outcomes powered by Morgan Stanley's institutional capabilities and global investment bank.
Most advisory teams stop at wealth management. We are deliberately structured across all the integrated lines of business at Morgan Stanley; investment banking, corporate solutions, UHNW/family office services, tailored lending, and risk management. Our clients don't just receive "access"; they gain established relationships, coordinated specialists, and credible pathways to execution.
We collapse the silos between investment banking, banking, capital markets, and risk management. By orchestrating relationships across Morgan Stanley, we ensure that the right people are in the room at the moments that matter most; whether that's raising capital, executing a recapitalization, structuring liquidity, or planning a family legacy.
Practice Areas and Capabilities:
● Investment Banking: Established relationships with Morgan Stanley's investment banking specialists and affiliated middle market investment banking partners. We help clients prepare for and execute M&A, capital raises, and recapitalizations.
● Corporate Solutions: Institutional benefits and executive wealth strategies for private companies, delivered by Morgan Stanley Corporate Director teams.
● Family Office & UHNW Wealth Management: Comprehensive, institutional wealth services for complex family needs, including alternatives, estate planning, and governance.
● Tailored Lending & Liquidity Solutions: Customized credit and liquidity strategies through Morgan Stanley Private Bank and securities-based lending.
● Risk Management: Integrated life insurance and property & casualty solutions that safeguard business and family balance sheets.
● Philanthropy & Foundation Planning: Structuring giving strategies, foundations, and charitable trusts that align with family values and long-term legacy.
If you're preparing for a capital raise, liquidity event, or strategic transition; or simply seeking clarity on your next chapter, we welcome a conversation. Headquartered in downtown Austin, we deliver the reach of Morgan Stanley with the focus and care of a dedicated advisory team.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Wealth Management
No matter where you are in financial life or the level of complexity of your estate, the Deaton Group and Morgan Stanley have the experience, the resources, and platform to assist you and your family in creating and implementing wealth strategies in tax mitigation, estate planning, wealth transfer, and risk management.
Wealth & Financial Planning
Drawing on our own experience and the vast resources of our Firm, we help you create and maintain a comprehensive wealth management plan that addresses the specific goals you have for your family, your business, your community, and your greater legacy.
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Tax, Trust & Estate Planning
Working closely with your estate attorney, your CPA and experts from our Family Office Resources group, we review your trust and estate plans to identify opportunities for greater tax efficiency and better alignment with your multigenerational goals.
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Pre/Post Liquidity Planning
Having advised dozens of entrepreneurs and business owners through the process of monetizing their enterprises, we offer an experienced perspective on income tax and transfer tax planning opportunities, and on when specific measures need to be taken.
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Outsourced Chief Investment Office
An outsourced chief investment office, or OCIO, acts as an in-house chief investment officer, connecting you with personalized institutional investment experience and a dedicate support staff.
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Private Market Transactions
Private market investing enables eligible investors to access attractive companies before they are publicly available making you a part of their story.
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Tax Efficient Investing
We employ sophisticated strategies designed to reduce your current tax liability and increase your after-tax return in accordance with your tax mandate. The Tax Management Team assist in designing, creating, and analyzing a tax efficient advisory solution for tax sensitive clients.
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Management of Concentrated Positions
We can assist with sales of restricted, control, and concentrated positions, gifting of restricted or control stock, securities-based loans using eligible restricted and control stock as collateral, and 10b5-1 trading plans.
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Workplace Solutions
Partnering with Morgan Stanley’s Workplace Solutions team, we offer our corporate clients and their employees support throughout their journeys from private to public entities. Our holistic financial workplace benefit solutions include: Cap Table Management, Private Market Liquidity, Retirement Solutions, Financial Wellness & Education, Stock Plan Administration, Executive Financial Services, and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation.
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Philanthropy
We provide access to the consultative guidance needed to help you define your philanthropic objectives and maximize the impact of your giving. This includes donor advised funds, a tax-advantage way to support nonprofit organizations.
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Corporate Trustee
Our Trust Services platform provides access to third-party corporate trustees who can serve as trustee, co-trustee or successor trustee for their trust account. Working together with our Trust Specialists, we can also help you select an appropriate corporate trustee for specific trust documents and estate planning initiatives.
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Insured Solutions
We offer a robust suite of insurance and annuities solutions as well as strategic partnership to help mitigate and manage risks when the unexpected occurs.
Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources
We offer an expansive suite of highly specialized resources to address the complex, multifaceted challenges of managing significant wealth so clients may make complicated decisions confidently.
The term “Family Office Resources” is being used as a term of art and not to imply that Morgan Stanley and/or its employees are acting as a family office pursuant to Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Learn MoreThe term “Family Office Resources” is being used as a term of art and not to imply that Morgan Stanley and/or its employees are acting as a family office pursuant to Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Private Banking
We provide introductions to Private Bankers to explore customized borrowing options designed to further your objectives. These include investing in a business, acquiring real estate, addressing potential tax obligations, or simply having a source of additional general funding.
Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, and Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. are affiliates of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, and are each a Member FDIC that is primarily regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, and Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. are affiliates of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, and are each a Member FDIC that is primarily regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Alternative Investments
Our platform provides access to an array of over 180 funds, both third-party and proprietary offerings. It offers first look and exclusive access to funds that may otherwise only be available to institutional investors.
Alternative investments are often speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors can lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. They may be highly illiquid, can engage in leverage, short-selling and other speculative practices that may increase volatility and the risk of loss, and may be subject to large investment minimums and initial lock-ups. They may involve complex tax structures, tax inefficient investing and delays in distributing important tax information. They may have higher fees and expenses that traditional investments, and such fees and expenses can lower the returns achieved by investors.
Learn MoreAlternative investments are often speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors can lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. They may be highly illiquid, can engage in leverage, short-selling and other speculative practices that may increase volatility and the risk of loss, and may be subject to large investment minimums and initial lock-ups. They may involve complex tax structures, tax inefficient investing and delays in distributing important tax information. They may have higher fees and expenses that traditional investments, and such fees and expenses can lower the returns achieved by investors.
Location
301 Congress Avenue
Suite 1400
Austin, TX 78701
US
Meet The Deaton Group
Rachel Deaton
Financial Advisor, Insurance Planning Director
Phone:
(737) 742-1842(737) 742-1842
Patty Brueckner
Senior Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(512) 370-0481(512) 370-0481
About Doug Deaton
I lead The Deaton Group, a Texas-based advisory practice within Morgan Stanley that guides founders, families, and businesses through critical inflection points. With decades of experience in corporate finance, private wealth, and entrepreneurship; including 10 years building and leading my own businesses—I bring a unique perspective to advising clients. I understand firsthand the opportunities and challenges that entrepreneurs face.
At Morgan Stanley, our practice specializes in connecting clients with the firm’s full suite of capabilities—including capital markets, investment banking, lending, and wealth management. Our practice emphasizes seamless execution and extraordinary outcomes, ensuring clients receive access to the right specialists and resources at the moments that matter most: capital raises, recapitalizations, liquidity events, succession planning, and long-term wealth strategies.
Before forming The Deaton Group at Morgan Stanley, I spent more than two decades advising entrepreneurs, real estate developers, and family enterprises on financing, growth strategy, and capital solutions. My passion is being able to guide a client through personal and professional decisions of significance—delivering outcomes that other advisors simply can’t replicate.
My wife, Rachel, and I are partners in both business and life. Based in Austin, we love living in downtown Austin. And when we are not working, we love spending time outdoors with our four adult kids, particularly in the mountains of Colorado and Montana.
At Morgan Stanley, our practice specializes in connecting clients with the firm’s full suite of capabilities—including capital markets, investment banking, lending, and wealth management. Our practice emphasizes seamless execution and extraordinary outcomes, ensuring clients receive access to the right specialists and resources at the moments that matter most: capital raises, recapitalizations, liquidity events, succession planning, and long-term wealth strategies.
Before forming The Deaton Group at Morgan Stanley, I spent more than two decades advising entrepreneurs, real estate developers, and family enterprises on financing, growth strategy, and capital solutions. My passion is being able to guide a client through personal and professional decisions of significance—delivering outcomes that other advisors simply can’t replicate.
My wife, Rachel, and I are partners in both business and life. Based in Austin, we love living in downtown Austin. And when we are not working, we love spending time outdoors with our four adult kids, particularly in the mountains of Colorado and Montana.
Securities Agent: IN, DE, MT, FL, NC, WA, KS, LA, CA, GA, CO, AR, OK, IL, TX, NY, VA, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1857665
NMLS#: 1857665
About Rachel Deaton
To be charged with being a coordinator, a conductor, and a connector in order to make a lasting impact in people's lives is imperative to me. Having the ability to work with my husband to deliver solutions to clients is a privilege. Can’t imagine a better job for me and my path here was anything but linear.
Before joining Morgan Stanley, I gained diverse experience in project management, business development, launching ventures with Doug, implementing recruiting programs, and setting up a family office. I’ve also worked in art consulting, supported privately held businesses, and dedicated time to nonprofits, all the while proudly raising four cool kids and earning my badge as a “schoolroom mom” year after year. Each of these roles shaped the perspective I bring to advising families, founders and companies today.
At Morgan Stanley, our practice specializes in connecting clients with the firm’s full suite of capabilities—including capital markets, investment banking, lending, and wealth management. Our practice emphasizes seamless execution and extraordinary outcomes, ensuring clients receive access to the right specialists and resources at the moments that matter most: capital raises, recapitalizations, liquidity events, succession planning, and long-term wealth strategies.
On a personal note, Doug and I met in college at Texas Tech and have been married 31 years. We have four grown-ish children and two French bulldogs who keep life lively. I love living in downtown Austin, working with my husband, and gathering with family in Colorado and Montana. When I’m not with clients or family, you’ll likely find me exploring a local farmer’s market, taking in some Red Raider sports, or enjoying a documentary.
Before joining Morgan Stanley, I gained diverse experience in project management, business development, launching ventures with Doug, implementing recruiting programs, and setting up a family office. I’ve also worked in art consulting, supported privately held businesses, and dedicated time to nonprofits, all the while proudly raising four cool kids and earning my badge as a “schoolroom mom” year after year. Each of these roles shaped the perspective I bring to advising families, founders and companies today.
At Morgan Stanley, our practice specializes in connecting clients with the firm’s full suite of capabilities—including capital markets, investment banking, lending, and wealth management. Our practice emphasizes seamless execution and extraordinary outcomes, ensuring clients receive access to the right specialists and resources at the moments that matter most: capital raises, recapitalizations, liquidity events, succession planning, and long-term wealth strategies.
On a personal note, Doug and I met in college at Texas Tech and have been married 31 years. We have four grown-ish children and two French bulldogs who keep life lively. I love living in downtown Austin, working with my husband, and gathering with family in Colorado and Montana. When I’m not with clients or family, you’ll likely find me exploring a local farmer’s market, taking in some Red Raider sports, or enjoying a documentary.
Securities Agent: KS, NC, MT, GA, VA, TX, DE, CO, AR, NJ, IL, LA, FL, WA, OK, NY, IN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2172891
NMLS#: 2172891
About Patty Brueckner
Patty Brueckner entered the financial services industry by chance in 2014 but quickly transformed it into a lifelong calling. She finds fulfillment in helping clients achieve financial success and making a meaningful impact on their daily lives. Patty holds a BBA in Cybersecurity from the University of Texas at San Antonio, along with an AA in Business Administration and an AS in Economics from Austin Community College. She is licensed with the Series 7 and 66 and is fluent in English, Spanish, and German, with working knowledge of Italian, French, and Portuguese.
Her career began in retail banking, where she advanced from teller to banker in just four years, before transitioning to a financial services firm to focus on Retirement Services and Equity Compensation. In 2022, she joined Morgan Stanley as a Senior Registered Client Service Associate, bringing her breadth of experience, attention to detail, and client-first approach to The Deaton Group.
At Morgan Stanley, Patty and her team specialize in connecting clients with the firm’s full suite of capabilities—including capital markets, investment banking, lending, and wealth management. Their practice emphasizes seamless execution and extraordinary outcomes, ensuring clients receive access to the right specialists and resources at the moments that matter most: capital raises, recapitalizations, liquidity events, succession planning, and long-term wealth strategies.
Originally from Cuba, Patty has lived in the Austin, TX area since 2014 after several years in Germany, where she embraced every opportunity to travel and broaden her global perspective. Outside of work, she enjoys waterskiing, synchronized swimming, golf, tennis, and traveling, while also helping her family integrate into the local Austin community. She shares her home with her husband Elvis and Angel, her beloved Persian Chinchilla cat, affectionately known as the Bond kitty.
Her career began in retail banking, where she advanced from teller to banker in just four years, before transitioning to a financial services firm to focus on Retirement Services and Equity Compensation. In 2022, she joined Morgan Stanley as a Senior Registered Client Service Associate, bringing her breadth of experience, attention to detail, and client-first approach to The Deaton Group.
At Morgan Stanley, Patty and her team specialize in connecting clients with the firm’s full suite of capabilities—including capital markets, investment banking, lending, and wealth management. Their practice emphasizes seamless execution and extraordinary outcomes, ensuring clients receive access to the right specialists and resources at the moments that matter most: capital raises, recapitalizations, liquidity events, succession planning, and long-term wealth strategies.
Originally from Cuba, Patty has lived in the Austin, TX area since 2014 after several years in Germany, where she embraced every opportunity to travel and broaden her global perspective. Outside of work, she enjoys waterskiing, synchronized swimming, golf, tennis, and traveling, while also helping her family integrate into the local Austin community. She shares her home with her husband Elvis and Angel, her beloved Persian Chinchilla cat, affectionately known as the Bond kitty.
Contact Doug Deaton
Contact Rachel Deaton
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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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 Deaton Group today.
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.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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
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.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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)
