DHC Group Story

The DHC Group Brings over 25 years of professional experience to financial plan development, and portfolio construction. Our practice is based around staying grounded in common sense investing strategies for long term client relationships.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

Our consultative method is the same for all of our clients: we work closely with them to help articulate their goals and aspirations for themselves, their loved ones, and their businesses. Then we thoughtfully create a holistic wealth management strategy based on their objectives; being mindful of risk mitigation, tax issues, and changing economic conditions. We regularly review portfolios with our clients to make sure that their plans are on track towards their short and long term goals.
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    Step 1: Introduction & Discovery Meeting
    We want to get to know you, understand what's important to you, your family and your loved ones. We will discuss important investment concepts and our approach to Financial Planning along with an in-depth discussion of your needs, values and aspirations for the future of your current wealth:
    • Review assets, liabilities, lending solutions, insurance, etc.
    • Current investment strategies
    • Identify circumstances which make your personal situation unique
    • Develop an appropriate risk tolerance








    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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    Step 2: Asset Allocation
    We will help you develop a customized asset allocation model that reflects your investment time horizon and risk profile across multiple investments and disciplines. We may also explore short-term adjustments to take advantage of opportunities created by temporary market distortions.
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    Step 3: Actions Items/Next steps
    We will help you coordinate strategies with other financial professionals if needed (Attorneys, Accountants, etc.) and established time lines/due dates as needed. We will enroll you on Morgan Stanley's digital tools to provide convenient access to your accounts and other important information.
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    Step 4: Implementation
    After extensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across a range of market scenarios, investment strategies from our Global Investment platform can be leveraged to create your portfolio. This process aims to facilitate a more efficient balance of risk and return for your specific strategy.
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    Step 5: Assessment and Adjustments
    We will conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to help ensure that your strategy adapts to changing needs. We insist on maintaining a consistent level of communication to make sure your concerns and requests are always addressed in a timely manner.

Addressing the needs of a family

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    Trust & Estate Planning
    Often the hardest part of estate planning is just starting the conversation. Our group will help you and your family open these lines of communication to facilitate your ability to preserve and transfer wealth.
    Trust & Estate Planning Overview
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    Family Governance & Dynamics
    For many high net worth clients, running a family business, operating a family office or simply investing as a family can present daunting challenges with a mix of issues. It is critical to develop a cohesive and thorough framework that helps you make decisions as a family.
    Family Governance & Dynamics
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    Philanthropic Planning
    Many selfless individuals begin their philanthropic journeys by defining their personal passions and objectives. However, implementing a strategy can become challenging when there are multiple worthy causes close to your heart.
    Donor Advised Funds
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    Signature Access
    Signature Access provides Lifestyle Advisory services for the most affluent families. We will help connect you with carefully vetted, experienced professionals who can provide an extensive variety of services to help you contain costs, mitigate risks and enhance your overall enjoyment of life.
    The Lifestyle Advisory Offering

Unique Wealth Management Products

    Keeping You Engaged

    Your financial education leads to better insights into our investment strategy and discipline, and ultimately, better long-term decisions throughout your wealth management journey. Our team is committed to providing you with important information about managing your wealth in today's fast pace environment.
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      Morgan Stanley Online
      Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of digital features that help you keep track of your finances. They include mobile check deposit, paying your bills online, sending money through Zelle®, and accessing current market data, research, company profiles and quotes.
      Morgan Stanley Online
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      GIC Weekly Research Report
      The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
      Read The Latest Report
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      Total Wealth View
      Total Wealth View
      It’s hard to see the complete picture with only half of the details. As a Morgan Stanley client, you can now conveniently view your accounts from other financial institutions in one location to give you and your financial advisor a full picture of your financial wealth and health. Log into Morgan Stanley Online or download the Morgan Stanley Mobile App to link and add external accounts.
      Total Wealth View
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      The Morgan Stanley Minute
      Explore our 1-minute investment insights videos in this on-going series from our firm’s leading thinkers. Discover current investment trends and topics like green bonds, active investment, monetizing small businesses, cybercrime and more
      Watch On-Demand

    WORKPLACE FINANCIAL BENEFITS WITH MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

    Our mission is to help your company elevate your workplace financial benefits—helping you to attract and retain top talent. Our end-to-end solutions support your company and employees at any stage of growth through a powerful combination of modern technology, insightful guidance, and dedicated service.

      Equity Solutions

      Equity ownership is a powerful motivator. Streamline equity management through our leading-edge technology and provide global audit-ready reporting and insights, alongside customizable participant experiences to engage and educate your employees on how to make the most of their benefits. Our global solutions support private and public companies at any stage of growth.

      • Equity Administration and Financial Reporting
      • Liquidity Events
      • 409A Valuation Services and Cap Table Management

      Learn more
      Retirement

      For your employees, retirement is more than a date in the future—it's a milestone that takes time, hard work, and the right tools. Through our consultative process, we strive to assist with the management of your fiduciary responsibilities and risk, simplify plan management, and help you improve retirement readiness for your employees.

      • Defined Contribution Consulting
      • Solutions-Oriented Plans
      • Fiduciary Investment Oversight

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      Deferred Compensation

      Access a range of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation plan services or pick the ones that best fit your needs. We provide recordkeeping and plan design, portfolio construction services, and plan education for your executive talent. We help you determine the appropriate plan design and inform a funding strategy through a needs-based assessment and consultative approach.

      Services include:

      • Recordkeeping and Plan Design
      • Portfolio Construction
      • Wealth Management Services
      Learn more
      Executive Services

      Our dedicated team provides concierge-level support for your executives' equity compensation plans, from 10b5-1 trading plans to form filing related to Rule 144 transactions, to access to wealth management and tax-optimization strategies, so helping them navigate their complex financial needs with greater confidence and certainty:

      • Equity Compensation Services
      • Equity Award Analysis
      • Specialized Solutions
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      Saving and Giving

      Saving and Giving benefits can make a real difference in your employees' lives as they can support the things that matter most to them—like saving for education and repaying student loans. Show that you are committed to your employees' priorities with leading-edge solutions that help them chart a path toward financial well-being.

      • College Savings
      • Student Loan Repayment and Refinancing
      • Charitable Giving
      Learn more
      Financial Wellness

      We offer Financial Wellness with every solution we provide. Through a powerful combination of education, digital tools and guidance, Financial Wellness is designed to address the unique needs of your employees and empower their financial journey at every stage. Give your employees the confidence to take charge of their finances.

      • Financial Education
      • Digital Tools
      • Financial Guidance

      Learn more

    Location

    233 S Wacker Dr
    Ste 8600
    Chicago, IL 60606
    US
    Direct:
    (312) 648-3600(312) 648-3600
    Toll-Free:
    (800) 621-5231(800) 621-5231

    Meet The DHC Group

    About Derek S Chatterton

    Derek takes a hands on approach in working with each client to create and execute personalized financial plans. He focuses on helping affluent clients manage the complexities of wealth through financial planning, asset allocation, and manager selection. His knowledge of investments comes from 17 years of experience with estate planning, philanthropy, and portfolio management. He graduated from the University of Kansas and is a Chartered Financial Consultant. Derek spent 10+ years at JPMorgan Private Client Group working with Ultra High Net Worth Families to create, execute and coordinate complex wealth plans. He is a Family Wealth Director at Morgan Stanley, a designation held by approximately only 4% of the firm's financial advisors.
    Securities Agent: NY, HI, WA, OR, NV, NE, MA, SC, MO, MN, GA, AR, IN, ID, NJ, MD, DE, DC, CA, PA, OH, IA, FL, CT, KS, WI, RI, OK, MT, LA, CO, KY, ME, WY, UT, TX, TN, IL, VA, PR, NM, NC, AZ, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 1272817

    About Douglas S Hunnicutt

    Douglas brings 21 years of experience to the DHC Group and concentrates on fixed-income investing to help affluent individuals address their cash flow needs.  He also is responsible for building and monitoring discretionary portfolios as the lead portfolio manager for the DHC Group Managed portfolio. Doug is a Charted Financial Analyst (CFA) as well as a Senior Partner in the DHC Group .  He earned a Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from DePaul University in Chicago and a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Iowa State University with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics.
    Securities Agent: WY, CO, WI, TX, SC, NJ, IL, IA, CT, UT, OR, NY, NV, MD, CA, PA, OK, NM, IN, FL, VA, RI, OH, MT, ME, AR, TN, NC, DE, AZ, MN, ID, GA, PR, NE, DC, WA, MO, LA, HI, MI, MA, KY, KS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 1252952

    About Christian Finley

    Christian earned his B.S. degree from DePaul University and began his career in Wealth Management shortly thereafter. He joined the team in 2018 as a Financial Advisor, bringing a strong dedication to delivering personalized, strategic guidance to individuals and families. Recognizing the growing demand for holistic financial advice, Christian pursued and earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 2021. This credential reflects his commitment to professional excellence and enhances his ability to provide comprehensive planning solutions across a wide spectrum of client needs. In addition to his advisory role, Christian helps lead the team's Stock Plan business, where he specializes in working with corporate executives and employees of publicly traded companies. He offers tailored guidance on the complexities of equity compensation, including concentrated stock positions, helping clients make informed decisions aligned with their long-term financial goals.
    Securities Agent: IN, VA, UT, RI, PR, NV, NM, MN, WI, LA, DE, CO, FL, MT, OR, OH, HI, MD, NJ, CT, ID, AZ, TN, IL, IA, GA, DC, SC, PA, KS, TX, NY, NE, MO, MI, ME, MA, CA, WA, OK, NC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
    NMLS#: 1842861

    About Mike Harenberg

    Mike has been a member of the team since 2016, working as the team’s analyst and portfolio manager. He brings nearly two decades of experience, having been a registered associate at Morgan Stanley since 2008. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida and maintains his Series 3, 7, and 66 licenses. As of 2025, Mike has earned the CFA Charter, which is a globally recognized designation that attests to success in a rigorous and comprehensive study program in the investment management and research industry and includes a commitment to ethical conduct. He resides in the Northwest Suburbs with his wife, Marissa, and their two sons, Jax and Kagan. Outside of the office, Mike enjoys playing hockey and golf, and is an avid supporter of the Florida Gators.

    About Mike Dattalo

    Mike joined the DHC Group in June of 2022 and is a valuable member of the team through his commitment to client service and operational excellence. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 2021 where he studied Financial Planning. Mike holds the FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses, allowing him to support the team with his primary responsibilities including client onboarding, account administration, and performance reporting. Mike lives in Chicago's West loop where he is able to enjoy the short commute to the DHC Group's office in Willis Tower. Outside of the office, he enjoys staying active and engaged through travel, cooking, and playing golf.

    Awards and Recognition

    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
    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.
    Wealth Management
    Global Investment Office

    Portfolio Insights

    This is a video content

    Equity Compensation

    Helping you make the most of your equity awards and better understand how it may fit into your your larger financial picture – today and tomorrow.

    • Vesting events
    • Option expirations
    • Restricted stock units
    • Tax implications

    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
    Article Image

    A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

    Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

    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
    2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration
    Article Image

    2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration

    Global growth is likely to slow in 2025 and 2026 as the shock of higher U.S. tariffs crimps demand around the world.

    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
    Article Image

    529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

    Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

    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
    Article Image

    Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

    Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

    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
    Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
    Article Image

    Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving

    There's more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here's one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

    Financial Wellness

    Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
    • Reduce employee stress,
    • Improve retention and engagement, and
    • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
    The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
    Article Image

    The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

    In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
    Ready to start a conversation? Contact The DHC Group today.
    Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
    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.

    1Alternative 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.

    For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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    2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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    3Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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    4Morgan 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.

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    5Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

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    6Morgan 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.

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    7Morgan 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.

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    8The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG 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. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

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    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

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    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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and federally registered CFP (with flame 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
    CRC 6491812 (04/2024)