About Me
As a founding member of The FG Group, Ben coordinates complex financial strategies and comprehensive wealth plans for a diverse range of clients, including high net worth individuals and their families, entrepreneurs, business owners and attorneys.
Ben leverages his synergistic background in both private banking and wealth advisory services to provide guidance across all aspects of his clients' financial needs. He leverages the full scope of Morgan Stanley products to help manage both sides of the balance sheet and provide appropriate strategies for an array of needs—investment management, lending solutions, trust and estate planning strategy and more. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Ben brings extensive background and thought leadership to his practice. He is committed to nurturing strong relationships and strives to build a deep level of trust.
A native of Iowa, Ben began his financial services career at The Northern Trust Company in Chicago, serving the private banking and wealth advisory needs of ultra-highnet- worth families. He joined Deutsche Bank Alex Brown as a Client Advisor and was a Senior Private Banker at City National Bank. Ben was at Merrill Lynch for five years before joining J.P. Morgan in 2018. In 2025, Ben moved to Morgan Stanley with his team. He is pleased to offer clients the security of the firm's fortress balance sheet and the breadth of its global investment platforms.
Ben is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where he received B.B.A. degrees from the Tippie College of Business, in both Finance and Management. He holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® certification (CPWA), an advanced credential that focuses on every phase of wealth—accumulation, preservation and distribution. This designation positions advisors to develop strategies that are designed to help minimize tax impacts, monetize and protect assets, maximize growth and prepare for the transfer of wealth.
As residents of Issaquah, WA, Ben and his children, Charlotte and Dominic, take advantage of all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Together, they enjoy boating, biking, golfing and skiing.
Ben holds a deep interest in philanthropy and is a Board Trustee of the Issaquah Schools Foundation, whose focus is on providing programs that help students build academic foundations, explore limitless opportunities, and launch successfully into the future.
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. 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.
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
Securities Agent: WA, MD, WI, RI, OH, GA, MA, IL, CO, TN, OR, AZ, NC, MO, CA, VA, UT, TX, NY, ME, IA, FL, CT, NJ, MI, DC, SC, NV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
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