The FLAG Group at Morgan Stanley

Michael A. Gabay
Senior Vice President
Alternative Investments Director
Financial Planning Specialist | Financial Advisor

An experienced professional for over 20 years, Michael is dedicated to helping financially successful individuals and families achieve their personal and professional goals. His results-driven approach focuses on the development of a comprehensive wealth management plan and a commitment to providing outstanding service. Michael enjoys guiding his clients in simplifying their financial lives, so they may enjoy the wealth they have created and leave the legacy they desire.

Upon graduating with honors from the University of Michigan where he earned his B.B.A. degree in Finance, Michael continued his studies, receiving his J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City. After law school, Michael joined Ravin, Sarasohn, Cook, Baumgarten, Fisch and Baime as an Associate Attorney before assuming the role of General Counsel and Director of Operations at AIN Plastics, a national plastics distribution firm. After the company was sold, Michael joined Merrill Lynch for the opportunity to share his institutional knowledge and build deeper client relationships with high net worth individuals and businesses. In 2004, Michael became a member of the Morgan Stanley family with his colleagues, Shaun Freeman and Kevin Lawlor. Michael does not currently give legal advice.

Michael draws upon his business and investment experience to provide his clients with targeted financial advice and customized portfolio management with the highest degree of personal service and professional integrity. To help ensure a cohesive, coordinated approach, he and his team work closely with their clients’ other trusted advisors, including their attorneys and accountants.

Michael was named to the 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors ranking for the State of New Jersey.

(2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 ) Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded (2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.


Originally from Long Island, Michael currently lives in New Jersey. Favorite leisure activities include skiing, golf and spending time with his two daughters, Amanda and Julia.

Securities Agent: WI, VT, VA, TX, TN, SD, SC, RI, PA, OR, OH, NY, NJ, NC, MN, MI, ME, MD, MA, GA, FL, DC, CO, CA, AZ, KY, CT, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1270210
CA Insurance License #: 0E06813

Kevin J. Lawlor
Senior Vice President – Wealth Management
Financial Advisor

A seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience, Kevin enjoys working with financially successful individuals and families, providing highly personalized advice through a disciplined wealth management approach. His diverse background in the financial services industry enables him to help his clients understand the intricate details of their personal wealth. He focuses on what is most important to each family, so he can develop a customized plan designed to build, preserve and transition their wealth.

After earning his B.A. degree in Finance from Siena College in 1990, Kevin joined Merrill Lynch’s Private Client Group in Manhattan. Three years later, he was recruited to the firm’s Institutional Sales Group, where he worked specifically on Merrill’s Municipal Bond Sales and Trading Desk. In this role, Kevin was responsible for consulting and developing business for the nation’s largest banks, mutual funds and money managers. Upon receiving his M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University in 1997, Kevin returned to the Private Client Group as a Financial Consultant, where he worked closely with individuals and families in solving their financial challenges. In 2004, Kevin joined his colleagues, Michael Gabay and Shaun Freeman, in transitioning their practice to Morgan Stanley. He was asked to assume the role of Producing Branch Manager within the Florham Park complex from 2009 to 2012.

Kevin’s passion for helping clients achieve their goals is equaled only by his dedication to his family and community. He and his wife, Beth, reside in Green Brook with their children, Brendan and Gillian. He currently serves on the board of the Franciscan Charities, a local nonprofit focused on combatting hunger and poverty in the city of Newark. In his free time, Kevin loves spending time with family and friends. Over the years, he has coached boy’s travel basketball and girl’s travel soccer. He is also an avid tennis player.

Shaun B. Freeman, CFP^®
Senior Vice President – Wealth Management
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Family Wealth Advisor | Financial Advisor

Shaun has dedicated his entire career to understanding his clients’ personal financial goals, so he may provide tailored strategies to address their unique circumstances and resources. For nearly 20 years, he has earned a reputation for providing highly customized advice and investment solutions to highly successful individuals and families in the New York metropolitan area. He listens carefully to his clients’ goals, values and concerns and works tirelessly to make a difference by providing comprehensive wealth management services with passion and integrity.

Shaun began his career at Merrill Lynch in 1998 in the firm’s notable Professional Development Program, working with high net worth individuals to create comprehensive solutions for their wealth management needs. While at Merrill, Shaun was part of the company’s Business Financial Services Group, where he worked closely with business owners to identify and implement customized cash management and lending strategies. In 2004, Shaun joined his colleagues, Michael Gabay and Kevin Lawlor, in moving their practice to Morgan Stanley for the opportunity to access the firm’s first-class knowledge across a broad range of family wealth services.

In 2000, Shaun earned the distinguished CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP^®) designation, demonstrating his commitment to helping clients address the complicated issues facing today’s wealthy families. Shaun takes pride in his ability to take complex financial concepts and effectively communicate them to his clients. He works diligently to demystify the planning process by understanding their aspirations and values, so he may articulate the key activities to help achieve their specific goals.

A graduate of Hampton University with a B.S. degree in Finance, Shaun resides in Northern New Jersey with his wife, Nicole, and their two children, Rashad and Nia. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing sports, reading and listening to music.

Sangeetha’s ability to build relationships and trust began early 2012 when she established herself as a successful entrepreneur in India by launching her boutique retail clothing brand that sold ethnic women's clothing. Upon her move to the United States, Wealth management was Sangeetha’s calling. In 2017 she started her career at UBS Financial services through a trainee program where she gained a solid foundation in the wealth management business. Later she had the opportunity to join Wells Fargo Advisors as a Registered Client Associate working across operations involving account opening and transfers, trading, preparation of financial plan, implementation of asset allocation, portfolio review and proactively helping in marketing and communication. In the beginning of 2023, She joined the FLAG Group at Morgan Stanley as Wealth Management Analyst where she focus on financial planning, business management, and operational support and commit herself to providing white-glove service tailored to each client’s specific and unique needs.

Sangeetha earned her Bachelor of Arts from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India and MBA from the PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore, India. She has an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning from New York University, NY.

She enjoys painting and designing ethnic Indian clothing and jewelry. She resides in New Providence with her husband and two young daughters.

Athar Khalil brings a unique blend of financial expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to his role as a Registered Client Associate at Morgan Stanley. Before transitioning into the financial services industry eight years ago, Athar honed his business acumen in the restaurant sector, where he managed and owned a franchise restaurant. Athar’s diverse background in the restaurant industry has equipped him with a strong work ethic, a keen eye for detail, and deep understanding of client needs. His ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and manage complex operations translates into his current role, where he is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals.
In 2016, Athar started his career at JPMorgan Chase as a Personal Banker and worked his way to a Private Client Banker where he gained a solid foundation and understanding of the wealth management business. Later he had the opportunity to work as a Registered Client Associate at Wells Fargo Advisors working alongside several financial advisors. His responsibilities consisted of serving as the primary point of contact for clients, executing trades and transactions as directed by financial advisors or clients, facilitating the onboarding process for new clients, and assisting with estate management process. At the FLAG group, he is responsible for coordinating all administrative and operational duties for the team.
Outside of work, Athar is an avid tennis player who actively participates in local leagues and tournaments. Currently he resides in North Brunswick with his wife and his two children.

Nathalie Blanco is dedicated and knowledgeable with a proven track record in the financial industry. Since 2020, she has been fostering strong client relationships, beginning her career at the UBS Wealth Advice Center trainee program. Her journey continued at Merrill Lynch as a junior financial advisor, where she honed her skills in Asset Allocation, Financial Planning, and Operations. Currently, she is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the Flag Group at Morgan Stanley as Registered Client Service Associate, where she is committed to helping clients achieve their financial goals.

Nathalie's academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics, both from Montclair State University. Her expertise in data-driven decision-making complements her financial acumen, making her an invaluable asset to her clients.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Nathalie is an active member of the Executive Women of New Jersey Committee, where she contributes to empowering women in leadership roles. In her personal time, she is passionate about continuous learning, often immersing herself in books and podcasts. Additionally, Nathalie practices mindfulness through meditation and yoga, which she believes are essential to maintaining balance and focus on her career.