Our Story and Services

As your Financial Advisors, we can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together we can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You’ll have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Four-Step Process

Our approach focuses on you, your family, and your career - where you are today and where you want to go. Working together, we develop the strategies to help get you there, navigating life's challenges and helping you make more informed decisions about your wealth.
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    1. Introductory Call
    We begin the process with an informal meeting to understand your financial concerns and determine how we can add value. If we agree to move forward, we will schedule our next meeting and request important financial information.
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    2. Get To Know You Meeting
    We continue the conversation by initiating an in-depth conversation where I learn more about the values that shape your decisions and identify any unique circumstances. We will also review the documents you provided and discuss your priorities.
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    3. Analysis & Plan Development
    By utilizing proprietary financial planning tools to develop a personalized and detailed plan, we can provide recommendations to help you grow, preserve, and transfer your wealth.
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    4. Implementation
    Here, we present appropriate strategies designed to work together to achieve your goals. Upon your approval, we open new accounts for you at Morgan Stanley and begin my investment recommendations. We will also begin implementing other strategies we have discussed. Often included in these strategies are tax minimization, risk management, and estate planning techniques.

Comprehensive Financial Planning

Regardless of what stage your life is in - moving ahead in your career, enjoying retirement, or somewhere in between - as your Financial Advisors, we can help you achieve your financial goals.

Using a combination of tools including goal-specific analysis, we can work with you to create a realistic, holistic strategy integrating the various aspects of your financial life, including your investments and cash management needs.

Whatever your financial goal - whether to grow your wealth, preserve it or pass it on to others, you can count on us to help you with a strategy that is:
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    1. Personal
    Highly individual and committed to help you achieve financial success.
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    2. Flexible
    Responsive to changes in your life and priorities over time.
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    3. Comprehensive
    Covering a broad array of investment products and services, with preferred benefits tied to your value with us.

Planning Your Future

Our team will work with you to understand your priorities during these crucial years and implement a customized strategy for you. Whether it is planning for retirement, transitioning into retirement, or managing your assets in retirement, our team has the experience and resources to help accomplish your personal and financial goals.
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    Understanding Your Savings Vehicles
    When it comes to retirement savings, the most important thing is to get started—after all, time is one of your greatest assets. Although retirement may seem far for some, it is essential to get started on planning for future living expenses, potential education funds, or travel costs. Let us help educate you on ways to grow and preserve your wealth.
    Learn more about 401(k) Strategies
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    The Psychological Transition into Retirement
    Most retirement preparations focus on financial planning, but it is equally crucial to look at personal considerations and help you with easing the fear of the unknown. Given that many people overlook the psychological adjustments of retirement, we can help you understand why it’s important to be emotionally (not just financially) ready for retirement.
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    Risks to Your Retirement
    Once you determine what kind of retirement you want, we will work together to take a closer look at the risks that might be standing between you and your retirement goals. No matter how well you save during the accumulation phase, it’s critical to plan how you convert those assets to income. We can help you navigate the challenges that may arise.
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    Impact of Taxes
    The strategies you use when drawing down your retirement savings can have a significant impact on how much you’ll pay in taxes and may help you keep more of the returns. Each retiree’s situation is different but establishing a tax management strategy for your investments can help you retain more of your investment returns.
    Tax-Smart Strategies

Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Team

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Morgan Stanley provides clients with resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content. The links below offer insight into the modern market and economic landscape.
2023 & 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Management Team
The Hyperion Midtown group has been recognized with this prestigious ranking for 2023 & 2024. This accolate is a testament to our team's dedication and professionalism to our clients.

(2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams. Source: Forbes.com Awarded Jan 2024. Data compiled by Shook Research LLC for the period 3/31/22-3/31/23.)

(2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams. Source: Forbes.com Awarded Jan 2023. Data compiled by Shook Research LLC for the period 3/31/21-3/31/22. Disclosure:)

Location

55 East 52nd Street 10th
14th Fl
New York, NY 10055
US
Direct:
(212) 893-7664(212) 893-7664
Toll-Free:
(212) 705-4500(212) 705-4500
Fax:
(914) 290-6777(914) 290-6777

Meet The Hyperion Midtown Group

About James H Bais

James H Bais is a Senior V.P., Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager and founding leader of the Hyperion Group at Morgan Stanley’s Midtown Manhattan Complex.

Jim is a Fordham University 84’ graduate with a BS in finance and economics. He then received his MBA in Finance from Fordham in 1988. A 30 + year veteran of the financial service industry, Jim began his consulting career in 1989, at Merrill Lynch in NYC, where he spent 19 years as a financial advisor. In 2008, Jim transitioned his clients and business to Morgan Stanley’s flagship 6th avenue complex in New York City, where over the last 15 years he has attained the level of Senior Portfolio Manager, serving clients in areas of expertise which include asset management, retirement planning as well as banking and lending. Jim and The Hyperion Midtown Group were included in Forbes 2023 ranking of the nation's Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams for New York.

Jim and the Hyperion Group work with a diverse group of clients that include medical, law and accounting professionals, as well as small business owners and of course retirees. Focusing on client relationship building which is a process, Jim and his team communicate directly with clients, helping them define their financial objectives and ultimately striving to realize their life goals by delivering a customized wealth management plan. Investment diversification and Asset/Liability risk management are the foundations of these life plans.

A native New Yorker, Jim and his wife Carylanne have raised their family on Long Island and enjoy traveling. On his spare time, Jim loves outdoor activities which include biking, hiking, golf, fishing and harvesting oysters.



​Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (January 2023) 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2023. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 3/31/21 – 3/31/22.
Securities Agent: MT, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, IA, ID, IL, LA, MA, MD, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA, OR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1285157

About Michael R Guarnaccia

Michael Guarnaccia is a financial advisor in New York City’s flagship office with 20 years of investment experience. Michael enjoys working with financially successful individuals and families, providing highly personalized advice through a disciplined wealth management approach. He focuses on what is most important to each family so he can develop a customized plan designed to help build, preserve and transition their wealth. Prior to being recruited to Morgan Stanley, Michael worked at Merrill Lynch where he served the needs of affluent individuals. Michael and The Hyperion Midtown Group has been included in Forbes ranking of the nation's Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams for New York in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Michael is a graduate of St. John’s University where he earned his B.S. in Finance from the Tobin School of Business. He currently serves on the board of Kids for Kids – St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Michael resides in Lincroft, New Jersey with his wife Ashley and sons Michael Jr, John and Nicholas. When he is not spending time with his family, he enjoys giving back to his community and playing golf.



2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: AL, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, IA, ID, IL, LA, MA, MD, MO, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, AZ, OR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1949831

About Robbie Higdon

Robbie is the newest member of The Hyperion Midtown Group, serving as Client Service Associate. His role is to develop strong relationships with clients
to help identify their needs. Starting his career as a Morgan Stanley intern, he joined the group in 2019.

Robbie received his B.S. degree in Finance from Montclair State University. He is also a part of the Army National Guard where he serves in a leadership role in the 253rd Transportation Company out of
Cape May, NJ.

Born in Jamestown, New York, Robbie now resides in Manhattan. He enjoys traveling, watching sports and visiting local attractions around the city.
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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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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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 
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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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Hyperion Midtown Group today.
1Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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

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2Investors 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.

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3Morgan 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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4Morgan 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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5Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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6Morgan 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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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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9Morgan 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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10When 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.

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11Morgan 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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12Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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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)