Welcome to The Island Group

Welcome to The Island Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management.

The Island Group is a deeply experienced, cohesive team of financial professionals with over 115 years of combined industry experience. Our clients are both domestic and international, wealthy families, ultra-high net worth individuals, foundations and public and private businesses. We apply our diverse talents to deliver on a common mission: To help you identify, plan for and achieve your financial goals.

We are dedicated to providing an extraordinary experience for our clients by delivering the power and scale of Morgan Stanley in the style of an elite, independent boutique office. We are proud to share that our team dynamic and collective commitment to providing our clients with high-quality service awarded us a ranking on the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list in both 2023 and 2024.

Our team appreciates that every client situation is unique. As such, we work tirelessly to understand each client’s financial profile, family dynamics and life goals so we can tailor their wealth solutions to help meet their personal and financial objectives.

We know our clients have worked hard to build their wealth. Our methodical and comprehensive approach helps optimize that hard work to have a long-lasting impact for future generations.

We look forward to learning more about you and your family, and to discussing how we can help you address your challenges and reach your goals.

Disclaimer:
2023, 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023, 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.
  • 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.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Modern Wealth Management Tools and Resources

Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital resources has carefully been designed to help enhance each aspect of your financial portfolio. Take some time to learn about some of the many Modern Wealth Management resources that we offer to our clients.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley mobile app! Access your finances and invest in an instant with the help of this handy resource that is available 24/7.
    Learn more about Morgan Stanley Online
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial profile with Total Wealth View. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more educated and holistic wealth planning, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn more about Total Wealth View
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    LifeView
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that creates a realistic, integrated strategy meant to incorporate aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs. It also provides progress-to-goals reporting which illustrate complex planning strategies.
    Access the LifeView Risk Tolerance Questionnaire
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    Family Office Resources
    Family Office Resources
    Family Office Resources (FOR) is a helpful resource that provides specialized technical expertise to ultra-high net worth advisors and clients across a broad range of family wealth management issues.
    Learn more about Family Office Resources
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    Online Security Center
    Safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities here at the Hubbard Team. Learn about our extensive security measures and take advantage of our vast array of resources and ideas that are geared towards helping you stay protected on the World Wide Web.
    Learn more about the Online Security Center
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    Goals-Based Planning
    Working with Morgan Stanley and its advanced wealth management technology is an ideal way to access advice and build a coherent wealth plan. Read more about the advantages of working with our unique planning technology to help reach your financial goals, whatever they may be.
    Learn more about Goals-Based Planning
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    Portfolio Risk Platform
    Morgan Stanley's Portfolio Risk Platform is powered by BlackRock's Aladdin risk engine, a state-of-the-art, innovative risk engine used by several of the world’s largest institutional asset managers, providing you with comprehensive risk analytics and a sophisticated view of the risk/return dichotomy across your financial portfolios. This helpful tool can assist you in making educated investment decisions with increased confidence.
    Learn more about the Portfolio Risk Platform
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    2021 Tax Tables
    This helpful resource outlines the 2021 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information. With tax season seemingly always right around the corner, it's best to be as informed as possible.
    Access the 2021 federal tax tables

Cybersecurity Resource Center

Here at the Island Group, your security is our top priority. Morgan Stanley proactively defends our systems and monitors our digital landscapes to anticipate issues before they arise and respond appropriately when they do.

The firm is actively supporting multiple layers of security. Security includes the following; Strong encryption protocols designed to protect your data, continuous monitoring to help detect and prevent fraudulent activity in your accounts, routine testing of our systems to identify potential vulnerabilities, and independent reviews by outside security firms to penetration test our applications and evaluate our processes.
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    Family Office Cybersecurity
    Family Offices are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats and the dangers of ransomware are real. Consider these best practices to protect your information and assets in an increasingly complex digital world.
    Click here to learn more
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    Cloud Computing
    As companies accelerate the move to cloud computing, cybersecurity challenges have intensified. Learn how two key software markets are poised to converge to mitigate new threats.
    Click here to learn more
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    Protecting your Smart Devices
    Smart devices, we can’t live without them. But they can present security risks. Here’s how to protect yourself:
    Click here to learn more
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    Cryptocurrency Scams
    Cryptocurrency is attracting a lot of attention lately—including from cybercriminals. Learn more about this digital currency, as well as some popular scams being perpetrated by fraudsters.
    Click here to learn more
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    Cybersecurity for College Students
    College students may not be too concerned about being a target for hackers. Find out why cybercriminals may prey on students and how they can protect themselves.
    Click here to learn more
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    Protecting your Digital Footprint
    Worried about how much of your personal information is available online? See how you can manage your digital footprint.
    Click here to learn more
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    Phone Security
    Do you pay as much attention to protecting the security of your phone as your computer? Find out why you should.
    Click here to learn more
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    Staying Cybersafe on Vacation
    Going on vacation? Use these tips to help ensure you return home with your cybersecurity intact.
    Click here to learn more

International Wealth Management

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Part of a global financial legacy that dates back over 150 years, Morgan Stanley is one of the few truly global institutions with the scale, scope and commitment to serve the international investor. We serve among the world’s most capitalized institutions, and stand as one of the largest wealth management firms in the world.

Morgan Stanley International Wealth Management (IWM) harnesses the extensive capabilities of the firm to serve investors located outside the United States. Functioning as a specialized group within Morgan Stanley, IWM is staffed by specially trained International Client Advisors and managers who understand your wealth management needs. Our International Client Advisors are familiar with the investment challenges and opportunities that are unique to your part of the world, and can recommend highly customized strategies to help you address your specific goals.
International Coverage
Our Manhattan-based office proudly serves clients from all over the world in nearly 20 countries and territories across five continents. Domestically speaking, we are also quite geographically diverse, currently serving clients in 33 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. If you do not see your country, state, or territory shaded on the map, let us know, and we will happily inquire about eligibility. The list of countries and territories that we serves is as follows:

Australia
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cayman Islands
Ecuador
France
Germany
Guernsey
Hong Kong
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
New Zealand
Puerto RIco
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Singapore
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay

Valuable Tools and Resources

We believe financial education leads to better insights into our investment strategy and discipline, and ultimately, better long-term decisions. As a result, we are committed to providing you with important information about managing your wealth more effectively in today’s global markets.
We have assembled the following resources that reinforce the fundamental investment strategies and concepts of our practice. We’ve provided links to these materials, where available, and hope you’ll return often to learn more about the topics that impact your overall wealth.
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    MS Reserved
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards Morgan Stanley's most valued clients. The program is designed to enhance your lifestyle and relationship with the firm beyond traditional wealth management services.
    Learn more about MS Reserved
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    Wealth Management Home Page
    The Morgan Stanley difference is emphasized when it comes to the plethora of resources that we provide our clients. Click on the link below to learn more about our firm, our values, and our services.
    Learn more about Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
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    Thoughts on the Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Morgan Stanley's Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist as he and his colleagues discuss their viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Check out the latest episode
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    Addressing Cybercrime
    In a world that is now more virtual than ever, staying safe online is nothing short of paramount. Take advantage of these helpful hints on how to tell if you've been hacked.
    Learn how to detect hacking
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    Retirement Planning
    It’s important to determine how much money you may need to save for a comfortable retirement. Here are three strategies that can help you optimize your 401(k) plan.
    Explore potential options
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    Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
    Cryptocurrency is becoming more and more well-known, and it is beginning to pique the interest of many investors. While it is certainly a topic of interest, many do not consider themselves well-informed on cryptocurrency, and it is crucial to make educated decisions in regards to your investing.
    Click here to learn more
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    Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
    Technology seems to be getting smarter by the minute, and artificial intelligence is on the verge of becoming a more common presence in our everyday lives. Learn about how robots and other forms of AI are taking the world by storm with their new and innovative technology.
    Click here to learn more
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    Autonomous, Shared Mobility, and Electric Vehicles
    The future of movement appears to be in electric vehicles, which have taken a larger and larger portion of the transportation marketplace as of recent. This has the potential to create a massive shift in how we get from point A to point B, and can possibly lead to other electric means of transportation, as well, such as trains and planes.
    Click here to learn more

Location

399 Park Ave
12th Fl
New York, NY 10022
US
Direct:
(212) 893-6523(212) 893-6523
Toll-Free:
(800) 691-2704(800) 691-2704
Fax:
(646) 961-3329(646) 961-3329

Meet The Island Group

About Michael J Darling

Michael Darling has been in the financial services industry since 1984. He started his career at Kidder Peabody in 1984.  From 1988-2001 he was an advisor with Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) until their sale to Credit Suisse  in 2001. He then joined Morgan Stanley (legacy Smith Barney) in 2005. His areas of focus include portfolio management, portfolio construction and alternative investments. Michael is also a member of Morgan Stanley's prestigious President's Club, an elite group composed of the firm's top financial advisors (https://mgstn.ly/3J3ywqw).

Michael has an extensive background in the international area.  He is particularly experienced in wealth transfer strategies for international clients contemplating a public or private sale of their business interests.
Michael was born in Bermuda and educated in both England and the United States. He is a graduate of Indiana University - Bloomington. Michael is the President of The American Friends of the National Museum of Bermuda. He lives in New York City with his wife and two children and enjoys playing golf and running marathons.
Securities Agent: NM, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1265343

About Samuel C Buxton

Samuel "Sam" Buxton is a Senior Vice President, International Client Advisor, and Alternative Investments Director who has worked for Morgan Stanley (legacy Smith Barney) since 2005. Prior to joining the firm, he graduated from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor in 2003 and went onto work at Credit Suisse Private Wealth Management with Michael Darling. Sam’s areas of focus include asset allocation, manager due diligence, and insurance/annuity reviews.

Sam completed Morgan Stanley’s rigorous Family Wealth Director Certification program, which enables him to assist clients with wealth transfer, family governance, and philanthropic services. He is a member of Morgan Stanley's prestigious Century Club, an group composed of the firm's most successful financial advisors (https://mgstn.ly/3J3ywqw). Sam was also named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking in 2023.

Sam was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and he currently resides in New York City with his wife, Pam, their daughter, Abigail, and their Cavapoo, Parker. Sam is a proud Philadelphia Eagles fan and enjoys playing sports in his free time. He plays both tennis and squash and is an aspiring golfer.

[Source: Forbes.com (Awarded April 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22. https://mgstn.ly/43OzL4E]
Securities Agent: NM, WA, IL, CA, DE, WY, GA, HI, FL, LA, MA, ME, KS, MO, NC, MI, OH, PA, VT, VA, SC, SD, TX, AZ, CO, DC, WI, UT, PR, NY, NV, NJ, NH, MT, MD, IN, ID, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1264960
CA Insurance License #: 0H29363

About Edmund Debler

Edmund Debler began his career on Wall Street in 1992 after graduating from Columbia Business School with an MBA in Finance.  He joined Morgan Stanley in 2010 with a focus on equity investments, portfolio construction & management, and alternative investments. Edmund is a member of Morgan Stanley's prestigious Century Club, a group of the firm's most successful advisors (https://mgstn.ly/3J3ywqw).

Edmund, as the team CIO, closely monitors and analyzes macro economic data and their impact on the equity portfolios. Prior, his investment focus was primarily in healthcare.  He was a portfolio manager at SAC Capital, Millennium Partners, and Panacea Asset Management, a healthcare hedge fund that he co-founded.

Edmund also earned a Ph.D. in Biology from New York University in 1985.  Prior to his career on Wall Street, he conducted basic neurobiological research (published 21 scientific articles).  He graduated from Columbia College with a BA in Biology.

Edmund lives in New York City with his wife and two children.
Securities Agent: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, NM, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, AK, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, PR, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1265238
CA Insurance License #: 4191622

About Alex Tuason

Alex Tuason has two decades of experience in providing exceptional client service in wealth management. He began his career in 2000 at a predecessor Morgan Stanley firm and then joined The Island Group in 2016.
Alex thrives on getting to know our clients and understanding their needs. Clients call Alex to move money, trade securities, exchange foreign currency, and sometimes just to share a story about their family. His unwavering support and commitment reminds our clients why they chose The Island Group.
Alex holds his Series 7 and 63 licenses. He lives in Bergen County, New Jersey with his wife and two sons. Alex enjoys coaching his sons’ basketball and soccer teams.

About Mackenzie Cunningham

Mackenzie Cunningham joined Morgan Stanley with The Island Group in June 2019 after graduating magna cum laude from Wake Forest University. While at Wake, she majored in Business and Enterprise Management and received a minor in Global Trade and Commerce.
As the newest member of The Island Group, Mackenzie provides a variety of administrative support and account management functions for the team. She also supports the team’s Senior Portfolio Manager with research and monitoring of equity portfolios and investments.
Mackenzie grew up in Locust Valley, New York, and recently moved to New York City. She has obtained various financial designations, as well, including her Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

About Nicholas Kennedy

Nick Kennedy is a Client Service Associate who first joined the Island Group in the Summer of 2019 as an intern. Prior to beginning full time for the group, he worked for a media production start-up that provides new forms of digital content to financial services companies for their retail investors. Nick graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado - Boulder, where he double majored in Finance and Real Estate, and it was during his time in college where he first began his career with Morgan Stanley.

Originally from North Salem, New York, Nick currently lives in the Chelsea district of Manhattan. An avid New York sports fan, he enjoys watching Yankees and Giants games and playing pick-up basketball with friends.
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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

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.

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
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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 Island Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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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2Morgan 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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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 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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5GlobalCurrency is available to clients of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC with an eligible brokerage account. Before undertaking foreign exchange transactions, clients should understand the associated risks.
Engaging in foreign currency transactions entails more varied risks than normally associated with transactions in the domestic securities markets. Attention should be paid to market, credit, sovereign, and liquidity risks. The foreign exchange transactions and deposits discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all clients. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy depends upon a client’s particular circumstances and objectives. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice.

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6Alternative 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.

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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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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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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)