Our Story

The K2 Group believes success in achieving important financial goals starts with a comprehensive wealth strategy. Our approach helps you define what is most important to you. This can be accumulating wealth, investing for income, solidifying your retirement plan, or devising an income approach that meets your goals. If you can find the right relationship - the right partner – we have no doubt it can be a very rewarding experience.

TOGETHER, UTILIZING OUR TEAM’S UNIQUE PROCESS, WE CAN:
  • Develop a comprehensive financial plan
  • Substitute discipline for emotion in the investment process
  • Defend capital during bear markets
  • Minimize investment costs and taxes
  • Adjust holdings in response to evolving opportunities and risk
  • Maintain strict objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Process, The K2 Method

Our wealth management 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 with an informal conversation to understand your financial concerns and determine how we can add value. If we all agree to move forward, we'll schedule our next meeting and request important financial information
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    2. Get To Know You Meeting
    We continue the dialogue by fostering an in-depth conversation where we learn about the values that shape your decisions and identify any unique circumstances. We also review the documents you've prepared and define your priorities
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    3. Analysis & Plan Development
    Here, we utilize proprietary financial planning tools to develop a personalized and detailed plan with recommendations to help you grow, preserve and transfer your wealth.
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    4. Implementation
    In this step, we present appropriate strategies that are designed to work together to achieve your goals. Upon your approval, we open new accounts for you at Morgan Stanley and initiate our investment recommendations. We'll also begin to implement other strategies we've discussed. These often encompass tax minimization strategies, as well as risk management and estate planning techniques.
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    5. Monitoring Results Against Your Goals
    We check in with you to deliver metrics around your portfolio, and ultimately measure trajectory towards your goals. Our ultimate mission is your success and well-being.

Wealth and Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process of arranging one's assets and affairs to ensure that they are being managed and distributed according to one's wishes after their death or in the event of incapacity.

As Financial Advisors, we look at all aspects of an individual's estate to understand the potential income tax and estate planning attributes of the vehicles. Our goal is for our clients, and their investment professionals, to make more informed investment decisions looking at their estate plan holistically, in accordance with their objectives.

A number of tools, in general, allow the individual rather than the state to control his or her person and property when he or she is not able to do so due to death or incapacity. With an extensive understanding of your personal and financial situation, our mission is to educate you about income tax and estate planning strategies while working together to recommend and implement various techniques in relation to you and your family's investment goals. The tools we utilize include, but are not limited to:

  • Annual Gifting: There are two gifting limits that apply to the transfer of wealth in 2023: (1) the annual gift tax exclusion which allows you to gift up to $17,000 each year to any person (or a trust for that person) and (2) the lifetime exemption which allows you to gift up to $ 12.92 million over the course of your lifetime.
  • Wills: A well-prepared will helps ensure that an individual's wishes regarding the distribution and use of their assets and properties are all fulfilled after their passing.
  • Trusts: An alternative to (or in addition to) a will, a trust can be established. A trust involves three key parties: the Grantor (the person who funds the trust ), the trustee (the person who controls the trust and is the legal owner of the assets held in the trust), and one or more beneficiaries (for whose benefit the trust is established and who are the beneficial owners of the trust assets).
  • Estate: A person's estate consists of everything in their name that makes up his or her net worth. This can include real estate, personal property, retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds. The value of your estate (as defined by tax regulations) will generally determine if your estate is subject to any estate taxes.

Resources & Research

At Morgan Stanley, we provide clients with resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content. The content below offer insight into the modern market and economic landscape.
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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    Join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Listen to the Latest Episode
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    Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast
    The Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast brings you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond.
    Listen to the Latest Episode
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    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Read the Latest Report
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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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    Wealth Management Capabilities
    At Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, exclusive access to vast resources, combined with out unique capabilities, gives us the means to support your goals at every life stage.
    Read About Our Services
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    Portfolio Management Capabilities
    Your Portfolio Manager works closely with you to understand your needs while maintaining the focus and discipline necessary to guide your portfolio in the most challenging market cycles.
    Read About Our Services
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    Morgan Stanley IQ - Impact Investing Brochure
    Morgan Stanley IQ is a patented tool that gives our clients the ability to understand the environmental and social impact of their investments.
    Access it Here
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    Women and Wealth
    Women are a powerful economic force. However, they face unique financial challenges that influence the many financial obligations they have for themselves and their families.
    Access it Here
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    2023 Retirement Contribution Limits
    Planning for retirement is vital, understanding the limits for your retirement contributions empowers you to best prepare for retirement.
    View 2023's Contribution Limits
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    Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
    Timing your retirement income? With recent regulatory changes about 2022 required minimum distributions (RMDs), it’s important to think about timing your withdrawals. Given tougher regulatory, tax, and market conditions, you may want to consider taking your RMD sooner than later. Here’s what you need to know.
    Learn More About RMDs

TRUST AND BUSINESS SALE PLANNING

Successful business owners are visionaries. You are constantly thinking about how your business will prosper, who you should hire, where you want to expand, what your financing needs are, and ultimately, your exit strategy. This leaves you little time to consider for your own personal financial concerns, as well as those of your family.

Managing the financial needs of your business while also considering your personal wealth objectives can be a balancing act. Our team assumes responsibility for those concerns; navigating complex situations and offering planning-based solutions. We start with whatever is keeping you up at night, then tackle other priorities until every piece of your financial life is connected and accounted for.

Preparing for the transition and sale of a business requires planning across many financial disciplines. Working closely with clients early in this process helps them consider all aspects of the transaction to optimize the economic opportunity. Below are some resources that provide insight on the process of selling a business and different types of trusts to consider.

Location

1775 I Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
US
Direct:
(202) 857-5409(202) 857-5409
20 Linden Place
Red Bank, NJ 07701
US

Meet The K2 Group

About Kevin W Keating

Kevin is an Executive Director with Morgan Stanley, and has been with the Firm, or predecessor firms, for over 30 years. Kevin has achieved the titles of Senior Portfolio Management Director and Family Wealth Director. These designations are a result of additional educational requirements and excellence in client service. As a wealth advisor, he is responsible for analyzing, constructing and managing portfolios for institutional and high net worth clients.

Kevin graduated from St. Elizabeth School and Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics and a minor in Economics from the University of Maryland. Kevin has been active in several charitable organizations and recently served as the Chairperson of the Investment Committee of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington, Inc. Kevin lives in Washington DC with his wife and three children.
Securities Agent: ID, WA, ME, MD, IN, SD, PA, NM, MN, AZ, GA, WV, AL, NC, IA, OH, NJ, IL, WY, VA, RI, DC, CT, CA, TX, SC, PR, NY, NH, MT, MA, FL, OR, NV, MO, MI, DE, CO, UT, KS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1261969
CA Insurance License #: 4045900

About Christopher M. Barcellona

Christopher works primarily with individuals to understand their financial objectives and works together with them seeking to achieve long-term goals while meeting short-term obligations. He helps lead the team’s efforts in financial planning, trust and estate work, philanthropic gifting strategies, and pre-liquidity event planning. Christopher takes pride in knowing his clients look to him not only as a Financial Advisor, but also as a source of knowledge, creating a sense of financial security and ease no matter the circumstance.

Christopher is originally from Millburn, NJ and now resides in Red Bank, NJ with his wife and two children. He is a graduate of The Catholic University of America where he is remains active in the school as a nominated member of the Alumni Board of Directors. Christopher has been with Morgan Stanley since 2012 and holds the Series 7 and 66 licenses, as well as Life & Health Insurance licenses and is an Insurance Planning Director. Outside of work he enjoys running, skiing, and cooking.
Securities Agent: WY, IN, UT, NJ, GA, AZ, TX, CA, MO, MN, FL, WV, SD, OH, NH, MT, ME, MA, MI, KS, ID, NY, NM, NC, IA, DE, SC, CT, WA, RI, PA, OR, IL, DC, VA, PR, MD, NV, CO, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1290605
CA Insurance License #: 4045208

About Chris Greenberg

Chris is a Washington D.C. native who now lives in Bethesda, MD. Chris has been with Morgan Stanley since 2021 and holds the series 7 and 66 licenses as well as earning his Financial Planning Specialist Designation at the firm. Chris has a focus on helping clients navigate the capital markets through portfolio analysis, risk management and financial planning.

Chris graduated from Walt Whitman High School. He earned a B.A. in Business Administration with a major in Finance at the University of South Carolina. In his spare time, Chris enjoys playing lacrosse, taking his chocolate lab to the park, and attending Washington Capitals games.
Securities Agent: CA, IN, PA, NH, CT, WY, WV, WA, SC, MO, PR, NM, ID, TN, SD, MT, AL, RI, OH, NJ, GA, MI, CO, AZ, VA, OR, FL, DE, TX, NY, NV, NC, MD, MA, KS, DC, UT, KY, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2521282

About Tolu Adeyemi

NMLS#: 643728

About Jordan Christian

Jordan is a Client Service Associate for the K2 Group at Morgan Stanley, bringing a unique combination of skills and experiences to the role. Originally from Missoula, Montana, Jordan attended UCLA where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics with a Minor in Accounting.

Jordan has always been drawn to the world of finance and investments, and his passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of the financial world led him to Morgan Stanley. As a Client Service Associate, Jordan provides exceptional service to clients to help them achieve their goals.

When not working, Jordan loves to indulge in his hobbies. Jordan enjoys cooking, skiing, watching football, and golfing. With his dedication to clients and passion for finance, Jordan is a valuable addition to the Morgan Stanley team.

About Myah Bales

Myah is a Client Service Associate for the K2 Group at Morgan Stanley, living in Arlington, VA. She grew up in Winchester, VA and graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a minor in Leadership and Social Change.

With a background in marketing and operations, Myah knows how to work well on a team and provide excellent customer service. She is passionate and thorough in finding solutions and giving direction to clients regarding their financial needs.

Myah has always had a passion for art, and she enjoys painting and drawing in her free time. Some of her other hobbies include traveling, trying new restaurants, working out, baking, and snowboarding.
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.

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 K2 Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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.

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

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2Morgan 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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3Alternative 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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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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5Morgan 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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6Morgan 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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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)