About Us

Helping you achieve financial success is our first priority. Morgan Stanley has meaningful intelligence about every major asset class and a presence in every major market, as well as investment research from some of the world’s most respected analysts. Together, we will formulate a strategy to help you achieve your most important goals and then deliver a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Are You Prepared?

A common misconception is that the retirement planning process ends upon your retirement. Quite the opposite is true, as our work is just beginning to ensure that each and every one of your financial and life goals are met.

We always encourage clients to plan for the generations beyond their own. We will discuss various strategies that help you navigate through the various options you have when transferring assets to loved ones.

    Creating Economical, Social and Environmental Value

    At Morgan Stanley, we find that many clients are looking for an investment strategy that not only seeks to generate market-rate financial returns, but that also strives to deliver positive environmental and social impact.

      The Value of Morgan Stanley

      Since Morgan Stanley opened its doors in 1935, the firm has worked relentlessly to deliver first-class business in first-class fashion. The difference that Morgan Stanley has been able to make for countless lives in communities across the globe is rooted in our five core values - Do the Right Thing, Put Clients First, Lead with Exceptional Ideas, Commit to Diversity and Inclusion, and Give Back.
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        Our Core Values
        At Morgan Stanley, we are proud to announce our newly adopted Core Value – Committing to Diversity and Inclusion. Read about our Core Values, and view the entire page to see how Morgan Stanley is cultivating a more inclusive workplace.
        Diversity & Inclusion
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        Cybersecurity
        What does it mean to be cyber smart in a rapidly evolving digital age? How can we protect ourselves and our families online? Who are cyber criminals and how can we identify them?

        Morgan Stanley’s cybersecurity experts tackle these questions and more in our Cybersecurity Webinar Series. Learn about the basics and walk away from these sessions with actionable insights and best practices.
        Watch the Webinar Series On Demand

      Location

      227 West Monroe St
      Suite 3400
      Chicago, IL 60606
      US
      Direct:
      (312) 917-7437(312) 917-7437
      Toll-Free:
      (800) 334-2446(800) 334-2446

      Meet The Lakefront Group

      About Robert V Grasso

      Robert is a 2001 graduate of the University of Colorado with a BA in Economics and Psychology. He previously held a position with the world’s largest independent provider of document management systems from 2002 to 2004 before being recruited to Smith Barney as a Financial Advisor.

      In January 2009, Morgan Stanley and Citigroup announced the merger of Smith Barney with Morgan Stanley’s Global Wealth Management Group. Robert then co-founded The Lakefront Group of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

      Today, Robert is an Executive Director with over 19 years of investment experience. He is married to his wife, Amanda, and they have two beautiful daughters Ava & Reese. Residents of Lincoln Park and Union Pier Michigan, they enjoy yoga and are actively involved in several Chicago based philanthropic organizations.
      Securities Agent: AR, LA, WI, KS, ID, PA, MT, KY, AL, NJ, CO, SC, WA, TN, NV, IN, DC, OR, MA, HI, AZ, VA, OH, MN, IA, NC, MI, FL, CT, CA, IL, TX, PR, NY, MO, MD, GA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
      NMLS#: 1272854

      About Andrew Edelston

      Andrew graduated from U. of Colorado in 2007 with a BA in Economics. After college, he moved to Europe where he worked, traveled, and played lacrosse until 2009. Upon Andrew's return stateside, he took a position at Echo Global Logistics where he built a practice based around managing the domestic freight needs of small to medium sized companies.

      In May of 2010 Andrew joined Morgan Stanley and shortly after co-founded the Lakefront Group Wealth Management Team. Today, Andrew holds the title of Senior Vice President and focuses on wealth creation and protection for families nationwide.

      Andrew is married to Lauren with two children, Ryder and Maeve. They, and their two Great Danes Bella and Rocky, reside in Glencoe, IL. Andrew is the Executive Board Chair of Twist Out Cancer, a cancer support network with a focus on art therapy. He is also a long standing mentor with WITS, and has trained his pups to be certified therapy dogs for Paws For Patrick, a local non-profit dedicated to bringing the love of animals to those who need it most.
      Securities Agent: MA, TX, NC, TN, PA, OR, OH, MN, LA, DC, WI, PR, MD, KS, ID, GA, CO, MT, IL, IA, HI, AZ, WA, IN, CA, AR, VA, NY, NV, NJ, FL, SC, CT, AL, MO, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
      NMLS#: 1275584
      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 
      Article Image

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

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

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      2When 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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      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’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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      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)