The Leon-Eguizabal Group - Where your successs is our priority

The Leon-Eguizabal Group brings together over 39 years of experience working with high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses across the U.S. and Latin America. Our team is dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of wealth management, financial planning, and generational wealth strategies.

As International Client Advisors, we offer extensive expertise in both domestic and international markets, with a particular experience in offshore jurisdictions. Our team listens to you and your family unique needs for both short and long-term planning. With a deep understanding of alternative investments, risk management and generational wealth planning, our team develops tailored strategies designed to meet your financial objectives.

At The Leon-Eguizabal Group, we pride ourselves on proactive management, advanced market analysis, and building lasting relationships. Our mission is to provide clients with the clarity and confidence, helping clients achieve their financial aspirations while staying prepared for future opportunities and challenges. We are fluent in both English and Spanish, and we understand the regulatory environment, as well as the ambitions of our diverse clientele.

If you'd like to learn more about The Leon-Eguizabal Group at Morgan Stanley, please hit the blue "Contact Us" button above or call our main line at (301) 347-6251.

Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

International Wealth Management

In a world of constant political, social and economic change, demonstrated strength and stability are invaluable assets. As one of the largest world's largest and strongest financial institutions, Morgan Stanley has successfully navigated over 85 years of market cycles, continually gaining new expertise, perspective and confidence.

Our international wealth management team helps clients manage complexity, project wealth and pursue new opportunities across global markets. Whether your goals span generational or continents, we are committed to guiding you through every financial challenge and opportunity.

Partnering for Your Financial Success Across Borders

At Morgan Stanley, we understand that managing wealth requires a nuanced approached and a trusted partner. We are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of international markets. Our personalized strategies are designed to protect, grow, and transfer wealth, empowering you to achieve your financial goals in an ever-changing world. Take a look below at our team approach and how we can help you.

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    Step 1: Discovery Process

    We begin by learning about you, your family and your financial situation, forming the basis from which we can develop strategies to help address your investment objectives.

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    Step 2: Discovery Meeting

    Often working in collaboration with outside teams, we review your trusts and estate plans, seeking to maximize the efficiency of your wealth transfer strategy.

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    Step 3: Plan Creation

    We create a customized plan that reflects risk and opportunities across multiple entities, while integration your investment and estate planning strategies and goals.

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    Step 4: Strategy Implementation

    Over time, we will review your strategy and goals. In an attempt to take advantage of opportunities created by temporary market distortions. Before adjustments are made, we can analyze for potential returns.

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    Step 5: Ongoing Strategy Review

    We assess the performance of your strategy identifying opportunities to adjust asset allocation for optimal results. Prior to making any changes, we evaluate the potential impact of taxes and trading cost on your returns.

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    Step 6: Client Reviews

    We perform ongoing reviews and deliver comprehensive reporting to ensure your strategy remains aligned with evolving financial goals and family dynamics.

Morgan Stanley Resource Center

Life is complicated. Our digital experiences make it easy to manage your money 24/7, from your desktop, tablet or phone. Clients with a Financial Advisor can enjoy the freedom to manage their wealth on their own devices while collaborating with their Morgan Stanley team. It's accessibility at its finest.

    Monthly Newsletter

    Welcome to our team's newsletter and keeping you informed on the latest domestic and international news.

    Visit Our Monthly Newsletter Here
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    Digital Tools
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    Morgan Stanley Online

    Seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place. With Morgan Stanley Online, you can track your spending and create custom budgets across all your accounts.

    Access Morgan Stanley Online
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    Total Wealth View

    Managing multiple financial accounts across different firms can be complicated. With Morgan Stanley Online, you can link your non-Morgan Stanley accounts and analyze your cash flow all in one place.

    Access Total Wealth View
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    Digital Vault

    All documents uploaded are scanned for viruses and encrypted for an extra layer of security.

    Access Digital Vault
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    eDelivery

    Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.

    Enroll Today
    Market Analysis
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    Cybersecurity

    Safeguarding your assets and information is one of our highest priorities, but you also have a critical role to play. Check out our collection of practical takeaways and best practices from our cybersecurity professionals, then explore a few of the ways we help protect you.

    Visit our Security Center
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    GIC On the Markets

    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.

    View the latest On the Markets
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    The GIC Weekly

    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.

    View the latest The GIC Weekly
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    Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast

    Listen to the latest Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast. Bringing you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond.

    Listen To The Latest Podcast
    Tax Resources
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    2024 Tax Tables

    Review the 2024 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information.

    View here the 2024 Tax Tables
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    Goals Planning System

    Managing your finances is about more than managing your investments. We can support you in many aspects of your financial life – including budgeting, cash management, retirement planning and other financial goals.

    View here the Goals Planning System

Location

200 S Biscayne Blvd
Ste 1100
Miami, FL 33131
US
Direct:
(305) 347-2000(305) 347-2000

Meet The Leon-Eguizabal Group

About Walter Alfredo Leon Diaz

Walter, Executive Director and International Client Advisor, is a founding member of our team. With over 24 years of experience in the financial services industry both domestic and internationally, Walter has consistently demonstrated a commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of financial planning and wealth management. Walter holds an MBA from the IE Business School in Madrid and has completed courses on maximizing client relationships and strategies for growth program both at The Wharton School. Walter has guided both domestic and international clients through various market cycles, leveraging his extensive knowledge and expertise to develop tailored strategies that address their unique needs and goals.

Walter specializes in alternative investment products, providing clients with diverse opportunities to enhance their portfolios and achieve long-term financial stability. His comprehensive approach includes thorough risk assessment and proactive management, ensuring clients are well-prepared to withstand market volatility. In-depth detailed analysis on managing the next generational wealth for clients and their family.

Throughout his career, Walter has been dedicated to creating robust financial plans that adapt to changing market conditions. Walter's commitment to client success have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the financial community. An accomplishment for his work with clients was noted by Morgan Stanley and was awarded the 2024 Pacesetter's Club at Morgan Stanley.

Whether working with high-net-worth individuals, families, or businesses, Walter remains focused on delivering exceptional value and fostering lasting relationships. His goal is to empower clients with confidence and clarity needed to achieve their financial aspiration, no matter how complex or challenging the journey may be.
Securities Agent: DE, NY, NJ, MA, CA, GA, WY, TX, FL, CT, IL, OR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Paola Buendia

Paola, Financial Advisor Associate is a founding member of our team. With over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry, Paola has consistently demonstrated a commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of financial planning and wealth management. Paola holds a Master of Science in Finance from the Florida International University, a Business Management Bachelor's Degree from the University of West Florida after transferring coursework in Economics from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Del Peru. Paola has guided both domestic and international clients through various market cycles, leveraging her extensive knowledge and expertise to develop tailored strategies that address their unique needs and goals.

With a robust background in wealth management and investment strategies, Paola's role as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley harnesses these competencies, honed over years of dedicated service including her previous tenure as AVP Wealth Advisor at Citi. An accomplishment for her work with clients was noted by Morgan Stanley and was awarded the 2024 Pacesetter's Club at Morgan Stanley. Fluent in English and Spanish, Paola aims to bring a diverse perspective to client interactions, fostering inclusive relationships that seek to help clients on their journey towards achieving their financial goals.

Combined with the vast resources of Morgan Stanley, our team helps navigate the complexities of wealth management, seeking to help ensure clients' financial goals are aligned with their needs. Fluent in English and Spanish, Paola brings a diverse perspective to our client interactions, fostering inclusive relationships that seek to help you on your journey towards your financial goals. My mission is to help empower clients through tailored financial strategies including a thorough risk assessment and proactive management. Ensuring clients are well-prepared to withstand market volatility for clients and the next generational wealth.

Throughout her career, Paola has been dedicated to creating robust financial plans that adapt to changing market conditions. Whether working with high-net-worth individuals, families, or businesses, Paola remains focused on delivering exceptional value and fostering lasting relationships. Her goal is to empower clients with confidence and clarity needed to achieve their financial aspiration, no matter how complex or challenging the journey may be.
Securities Agent: FL, CT, WY, TX, NJ, GA, OR, AL, NY, DE, CA, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Alvaro Alvarez

Álvaro Enrique Alvarez IV is a fully registered financial professional currently serving as a Registered Client Service Associate at Morgan Stanley. With over two years of experience in client services and operations, Álvaro excels in delivering tailored support to clients in the wealth management sector.

He holds an International MBA from the FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida International University, where he was recognized on the Dean’s List. Álvaro’s career is marked by a strong academic foundation and practical experience, including roles as a Business Development Trainee with Inter Miami CF and a Wealth Management Intern at Morgan Stanley.

Álvaro is licensed in life, health, and variable contracts insurance and holds the Series 7, Series 66, and SIE certifications, making him fully registered to assist clients in navigating complex financial planning and investment strategies. Known for his client-first mindset and proactive approach, he is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals with professionalism and care.


Florida Department of Financial Services announced that Álvaro Alvarez has fulfilled the requirements of Florida Law regarding the below license certification.
0215 - Life, Health & Variable Contracts Insurance Agent
License # G194142 Issued December 7, 2024
Wealth Management
From Our Team

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Wealth Management
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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 Leon-Eguizabal Group today.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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

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2Morgan 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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3Morgan 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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4Alternative 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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5Morgan 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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6When 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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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)