

The Manhattan Group

Our Mission Statement
Welcome
OUR EXPERTISE: FOUNDERS AND ENTREPRENUERS
Only experience can hone expertise, and ours was developed by exclusively advising the founder and entrepreneur community. Our broad set of clients include founders from numerous industries who have exited to a wide range of prominent public and private equity buyers, such as: Bain Capital, Microsoft, Thoma Bravo, Insight Partners, Meta, Francisco Partners, Blackstone, KKR and others. Our clients look to us during these pivotal periods because of our deep domain expertise in advising founders before and after a transaction.
HELPING CLIENTS NAVIGATE THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGE OF MEANINGFUL LIQUIDITY EVENTS
Outsized wealth creation from an upcoming or recent liquidity event can be accompanied by endless opportunity but also unexpected complexity, sudden challenges, and a steep learning curve if you're not prepared. Many of our clients have faced the urgent need to address issues surrounding tax mitigation, intergenerational wealth transfer, the values and legacy the family wishes to pass down, and the philanthropic impact they hope to achieve in their communities. We also know that's just the tip of the iceberg. As clients navigate these considerations, they are pressed to evaluate an investment strategy while considering various tax, trust and philanthropic structures that allow them to execute their vision in the most tax effective manner.
OUR ROLE
As Certified Exit Planning Advisors, founders and entrepreneurs hire us to help them navigate these complex periods because of our demonstrated expertise built on years of experience developing and executing holistic pre- and post-liquidity strategies. We ask focused and purposeful questions, listen intently, and seek to understand the family values and mission that will drive and guide each of our client's strategic plan. We consult and educate clients on approaches to reduce capital gains and estate tax, often leading to more liquidity for them and future generations. Ultimately, we help clients execute on a tailored tax, estate, and philanthropic framework and create investment strategies that enhance financial outcomes measured across generations.
About PWM
- Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
- Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
- Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
- Approximately 350 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $980 billion in AUM1
- Comprising 23% of the Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams for 2024
- Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
Who are our clients?
Our Typical Client
- Liquid net worth potential > $10 million
- Post-monetization founders and entrepreneurs
- Business owners seeking M&A advice
- Pre-monetization business owners seeking QSBS, tax, trust, estate, and philanthropic planning guidance
- Founder formed family offices
- Venture capital backed founders
- Private equity professionals and management with profit interest
- Investment bankers and M&A attorneys
Business Owner Advisory
• Integrating their business strategy with their overall personal wealth management strategy
• Minimizing personal, corporate, and estate taxes
• Preserving assets and generating sufficient income for lifestyle maintenance
• Recruiting and retaining key employees
• Determining and maximizing the value of their business
• Accessing alternative sources of capital for growth
• Identifying potential buyers or investors
• Organizing the right advisory team
To help address these topics we utilize the experience of our team, the global resources of Morgan Stanley, and our network of subject matter experts in areas such as personal and corporate tax, trust & estates, corporate law and investment banking.
Location
Meet The Manhattan Group
About Oscar Cantu
His clients include founders from numerous industries who have exited to a wide range of prominent public and private equity buyers. These clients look to him during these pivotal periods because of his deep domain experienced in advising founders before and after a transaction.
Oscar is a graduate of Holy Cross where he received his degree in Economics and a Division I Soccer Scholarship. He serves on the US Soccer Foundation's New York Leadership Council which focuses on making soccer accessible to underprivileged communities. He continues to play and coach soccer competitively, loves to surf, and has recently taken up tennis, skiing, and distance running, including two NYC Marathons.
*The Family Wealth Director Designation is held by approximately 5% of Financial Advisors at Morgan Stanley as of December 2024. Family Wealth Directors must demonstrate professional knowledge and experience in a range of wealth management solutions including estate planning strategies, alternative investments, control and restricted securities, lending, hedging and monetization, and business succession planning. Family Wealth Directors have specialized access to a variety of family advisory services including, family governance and wealth education, philanthropy management and lifestyle advisory.
NMLS#: 1275613
About Vincent Sege
Vincent resides in Connecticut with his wife Erika and two sons, Noah and Brooks. He is a competitive amateur triathlete and Ironman All World Athlete. Vincent is a member of the JED Foundation's Young Leadership Committee which aims to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for teens and young adults. He is a graduate of Sacred Heart University, where he received his degree in Business.
NMLS#: 1274579
About David Sedrak
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, David worked as a Senior Associate with UBS. He received a B.S. in Business Economics from Rutgers University, where he was a member of the Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity. David holds the Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses.
In his free time, he volunteers with short-term missions in Africa and South America. David enjoys traveling with his wife Nadra and spending time with his French Bulldog. He currently resides in Southern California.
NMLS#: 1906131
About Isabelle Choy
NMLS#: 1672478
About Bailey Harrison
Bailey holds Series 7 and 66 licenses and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Before joining Morgan Stanley, she gained valuable experience working for a global news media conglomerate, which deepened her interest in the intersection of business and finance and ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life.
At her core, Bailey is passionate about helping others and approaches every client relationship with the same level of care and dedication she would offer her own family and friends.
Outside of work, Bailey enjoys playing guitar and piano, baking, reading, Pilates, and spending quality time with her family. She’s also an active volunteer in her community and church. Bailey resides in Los Angeles, CA, with her two dogs.
NMLS#: 2587772
About Alexandra Kennedy
About Nauman Aftab
About Clara Puiggali

Contact Oscar Cantu

Contact Vincent Sege

Contact David Sedrak

Contact Isabelle Choy

Contact Bailey Harrison
Portfolio Insights
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
Insights and Outcomes
Private Wealth Management Podcast
- Intergenerational Planning
- Philanthropic Giving
- Non-Traditional Assets
- Managing Family Wealth
2Morgan 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
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.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Morgan 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
Awards Disclosures