Micheal Lipshultz
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Insurance Planning Director, Financial Planning Specialist, Portfolio Management Director
Phone:
(301) 279-6431(301) 279-6431
The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley
Micheal LipshultzScott Mergner, CEPA®Jeffrey GarnerVictoria Underhill, QPFCChris Wallace, CRPC®John Lasheski
Direct:
(301) 279-6429(301) 279-6429
Industry Award WinnerOur Mission Statement
Human Connections.
Transformational Relationships.
First Class Resources.
Transformational Relationships.
First Class Resources.
Human Connections. Transformational Relationships. First Class Resource.
The strength of The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley comes from our cohesive team approach, leveraged by decades of shared experience. Collectively, the six Financial Advisors in our group—Scott Mergner, Micheal Lipshultz, Jeffery Garner, Victoria Underhill, Chris Wallace, and John Lasheski—have more than 100 years of combined industry experience.
Our roots first manifested in 1957, when the late Financial Advisor John G. Mergner, Sr. began guiding families and businesses toward their financial futures. His son, Thomas Mergner, joined the firm in 1991 and dedicated over 30 years to his clients before retiring on January 1st, 2026. Today, the family legacy continues with John’s grandson, Scott Mergner, who joined in 2015, making him the third generation of the Mergner family to devote themselves to guiding you through the accumulation, preservation, and transfer of wealth.
The group’s continuity is built on long-standing partnerships. Mike and Tom worked together for over twenty years, laying the groundwork for the team it is known today. Jeff and John’s relationship began at the turn of the millennium as the group evolved to meet new industry demands. Victoria joined Morgan Stanley in 2019, shortly after growing into a Financial Advisor and partner on the team. Chris Wallace soon followed, bringing with him fifteen years of experience; his transition from a friendly colleague to a formal partner was a natural next step. The newest partner, John Lasheski, joined as a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager, bringing a deep level of technical skill to our well-rounded team of advisors.
You have worked hard to put down roots and build a strong financial foundation for the future. The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley works just as hard on your behalf, helping you grow and preserve your wealth so you can create the future you want for yourself and your family.
We have developed and refined a process that is centered around multi-generational wealth accumulation and preservation to prepare and equip the next generation with the tools, tactics, and techniques to be good stewards of wealth… whatever that means for your family. This begins by treating your family like a business and treating your business like a family. In addition to providing access to the full range of financial services offered at Morgan Stanley, we create a comprehensive financial plan that helps put the pieces of your puzzle into place as your life unfolds. We aim to serve as a hub, coordinating with your other professional advisors to integrate all aspects of your financial life into a cohesive whole.
Our goals-based approach and our commitment to knowing our clients on a deep personal level are the cornerstones of our reputation and heritage in the financial services industry. It is only by understanding your needs, goals, and values that we are able to make recommendations and offer ideas that we believe can bring you closer to achieving what is most important to you.
The Mergner Group looks forward to working with you, your family, and your loved ones.
Our roots first manifested in 1957, when the late Financial Advisor John G. Mergner, Sr. began guiding families and businesses toward their financial futures. His son, Thomas Mergner, joined the firm in 1991 and dedicated over 30 years to his clients before retiring on January 1st, 2026. Today, the family legacy continues with John’s grandson, Scott Mergner, who joined in 2015, making him the third generation of the Mergner family to devote themselves to guiding you through the accumulation, preservation, and transfer of wealth.
The group’s continuity is built on long-standing partnerships. Mike and Tom worked together for over twenty years, laying the groundwork for the team it is known today. Jeff and John’s relationship began at the turn of the millennium as the group evolved to meet new industry demands. Victoria joined Morgan Stanley in 2019, shortly after growing into a Financial Advisor and partner on the team. Chris Wallace soon followed, bringing with him fifteen years of experience; his transition from a friendly colleague to a formal partner was a natural next step. The newest partner, John Lasheski, joined as a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager, bringing a deep level of technical skill to our well-rounded team of advisors.
You have worked hard to put down roots and build a strong financial foundation for the future. The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley works just as hard on your behalf, helping you grow and preserve your wealth so you can create the future you want for yourself and your family.
We have developed and refined a process that is centered around multi-generational wealth accumulation and preservation to prepare and equip the next generation with the tools, tactics, and techniques to be good stewards of wealth… whatever that means for your family. This begins by treating your family like a business and treating your business like a family. In addition to providing access to the full range of financial services offered at Morgan Stanley, we create a comprehensive financial plan that helps put the pieces of your puzzle into place as your life unfolds. We aim to serve as a hub, coordinating with your other professional advisors to integrate all aspects of your financial life into a cohesive whole.
Our goals-based approach and our commitment to knowing our clients on a deep personal level are the cornerstones of our reputation and heritage in the financial services industry. It is only by understanding your needs, goals, and values that we are able to make recommendations and offer ideas that we believe can bring you closer to achieving what is most important to you.
The Mergner Group looks forward to working with you, your family, and your loved ones.
Services Include
- Wealth PlanningFootnote1
- Financial PlanningFootnote2
- Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote3
- Retirement PlanningFootnote4
- Corporate Retirement PlansFootnote5
- Cash Management and Lending ProductsFootnote6
- Life InsuranceFootnote7
- Long Term Care InsuranceFootnote8
- Planning for Education FundingFootnote9
- 529 PlansFootnote10
- Business PlanningFootnote11
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote12
- Trust AccountsFootnote13
- Planning for Individuals with Special Needs
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote14
- Business Succession PlanningFootnote15
- Sustainable InvestingFootnote16
- Stock Plan ServicesFootnote17
- Stock Option PlansFootnote18
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Our Services and Process
Services We Provide
FINANCIAL PLANNING: Goals Analysis, Retirement Income, Debt Analysis, Special Circumstances
INVESTMENT PLANNING: Security Recommendations, Economics, Asset Allocation, Tax Efficient Investing
WEALTH PLANNING: Wills & Legal Documents, Legacy Planning/Gifting, Family Governance, Charitable Planning
EXECUTIVE PLANNING: Incentive Compensation, Stock Options, Concentrated Positions, Stock Monetization
BUSINESS OWNER PLANNING: Risk Management, Cash Management, Retirement Benefits, Succession Planning
EMPLOYER RETIREMENT PLANS: Investment Management & Monitoring, Participant Financial Education, Participation Focus, Plan Design & Implementation, Evaluate & Recommend Record Keeper/Provider, Plan Fiduciary Responsibilities
Our Tailored Process
Step 1 -> Discovery Process: We listen, learn, and identify what is important to you and your legacy
Step 2 -> Develop Strategies: We determine risk and gather data to analyze current investments and create a financial plan
Step 3 -> Onboarding Meeting: We present and discuss the plan
Step 4 -> Deployment of Solutions: Focus on asset movement and assign responsibilities
Step 5 -> Orientation Meeting: Meet and understand the team and "who to contact"
Step 5 -> Wealth Team Integration: Develop and understand your network, liquidity needs, and secondary plans
Step 6 -> Strategy/Tactical Meetings: Monitor, discuss, and adjust future transitions
Our Suite of Digital Tools
Morgan Stanley Online:
Beyond viewing your account balance and activity, Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a suite of features that allow you to manage your everyday finances from paying bills and sending money to transferring funds and authorizing transactions with one click using eAuthorizations.
Spending + Budgeting:
Track spending habits, categorize expenses and create budgets across your Morgan Stanley and external financial accounts with our Spending and Budgeting Tool. We make it easy for you and your financial advisor to oversee trends in your financial life.
Total Wealth View:
We've launched a new tool that allows you to link information from your accounts at other financial institutions directly to your Morgan Stanley Online or Morgan Stanley Mobile App profile. The ability to view all of your assets together provides the opportunity to advise on your Morgan Stanley accounts with your entire financial picture in mind.
eDelivery:
Morgan Stanley Online has a variety of features that can enhance your digital experience and provide a deeper level of security. One of those tools, eDelivery, allows you to securely save, print, send or receive documents at any time from both Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
Digital Vault:
Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
Portfolio Risk Platform:
Our Portfolio Risk Platform, backed by institutional-caliber analytics, assesses thousands of risk factors using a holdings-based approach to assess a portfolio's exposures, analyze how securities behave together across portfolios and forecast how they influence risk and return moving forward.
MONTHLY MARKET UPDATES AND OUTLOOK CALL SERIES
The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley would like to invite you to join our upcoming Market Perspectives Calls that we are hosting throughout 2025 and 2026.
Please join us on the below dates for a market update and discussion.
Event: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Topic: Market Outlook
Featured Speaker: Jasmine Fan, CFA Senior Investment Strategist at BlackRock
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 12:30pm ET
Dial In Toll Free: +1 877 777-8895
Participant Code: 0141197
Event: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Topic: Comprehensive Nuclear Exposure NLR | Uranium and Nuclear ETF
Featured Speaker: Philip McKeon, Director | ETF Strategist at VanEck
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 12:30pm ET
Dial In Toll Free: +1 877 777-8895
Participant Code: 0141197
Event: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Topic: Tax-Efficient Strategies
Featured Speaker: Mara Kossoff, Financial Planning Specialist | Vanguard
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 12:30pm ET
Dial In Toll Free: +1 877 777-8895
Participant Code: 0141197
Event: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Topic: US Income Growth Equities
Featured Speaker: James E. Russell, Jr., CFA Portfolio Manager & Principal
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 12:30pm ET
Dial In Toll Free: +1 877 777-8895
Participant Code: 0141197
Our Suite Of Financial Resources
Your one stop shop on retirement and financial planning. Designed to educate and enlighten our clients in any stage of life.
- Successful investing involves patience and fortitude.
- Need to save early: time is money.
- Don't let emotions get in the way of your decisions.
- Going in alone without a plan can be costly.
Gift and Estate Tax Planning Video
Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources offers a differentiated value proposition to integrate comprehensive tax, estate, and financial planning strategies into your overall wealth plan. Please enjoy this educational video about the basics of estate and gift taxes.
Estate & Gift Tax Video
Understanding Estate & Gift Taxes: Learn how to protect your wealth, maximize exemptions, and plan for a tax-efficient future.
Irrevocable Trust Video
Unlock the Power of Irrevocable Trusts: Protect your assets, reduce taxes, and secure your legacy.
The Basics of Estate Planning Video
Estate Planning 101: Protect your assets, secure your legacy, and plan with confidence.
Wealth Education for the Next Generation 2025 Replays
Click Here to Access the Replays
Asset Allocation and Diversification
The four major asset classes are Cash & Cash Alternatives, Fixed Income, Equities, and Alternative Investments. One of the most important parts of investing is selecting appropriate asset classes for your goals. Diversification can assist through the spreading of your investments both among and within different asset classes.
Basic Tenets of Investing
Rule of 72
The Rule of 72 is a formula that enables you to see how long it will take, at a certain interest rate, to double your money. It's valuable in that it provides an estimated time for reaching a financial goal based on how much you save for a given amount of time at a specific interest rate. Utilizing the Power of Compounding.
Alternative Investments
Alternatives are the investments that go beyond traditional stocks and bonds. They can open doors to unique opportunities to help grow and protect your wealth, and have long sought to offer enhanced returns, portfolio diversification, lower volatility, as well as potential tax efficiency.
IRA Distributions
There are a variety of different distributions from IRAs that are crucial to have an understanding of no matter if you're working or retired. Check out a very helpful guide below on these distributions.
Estate Planning
Should I get a trust? A trust is a contract to manage the investment and/or distribution of assets under that contract. You can't take it with you, but through a trust, you can define how you want your life's work and wealth to continue to benefit the people and causes you love and care for.
Gifting Considerations
Giving financial gifts to children or grandchildren can help reduce your estate taxes. However, if you are concerned about wasteful spending by the recipients or protecting assets from bad actors, there are several options that allow you to exercise some control over how the money is used.
Planning to Fund Long-Term Care Expenses
Healthcare costs are rising, especially for retirees, and many will need Long Term Care. It's important to take steps to minimize your financial exposure to unwanted medical costs so you can afford your desired lifestyle after your working years.
Value Creation in Alternatives
Michael Gaviser, Wealth Management's Head of Private Markets hosts Michael Arougheti, CEO of Ares Management, to discuss how sports investing extends beyond team ownership and how investors are gaining access alongside real estate and infrastructure opportunities.
The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley
Located in Potomac, Maryland, Our 12-person team delivers more than 100 years of combined industry experience and we are proud to guide and serve you and all of your unique needs. We share our clients' commitment to generously supporting the causes and communities they are passionate about. Here are just some of the organizations to which our team members devote their money and time.
Tom Mergner
Tom supports his local community through his involvement in the following organizations:
• Georgetown Preparatory School
• Wendt Center: Camp Forget-Me-Not
• America Heart Association
• NIH Children’s Center
• Patriot Point
• National Center for Children and Families
• A Wider Circle
Tom is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Awarded Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025
• Awarded Managing Director
• Awarded Financial Planning Specialist Title
• Awarded Portfolio Manager Title
• Awarded Executive Director Title
• Awarded Senior Vice President Title
• Awarded First Vice President Title
• Awarded Vice President Title
• Awarded Assistant Vice President Title
• Chairman’s Club 2012, 2013, 2015-2018
• President’s Club 2010, 2011, 2014, 2019-2024
• Awarded Portfolio Management Director (2025)
See the Forbes ranking here!• Georgetown Preparatory School
• Wendt Center: Camp Forget-Me-Not
• America Heart Association
• NIH Children’s Center
• Patriot Point
• National Center for Children and Families
• A Wider Circle
Tom is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Awarded Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025
• Awarded Managing Director
• Awarded Financial Planning Specialist Title
• Awarded Portfolio Manager Title
• Awarded Executive Director Title
• Awarded Senior Vice President Title
• Awarded First Vice President Title
• Awarded Vice President Title
• Awarded Assistant Vice President Title
• Chairman’s Club 2012, 2013, 2015-2018
• President’s Club 2010, 2011, 2014, 2019-2024
• Awarded Portfolio Management Director (2025)
Mike Lipshultz
Mike supports his local community through his involvement in the following organizations:
• Mockingbird Foundation
• Glenelg High School PTSA
• Howard County Food Bank
• Western Maryland Food Bank
• Conscious Alliance
• Humanitarian Aid
• Quilts For Kids Nepal
Mike is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Awarded Insurance Planning Director Title (2022)
• Awarded Portfolio Manager Title (2023)
• Awarded Senior Vice President Title
• Awarded First Vice President Title
• Awarded Vice President Title
• Awarded Assistant Vice President Title
• Awarded Financial Planning Specialist Title
• Pacesetter’s Club 2011-2015
• Awarded Portfolio Management Director (2025)
• Mockingbird Foundation
• Glenelg High School PTSA
• Howard County Food Bank
• Western Maryland Food Bank
• Conscious Alliance
• Humanitarian Aid
• Quilts For Kids Nepal
Mike is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Awarded Insurance Planning Director Title (2022)
• Awarded Portfolio Manager Title (2023)
• Awarded Senior Vice President Title
• Awarded First Vice President Title
• Awarded Vice President Title
• Awarded Assistant Vice President Title
• Awarded Financial Planning Specialist Title
• Pacesetter’s Club 2011-2015
• Awarded Portfolio Management Director (2025)
Chris Wallace, CRPC®
Chris supports his community through his involvement in the following organizations:
• The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George
• Orthodox Christian Mission Center
• Church of the Epiphany’s Welcome Table for the homeless
• The Boomer Esiason Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis
• Tunnels for Towers
• Wounded Warriors
• Feeding America
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Shriners Hospitals for Children
• Covenant House
• The Animal Rescue Mission
Chris is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Awarded Senior Vice President Title
• Awarded Senior Portfolio Manager Title
• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)
• The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George
• Orthodox Christian Mission Center
• Church of the Epiphany’s Welcome Table for the homeless
• The Boomer Esiason Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis
• Tunnels for Towers
• Wounded Warriors
• Feeding America
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Shriners Hospitals for Children
• Covenant House
• The Animal Rescue Mission
Chris is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Awarded Senior Vice President Title
• Awarded Senior Portfolio Manager Title
• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)
Scott Mergner, CEPA®
Scott supports his local community with his involvement in the following organizations:
• Georgetown Preparatory School
• St. Frances Academy
• The Military Bowl
• Patriot Point
• National Football Foundation & College Football Hall of Fame
• Intervarsity Athletics
Scott is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Scott earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation - CEPA® in 2024.
• Awarded 2023 & 2025 Five Star Professional
• Awarded Vice President Title
• Awarded Associate Vice President Title
• Awarded Financial Planning Specialist Title
• Pacesetter’s Club 2016-2021
• Georgetown Preparatory School
• St. Frances Academy
• The Military Bowl
• Patriot Point
• National Football Foundation & College Football Hall of Fame
• Intervarsity Athletics
Scott is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Scott earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation - CEPA® in 2024.
• Awarded 2023 & 2025 Five Star Professional
• Awarded Vice President Title
• Awarded Associate Vice President Title
• Awarded Financial Planning Specialist Title
• Pacesetter’s Club 2016-2021
Jeff Garner
Jeff supports his local community with his involvement in the following organizations:
• Pat Tillman Foundation
• Susan G. Komen
• Capital Area Food Bank
Jeff is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Awarded to the Pacesetter's Club at Morgan Stanley in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025
• Pat Tillman Foundation
• Susan G. Komen
• Capital Area Food Bank
Jeff is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Awarded to the Pacesetter's Club at Morgan Stanley in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025
Victoria Underhill, QPFC
Victoria supports her local community with her involvement in the following organizations:
• Rockville Chapter of the Izaak Walton League
• Life of Joy Foundation
Victoria is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Awarded to the Pacesetter's Club at Morgan Stanley in 2023, 2024 and 2025
• Victoria earned the Qualified Plan Financial Consultant - QPFC Designation in 2023
• Rockville Chapter of the Izaak Walton League
• Life of Joy Foundation
Victoria is honored to have achieved the following designations, awards, and titles:
• Awarded to the Pacesetter's Club at Morgan Stanley in 2023, 2024 and 2025
• Victoria earned the Qualified Plan Financial Consultant - QPFC Designation in 2023
Gregory Underhill
Greg supports his local community with his involvement in the following organizations:
• Upper Montgomery County
• Frederick County Community Volunteer
• Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve
• Upper Montgomery County
• Frederick County Community Volunteer
• Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve
Douglas Haller
Doug supports his local community with his involvement in the following organizations:
• Active in the Palisades community of Washington D.C. and previously in Arlington VA Community
• Passion for developing Strong Relationships with Small Business Owners and Employees in the DC area
• Active in Montgomery County local Events, Markets and Fundraisers
• Active in Local Farmers Markets supporting local business
• Active in the Palisades community of Washington D.C. and previously in Arlington VA Community
• Passion for developing Strong Relationships with Small Business Owners and Employees in the DC area
• Active in Montgomery County local Events, Markets and Fundraisers
• Active in Local Farmers Markets supporting local business
Jerrel Cayo
Jerrel supports his local community with his involvement in the following organizations:
• Active in the Upper Montgomery County community
• Passion for supporting local businesses and employees in Maryland
• Active in Montgomery County local Events, Markets and Fundraisers
• Active in various community creative workshops within the DMV
• Active in the Upper Montgomery County community
• Passion for supporting local businesses and employees in Maryland
• Active in Montgomery County local Events, Markets and Fundraisers
• Active in various community creative workshops within the DMV
Gabriela Cohen
Gabriela supports her local community with her involvement in the following organizations:
• Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad Explorer Post 742
• Heifer International
• Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity
• Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad Explorer Post 742
• Heifer International
• Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity
Aidan Leighton
Aidan supports his local community with his involvement in the following organizations:
• Active in the Cabin John Community of Maryland
• Friends of Moses Hall non-profit
• Montgomery county local events, markets, and fundraisers
• Glen echo community events
• Active in the Cabin John Community of Maryland
• Friends of Moses Hall non-profit
• Montgomery county local events, markets, and fundraisers
• Glen echo community events
Location
12505 Park Potomac Avenue
Suite 200
Potomac, MD 20854
US
Direct:
(301) 279-6429(301) 279-6429
Fax:
(240) 392-4478(240) 392-4478
7500 Old Georgetown Road
10th Floor
Bethesda, MD 20854
US
Direct:
(301) 279-6401(301) 279-6401
Meet The Mergner Group
Scott Mergner, CEPA®
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor
Phone:
(301) 279-6429(301) 279-6429
Jeffrey Garner
Associate Vice President, Wealth Management
Phone:
(301) 279-6435(301) 279-6435
Victoria Underhill, QPFC
Associate Vice President, Wealth Management, Corporate Retirement Director
Phone:
(301) 279-6437(301) 279-6437
Chris Wallace, CRPC®
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
Phone:
(301) 279-6461(301) 279-6461
Phone:
(301) 279-6452(301) 279-6452
Gregory Underhill
Vice President, Group Director
Phone:
(301) 279-6454(301) 279-6454
Jennifer Monroe Heebink
Senior Registered Associate
Phone:
(301) 657-6320(301) 657-6320
Jerrel Cayo
Client Service Associate
Phone:
(301) 279-6445(301) 279-6445
Douglas Haller
Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(301) 279-6438(301) 279-6438
Gabriela Cohen
Team Administrator
Phone:
(301) 279-6401(301) 279-6401
Aidan Leighton
Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(301) 279-6439(301) 279-6439
About Micheal Lipshultz
Micheal Lipshultz is a Senior Vice President, Wealth Management and Financial Advisor with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. Designations Mike holds include Insurance Planning Director, Financial Planning Specialist and Portfolio Manager. Mike's dedication to the financial services industry which began in 1992 has shaped his knowledge of and focus on asset allocation, risk review, and financial planning strategies for individuals, families, and institutions. This dedication, knowledge and focus helps Mike advise you and those you care about in achieving financial goals. Mike currently holds a variety of licenses including the Series 7, 31, 63, 65 as well as those in health and life insurance.
A D.C. area native, Mike spent the majority of his formative years travelling and living around the globe. This includes time spent in the Midwest, on the West Coast, as well as in Europe and Asia. Mike returned home to graduate from John F. Kennedy H.S. in Silver Spring. Mike then earned a B.S. in Finance from the University of Maryland at College-Park.
Mike has been married to his wife, Dawn, since 1997 and they have two daughters. When he isn’t at the office you can find Mike volunteering for various causes, on a hiking trail, or playing his five-string banjo.
A D.C. area native, Mike spent the majority of his formative years travelling and living around the globe. This includes time spent in the Midwest, on the West Coast, as well as in Europe and Asia. Mike returned home to graduate from John F. Kennedy H.S. in Silver Spring. Mike then earned a B.S. in Finance from the University of Maryland at College-Park.
Mike has been married to his wife, Dawn, since 1997 and they have two daughters. When he isn’t at the office you can find Mike volunteering for various causes, on a hiking trail, or playing his five-string banjo.
Securities Agent: AK, SC, NJ, MA, IA, TN, NH, ME, IL, HI, VT, OR, MI, KS, FL, KY, GA, WI, WA, UT, NV, NC, ID, DE, WV, VA, PA, OH, MT, LA, IN, CT, CA, AR, OK, NY, MN, CO, TX, MS, PR, MD, DC, AZ, NM, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1262310
NMLS#: 1262310
About Scott Mergner
Scott Mergner, CEPA® is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor for The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. He leads the team’s ultra-high-net-worth division and liquidity management financial planning services. Scott first began his career at Morgan Stanley in 2012 where he joined The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley, making him the third generation to commit himself to developing long term relationships with clients and families through wealth management. Scott has made it his priority to implement the newest technology and platforms offered by Morgan Stanley to best suit individual needs and goals.
Scott currently holds Series 7 and 66 security licenses as well as those in health and life insurance. In addition, Scott earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation - CEPA® to further strengthen his offering on helping business owners protect and manage their wealth through an exit transition. He is able to connect with clients on a business ownership level and provide a unique perspective of advice and products that are relevant, beneficial, and appropriate for clients.
Scott is a graduate of Georgetown Preparatory High School in North Bethesda, MD. He graduated from Amherst College in Amherst, MA where he majored in English and co-captained the un-defeated NESCAC Championship football team.
Scott and his wife Mary happily reside in Potomac, MD with their Australian Shepherd mix Buddy. They are passionate members of their community supporting the DC Sports contingent, eager to volunteer in their local charity events, and tackling life head-on. In his spare time, Scott can be found serving on multiple boards of directors including, Portfolio Management Institute and The Gridiron Club benefiting Patriot Point. Outside of the Office, Scott enjoys meeting up with friends around the globe, taking Buddy for long walks, staying in shape, and mentoring young alumnus at his High-school alma mater.
Scott currently holds Series 7 and 66 security licenses as well as those in health and life insurance. In addition, Scott earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation - CEPA® to further strengthen his offering on helping business owners protect and manage their wealth through an exit transition. He is able to connect with clients on a business ownership level and provide a unique perspective of advice and products that are relevant, beneficial, and appropriate for clients.
Scott is a graduate of Georgetown Preparatory High School in North Bethesda, MD. He graduated from Amherst College in Amherst, MA where he majored in English and co-captained the un-defeated NESCAC Championship football team.
Scott and his wife Mary happily reside in Potomac, MD with their Australian Shepherd mix Buddy. They are passionate members of their community supporting the DC Sports contingent, eager to volunteer in their local charity events, and tackling life head-on. In his spare time, Scott can be found serving on multiple boards of directors including, Portfolio Management Institute and The Gridiron Club benefiting Patriot Point. Outside of the Office, Scott enjoys meeting up with friends around the globe, taking Buddy for long walks, staying in shape, and mentoring young alumnus at his High-school alma mater.
Securities Agent: TN, CA, OK, ME, LA, ID, WV, WA, PR, NJ, IN, IL, SC, NM, MS, GA, AK, HI, FL, VA, PA, OR, NC, KY, IA, DE, AZ, UT, TX, NY, DC, CO, AR, MT, MI, KS, WI, NV, CT, VT, OH, MN, MD, MA, AL, NH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1446202
NMLS#: 1446202
About Jeffrey Garner
Jeffrey Garner is an Associate Vice President with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. He was named to The Pacesetters Club at Morgan Stanley in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, a global recognition program for Financial Advisors who, early in their career, have demonstrated the highest professional standards and first-class client service.
Jeff was accepted into the rigorous and esteemed Financial Advisor program at Morgan Stanley in 2020, a promotion within the team from Registered Associate to a Financial Advisor. Jeff has twenty years of experience with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley and celebrated his 26–year anniversary with the firm in the beginning of February 2026.
Jeff is committed to developing a strong relationship with his clients and their families to discover your unique needs and implement goals-based planning to help his clients in achieving their financial goals. Jeff currently holds Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses.
Jeff is a Maryland native. He attended Thomas Stone High School and studied Finance at Towson University. Jeff currently resides in Silver Spring, MD and spends much of his time out of the office on the golf course or cheering on one of the D.C. sports teams.
Jeff was accepted into the rigorous and esteemed Financial Advisor program at Morgan Stanley in 2020, a promotion within the team from Registered Associate to a Financial Advisor. Jeff has twenty years of experience with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley and celebrated his 26–year anniversary with the firm in the beginning of February 2026.
Jeff is committed to developing a strong relationship with his clients and their families to discover your unique needs and implement goals-based planning to help his clients in achieving their financial goals. Jeff currently holds Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses.
Jeff is a Maryland native. He attended Thomas Stone High School and studied Finance at Towson University. Jeff currently resides in Silver Spring, MD and spends much of his time out of the office on the golf course or cheering on one of the D.C. sports teams.
Securities Agent: OH, NM, DE, AK, WI, NH, ID, HI, GA, NJ, KY, IN, AL, VA, OR, IA, CA, AZ, MS, MN, ME, MD, CO, SC, KS, IL, WA, UT, NY, NV, MT, FL, VT, TX, TN, OK, CT, NC, MA, AR, WV, MI, LA, DC, PR, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2109157
NMLS#: 2109157
About Victoria Underhill
Victoria Underhill is a Financial Advisor with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. Leveraging her experience, Victoria is dedicated to working with executives to manage their roles as fiduciaries and stewards of their organization.
Victoria began her career with a boutique Broker/Dealer in 2007, serving in several advisory related and supervisory roles. Before moving the Morgan Stanley in 2019, Victoria was the Director of Individual and Corporate Planning with an independent Registered Investment Advisor firm. She holds the Series 7, 66, 24, 52 and 53 FINRA registrations as well as those in health and life insurance. In addition, Victoria earned the Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) designation to further assist retirement plan sponsors and ultimately help their employees prepare for retirement. Victoria was named to The Pacesetters Club at Morgan Stanley in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, a global recognition program for Financial Advisors who have demonstrated the highest professional standards and first-class client service.
Victoria is a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, CT. She went on to a Post Graduate year at Cheshire Academy before attending The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Victoria and her husband, Greg, reside in Poolesville, Maryland with their young son, Braden and their puppy, Tilly. When not in the office, Victoria can be found at the baseball field cheering on Braden, at a historical site, or volunteering with a number of non-profit organizations that range from medical to education to conservation and preservation.
Victoria began her career with a boutique Broker/Dealer in 2007, serving in several advisory related and supervisory roles. Before moving the Morgan Stanley in 2019, Victoria was the Director of Individual and Corporate Planning with an independent Registered Investment Advisor firm. She holds the Series 7, 66, 24, 52 and 53 FINRA registrations as well as those in health and life insurance. In addition, Victoria earned the Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) designation to further assist retirement plan sponsors and ultimately help their employees prepare for retirement. Victoria was named to The Pacesetters Club at Morgan Stanley in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, a global recognition program for Financial Advisors who have demonstrated the highest professional standards and first-class client service.
Victoria is a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, CT. She went on to a Post Graduate year at Cheshire Academy before attending The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Victoria and her husband, Greg, reside in Poolesville, Maryland with their young son, Braden and their puppy, Tilly. When not in the office, Victoria can be found at the baseball field cheering on Braden, at a historical site, or volunteering with a number of non-profit organizations that range from medical to education to conservation and preservation.
Securities Agent: KS, MD, TX, SC, MI, DC, VA, UT, MN, ME, HI, NV, MS, CT, AL, NC, MT, DE, KY, CA, OR, OH, ID, AZ, AR, NY, NJ, IN, IA, GA, WV, PA, OK, NM, NH, MA, IL, FL, CO, WI, LA, AK, WA, VT, TN, PR; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1970584
NMLS#: 1970584
About Chris Wallace
Chris J Wallace, CRPC® is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. Chris first entered the financial services industry in 1994 and during his career has come to focus on guiding individuals and families towards retirement strategies. As a Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor (CRPC®) Chris is committed to evaluating current and future financial status to design an optimal plan for what life has to offer. Chris currently holds a variety of licenses including the Series 7, 31, 63, 65 as well as those in health and life insurance.
A resident of the Washington, DC metro area his entire life, Chris attended Winston Churchill High School. He earned his B.S. from West Virginia University where he studied Finance and Business Administration and is a proud Mountaineer.
Chris has been married to his wife Mozhgan since 1989 and they have three daughters. When not at the office, Chris can be found trying to improve his handicap as a golf enthusiast, cycling along roads and trails in the local area, surrounding himself with family and friends, or volunteering for a number of local charities.
A resident of the Washington, DC metro area his entire life, Chris attended Winston Churchill High School. He earned his B.S. from West Virginia University where he studied Finance and Business Administration and is a proud Mountaineer.
Chris has been married to his wife Mozhgan since 1989 and they have three daughters. When not at the office, Chris can be found trying to improve his handicap as a golf enthusiast, cycling along roads and trails in the local area, surrounding himself with family and friends, or volunteering for a number of local charities.
Securities Agent: LA, HI, VA, UT, TN, NC, MS, ME, IN, DE, CT, AK, WI, PA, OR, MD, NJ, FL, OH, KY, KS, IL, AZ, DC, AL, WV, WA, SC, OK, NM, MT, MI, GA, CO, AR, TX, NH, MN, CA, NY, MA, PR, VT, NV, ID, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1285044
CA Insurance License #: 0H82190
NMLS#: 1285044
CA Insurance License #: 0H82190
About John Lasheski
John Lasheski is a Senior Vice President, Wealth Management and Financial Advisor with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. John first Joined Morgan Stanley in 2002 in the operations department before moving on as a Client Service Associate in 2004.
He shaped his skills and built strong client relationships as a reliable relationship manager, ultimately earning his acceptance into the Financial Advisor Associate Program in 2010. Furthermore, John serves in a discretionary manner as a Portfolio Manager. His skill set includes guiding client portfolio construction, asset allocation, and financial planning strategies for individuals, families, and institutions. John currently holds a variety of licenses including the Series 7, 66, as well as those in health and life insurance.
A Montgomery, County native, John has spent most of his life in the surrounding D.C. area suburbs and is an active small-town community member of Poolesville, MD. John is a graduate of Sherwood High School. and holds a degree in Computer Science from University of Maryland University College.
John has been married to his wife, Jill, since 2007 and they have four kids ranging from elementary school to high school. Two boys, two girls, and two dogs keep them busy in their community. When not cheering on their kids in sports as a proud Dad or on the loudspeaker as a volunteer announcer at their events, John can be found enjoying the outdoors. He is an avid fisherman of any kind, but mostly trout fishing. If not a mouse, keyboard, or fishing rod in John’s hand, you might find a guitar as he’s been strumming for more than thirty years.
He shaped his skills and built strong client relationships as a reliable relationship manager, ultimately earning his acceptance into the Financial Advisor Associate Program in 2010. Furthermore, John serves in a discretionary manner as a Portfolio Manager. His skill set includes guiding client portfolio construction, asset allocation, and financial planning strategies for individuals, families, and institutions. John currently holds a variety of licenses including the Series 7, 66, as well as those in health and life insurance.
A Montgomery, County native, John has spent most of his life in the surrounding D.C. area suburbs and is an active small-town community member of Poolesville, MD. John is a graduate of Sherwood High School. and holds a degree in Computer Science from University of Maryland University College.
John has been married to his wife, Jill, since 2007 and they have four kids ranging from elementary school to high school. Two boys, two girls, and two dogs keep them busy in their community. When not cheering on their kids in sports as a proud Dad or on the loudspeaker as a volunteer announcer at their events, John can be found enjoying the outdoors. He is an avid fisherman of any kind, but mostly trout fishing. If not a mouse, keyboard, or fishing rod in John’s hand, you might find a guitar as he’s been strumming for more than thirty years.
Securities Agent: NY, AZ, TN, NJ, MD, GA, CO, WV, PA, IL, AR, TX, AK, NV, KY, HI, FL, VA, PR, OH, NH, MT, MN, LA, KS, DE, WI, WA, MI, VT, OK, NM, MS, MA, CA, AL, SC, NC, ME, IN, DC, UT, OR, ID, IA, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1282379
NMLS#: 1282379
About Gregory Underhill
Gregory Underhill serves as Group Director for The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. He is responsible for leading all group operations for the team, leveraging his management experience to strengthen and expand the team-work oriented group dynamic of The Mergner Group.
Greg has been in the finance industry since 2008 and holds his Series 7, 9, 10, and 66 licenses. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Greg served as the Director of Operations for an RIA based in Maryland, as well as a supervisory role for Guggenheim Investments. Much of his career has been focused on supporting advisors and helping them serve their clients.
A native of Montgomery County, Greg is a three-fold Maryland Terrapin, having earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from the University of Maryland and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Cyber Security Policy from the University of Maryland’s Global Campus.
Greg and his wife, Victoria Underhill, reside in Poolesville, Maryland with their son, Braden. He is an active volunteer in the Upper Montgomery County and Frederick County communities. Greg has a lifelong passion for baseball and can be found on the sidelines cheering on his son’s little league team, as well as various professional and collegiate baseball teams.
Greg has been in the finance industry since 2008 and holds his Series 7, 9, 10, and 66 licenses. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Greg served as the Director of Operations for an RIA based in Maryland, as well as a supervisory role for Guggenheim Investments. Much of his career has been focused on supporting advisors and helping them serve their clients.
A native of Montgomery County, Greg is a three-fold Maryland Terrapin, having earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from the University of Maryland and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Cyber Security Policy from the University of Maryland’s Global Campus.
Greg and his wife, Victoria Underhill, reside in Poolesville, Maryland with their son, Braden. He is an active volunteer in the Upper Montgomery County and Frederick County communities. Greg has a lifelong passion for baseball and can be found on the sidelines cheering on his son’s little league team, as well as various professional and collegiate baseball teams.
About Jennifer Monroe Heebink
Jennifer Monroe is a Senior Registered Associate for The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. She is responsible for providing daily client service and technology needs, operations and administration. Prior to joining the firm, Jennifer worked in wealth management and is an industry veteran of more than 25 years. She has held positions on institutional equity trading desks, mutual fund companies and a family wealth office. Jennifer will work hand in hand with the Client Service team and is ready to help. She has also obtained her Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses.
Jennifer grew up in Montgomery County where she attended The Bullis School. She earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Richmond and currently lives in Reston, VA, where she enjoys visits from her 2 grown daughters whenever possible. When not in the office or honing her industry skills, she can be found staying active in the local community, enjoying travel & hiking, and live music.
Jennifer grew up in Montgomery County where she attended The Bullis School. She earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Richmond and currently lives in Reston, VA, where she enjoys visits from her 2 grown daughters whenever possible. When not in the office or honing her industry skills, she can be found staying active in the local community, enjoying travel & hiking, and live music.
About Jerrel Cayo
Jerrel Cayo is a Client Service Associate with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. He started his career within the financial industry in March 2014, working at Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase, before joining Morgan Stanley in September 2023. Bringing over 11 years of experience to the team, Jerrel’s primary focus is to provide clients with a high level of service in various operational and administrative areas.
Jerrel is a Montgomery County native and a graduate of Magruder High School where he was a well-rounded student athlete who participated in several sports, including football and rugby. He went on to graduate from Montgomery College in which he had a focus in Business Administration. Jerrel now resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Outside of work, Jerrel enjoys spending time with family, sports, movies, anime, and music. He also appreciates traveling to taste what cuisine the world has to offer.
Jerrel is a Montgomery County native and a graduate of Magruder High School where he was a well-rounded student athlete who participated in several sports, including football and rugby. He went on to graduate from Montgomery College in which he had a focus in Business Administration. Jerrel now resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Outside of work, Jerrel enjoys spending time with family, sports, movies, anime, and music. He also appreciates traveling to taste what cuisine the world has to offer.
About Douglas Haller
Doug Haller is a Registered Client Service Associate with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. He started his career in the financial industry at Morgan Stanley in 2022 after working in various client-service industries. His commitment to putting clients first keeps him passionate about improving the white-glove experience every day.
After graduating from Northwest High School and retiring from lacrosse, Doug decided to leave his native Montgomery County roots and continue to Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland. While there, he graduated with a B.S. in Economics alongside achieving a double minor in Business and Entrepreneurship. He now resides in Washington, DC where he enjoys spending time on the Potomac River, experiencing new cuisine at local restaurants, and working on cars in his spare time.
Doug's primary focus with the team is to provide clients with a high level of service in various operational and administrative areas. He has obtained his Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses.
After graduating from Northwest High School and retiring from lacrosse, Doug decided to leave his native Montgomery County roots and continue to Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland. While there, he graduated with a B.S. in Economics alongside achieving a double minor in Business and Entrepreneurship. He now resides in Washington, DC where he enjoys spending time on the Potomac River, experiencing new cuisine at local restaurants, and working on cars in his spare time.
Doug's primary focus with the team is to provide clients with a high level of service in various operational and administrative areas. He has obtained his Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses.
About Gabriela Cohen
Gabriela Cohen is a Team Administrator with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. As the Team Administrator she is responsible for providing support for the advisory team including day-to-day functions such as calendar management, client calls, and information requests. Gabriela brings with her superior guest services experience, an energetic attitude, and a warm, bubbly smile. Previously she led teams as a Guest Services Supervisor and Client Relationship Manager outside of the financial industry.
Gabriela is another Montgomery County native to join the group. Having attended Walter Johnson High School and McDaniel College, she appreciates the proximity to family. When not in the office, Gabriela can be found volunteering with the American Red Cross as a weekly platelet donor or driving from dog park to dog park, blending her love for animals and cars. She is also a freshwater aquarium hobbyist and a proud alumna of both Phi Mu Fraternity and Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity.
Gabriela is another Montgomery County native to join the group. Having attended Walter Johnson High School and McDaniel College, she appreciates the proximity to family. When not in the office, Gabriela can be found volunteering with the American Red Cross as a weekly platelet donor or driving from dog park to dog park, blending her love for animals and cars. She is also a freshwater aquarium hobbyist and a proud alumna of both Phi Mu Fraternity and Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity.
About Aidan Leighton
Aidan Leighton is a Registered Client Service Associate with The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley. He started his career within the financial industry in 2019, working at US. Bank as a Premier Banker working closely with the U.S. Bank Wealth department, before joining Morgan Stanley in April of 2025. Bringing over 6 years of experience to the team, Aidan is passionate about building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional service to help clients achieve their financial goals. Aidan's focus with the team is to provide clients with a high level of service in various operational and administrative areas.
Aidan is a Montgomery County native and a graduate of Walt Whitman Highschool participating in several sports, including wrestling and lacrosse. He went on to attend University of Colorado Boulder and before relocating to Grand Junction, Colorado to be closer to his brother. Aidan now resides in Cabin John, Maryland enjoying the closer proximity to family. Outside of work, Aidan enjoys spending time with family, building and fixing computers, and enjoying time off with friends.
Aidan’s primary focus with the team is to provide clients with a high level of service is various operational and administrative areas. He has obtained his Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licenses.
Aidan is a Montgomery County native and a graduate of Walt Whitman Highschool participating in several sports, including wrestling and lacrosse. He went on to attend University of Colorado Boulder and before relocating to Grand Junction, Colorado to be closer to his brother. Aidan now resides in Cabin John, Maryland enjoying the closer proximity to family. Outside of work, Aidan enjoys spending time with family, building and fixing computers, and enjoying time off with friends.
Aidan’s primary focus with the team is to provide clients with a high level of service is various operational and administrative areas. He has obtained his Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licenses.
Contact Micheal Lipshultz
Contact Scott Mergner
Contact Jeffrey Garner
Contact Victoria Underhill
Contact Chris Wallace
Contact John Lasheski
Awards and Recognition
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
2021-2025 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Five Star Wealth Advisor
Five Star Wealth Advisor Award
This award was issued in 2023 and 2025. The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional based on objective criteria from 04/18/22 - 10/21/22 and from 03/13/24 - 10/07/24.
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The Power of Partnerships
By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships
Ope Afe, CFP®, CRPC®
Financial Planning Director, Vice President
Tess Pisanelli
Planning Associate
Mark Jansen
Family Office Resources Generalist
About Ope Afe
Ope Afe is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Central Maryland. She is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients’ and prospects’ financial planning needs.
Ope began her career in financial services in 2005 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2023. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Senior Advisor at T. Rowe Price in their Private Client Group in Owings Mills, MD. She has also held various wealth management roles at TIAA, SunTrust, PNC and Wells Fargo (Wachovia).
Ope is a graduate of Morgan State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Finance, and also graduated from Loyola University MD with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She holds her Certified Financial Planner® and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® designations. Ope lives in Howard County, MD and enjoys traveling, trying out new recipes and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Ope began her career in financial services in 2005 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2023. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Senior Advisor at T. Rowe Price in their Private Client Group in Owings Mills, MD. She has also held various wealth management roles at TIAA, SunTrust, PNC and Wells Fargo (Wachovia).
Ope is a graduate of Morgan State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Finance, and also graduated from Loyola University MD with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She holds her Certified Financial Planner® and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® designations. Ope lives in Howard County, MD and enjoys traveling, trying out new recipes and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
About Tess Pisanelli
Tess is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Financial Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team. She collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, she will evaluate various options and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Tess provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Tess is originally from Ridgefield, CT and currently resides in New York, NY.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Tess is originally from Ridgefield, CT and currently resides in New York, NY.
About Mark Jansen
Mark Jansen is a Family Office Resources Generalist for Morgan Stanley’s Family Office Resources, covering the Southeast Region. In this capacity, Mark provides specialized expertise to Financial Advisors and their UHNW clients across a broad range of family wealth management issues including; family governance and wealth education, strategic estate and financial planning, philanthropy management and lifestyle advisory. Mark has over 30 years of experience advising wealthy families, business owners, and their children.
Most recently, Mark worked with New York Life in their Advanced Planning Group working with agents and their UHNW clients advising them on estate and legacy planning, business buy sell planning, and succession planning. Prior to New York Life, Mark held similar Advanced Planning Consulting roles in several National financial organizations. He originally started his career in the financial services industry in the tax department of the public accounting firm Grant Thornton. He is known for taking complex ideas and making them easy to understand. Frequently speaking to groups and individuals on estate and business planning, he brings a conversational style that helps to clarify the complex nature of these topics.
Mark received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville MN, received his JD degree Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota and his CPA license while working at Grant Thornton. He holds a Series 7, 24 and 63 securities licenses. He currently lives in Richmond Virginia with his wife and occasionally one of their 6 children.
Most recently, Mark worked with New York Life in their Advanced Planning Group working with agents and their UHNW clients advising them on estate and legacy planning, business buy sell planning, and succession planning. Prior to New York Life, Mark held similar Advanced Planning Consulting roles in several National financial organizations. He originally started his career in the financial services industry in the tax department of the public accounting firm Grant Thornton. He is known for taking complex ideas and making them easy to understand. Frequently speaking to groups and individuals on estate and business planning, he brings a conversational style that helps to clarify the complex nature of these topics.
Mark received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville MN, received his JD degree Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota and his CPA license while working at Grant Thornton. He holds a Series 7, 24 and 63 securities licenses. He currently lives in Richmond Virginia with his wife and occasionally one of their 6 children.
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan 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.
Morgan 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.
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan 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.
Morgan 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.
When 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.
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.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan 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.
Morgan 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.
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan 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.
Morgan 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.
When 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.
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.
Wealth Management
From Our Team
The Mergner Group at Morgan Stanley Year-End 2025 Newsletter
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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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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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
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.
Retirement for Plan Sponsors
End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
- Plan Evaluation
- Investment Management
- Plan Management Support
- Plan Participant Education
Small Business Retirement Plans
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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.
Morgan 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
3Morgan 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.
4When 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.
5When 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.
6Morgan 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
7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
9When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.
10Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
11Morgan 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.
12Alternative 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.
13Morgan 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.
14Morgan 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.
15Morgan 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.
16Investing in the market entails the risk of market volatility. The value of all types of investments may increase or decrease over varying time periods. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable or impact investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability and impact 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.
17Morgan 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.
18Morgan 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.
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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 | Morgan Stanley
Morgan 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
3Morgan 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.
4When 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.
5When 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.
6Morgan 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
7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
9When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.
10Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
11Morgan 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.
12Alternative 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.
13Morgan 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.
14Morgan 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.
15Morgan 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.
16Investing in the market entails the risk of market volatility. The value of all types of investments may increase or decrease over varying time periods. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable or impact investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability and impact 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.
17Morgan 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.
18Morgan 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.
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025), 4763067 (9/2025)
