Our Story and Services

At The Meridian Group, we focus on what is most important to you, your family and your future. We provide the personalized service, problem-solving skills and world-class resources needed to help you make more informed and confident decisions about your wealth.

Above all, we commit to making a meaningful difference in your life through the delivery of five core values that have become the hallmark of our practice:

• Deep and caring relationships that span generations
• Competence through extensive experience
• Proven processes that help drive results
• A focus on education for ourselves and our clients
• A pledge to ongoing, proactive service

With our passion and perseverance, we deliver a client service model that puts you in the center of every decision. We are dedicated to earning your trust every day through a powerful combination of wisdom, knowledge and experience. Above all, we strive to ensure every client feels like our only client.

Getting started is easy. It begins with a conversation. As our name implies, we look forward to discussing how we can support and enhance the lifestyle and legacy you envision for you, your children and your grandchildren now and for years to come.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Capabilities
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

About PWM

Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
  • Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
  • Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
  • Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
  • Approximately 350 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
  • Over $980 billion in AUM1
  • Comprising 23% of the Barron’s Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams for 2024
  • Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, December, 2024

Source: Barron's.com (May 2024) 2024 Barron's Top 250 Private Wealth Management Teams awarded in 2024. The teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. Clients are encouraged to approach a search for an advisor the way they would a search for a doctor—interviewing multiple professionals and getting opinions from multiple third parties. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.

Working with You

The Meridian Group at Morgan Stanley believes that every investment begins with a plan, which is why comprehensive financial consulting is the first step we take when we begin our new client relationship. Our highest goal is to fully understand your financial needs, long-term goals and lifestyle aspirations. The financial planning process that we adhere to enables us to do so, and to gain the privileged insight of knowing you well.

Our comprehensive financial planning process will utilize involves these seven areas of focus:
    Icon Image
    1. Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
    The first step of our process involves us taking a closer look at your current financial situation. This stage will include tracking your income and expenses, determining your net worth and establishing an emergency fund.
    Icon Image
    5. Reducing the Effect of Taxes
    As a part of our process, we will help you develop a plan that aims to reduce the effects of taxes, by projecting the effects of federal income taxes and creating a tax-deferral strategy.

    For business owners, we can work with you to help implement the most appropriate qualified retirement plan for your business.
    Icon Image
    2. Saving for Major Expenses
    Whether you're funding the education of a loved one, are saving to buy a house, or starting your business, our financial planning process will help you identify and plan for your major life expenses.
    Icon Image
    6. Protecting Against Financial Crisis
    In the event financial crises does arise, we will have a plan in place to protect you and your loved ones, including helping ensure your family’s ongoing financial needs will be met upon your death, protecting your income if you become disabled and assessing the applicability of long term care insurance.
    Icon Image
    3. Planning for Retirement
    Planning for retirement involves setting clear goals and implementing strategies to help you secure a comfortable retirement. By estimating for your retirement income and expenses along with the value of government and corporate sponsored programs, we can help you determine how you can meet your future retirement goals.
    Icon Image
    7. Preparing an Estate for Heirs
    Preparing an estate involves creating a comprehensive plan for the orderly distribution of your estates, minimizing excess estate taxes, generating the funds for estate taxes and establishing funding liquidity to cover estate taxes, if necessary.
    Icon Image
    4. Designing an Investment Strategy
    While taking your risk tolerance into consideration, we will develop an effective and efficient investment strategy as a part of our process. Once your strategy is put in place, we will monitor and adjust your investment portfolio periodically.

INDIVIDUAL PLANS FOR INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU

Regardless of what stage your life is in - moving ahead in your career, enjoying retirement, or somewhere in between - as your Financial Advisors, we can help you achieve your financial goals.

Using a suite of tools that includes goal-specific analysis, we can work with you to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of your financial life, including your investments and cash management needs.

We can create your personal roadmap to help achieve and protect your goals — a framework that makes the connection between your life goals and your financial resources, and provides a baseline for future discussions.
    Icon Image
    Portfolio Risk Tool
    The Portfolio Risk Platform integrates the leading risk analytics engine into Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s platform to help improve the quality, transparency, and efficiency of the end to end risk management processes for the Firm and our Clients.
    Click Here to Learn More
    Icon Image
    Goals Planning System (GPS)
    Goals-Based Wealth Management means that we aim to understand what is important to you and work together to map out a plan that can help you achieve your financial goals.
    Click Here to Learn More
    Icon Image
    Retirement Planning
    The decisions you make about your workplace retirement plan can benefit you for years to come. We’ll help you understand and put your resources to work, so you can plan, invest, and ultimately transition to retirement with confidence.
    Click Here to Learn More
    Icon Image
    Financial Planning Questionnaire
    This questionnaire will help us create a personalized
    strategy for you and can enhance our conversation
    around your long-term goals.
    Click Here to Learn More
    Icon Image
    Education Planning
    With education costs rising, paying for college has become a major life expense that requires smart planning.
    Click Here to Learn More
    Icon Image
    Intelligent Withdrawals
    We use state-of-the-art tools that recommend the most tax-efficient way to liquidate assets.
    Click Here to Learn More

Family Office Resources

Family Office Resources (FOR) provides specialized resources to ultra-high net worth clients across a broad range of family wealth management issues. Below are pertinent resources that illustrate Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources capabilities.
    Icon Image
    FOR Overview
    As your family grows and your wealth increases, you may face more subtle and profound wealth management issues. As the demands of your family grow and evolve, you will likely need professionals who have expanded capabilities.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    Philanthropy Management
    Philanthropy Management supports individuals, families, corporate and private foundations, and nonprofit
    organizations by offering a suite of services to help define and realize clients’ charitable missions.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    FOR Generalists
    The Family Office Resources (FOR) Generalists help clients and Private Wealth Advisors curate and navigate resources
    so clients can make complicated decisions confidently. A methodical and comprehensive process that incorporates and distinguishes among structural, behavioral and investment decisions leads to the creation of integrated, holistic and customized solutions.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    Estate Planning Strategies
    Our experienced professionals are available to discuss various tax, trust and estate strategies with you
    and your advisors, help facilitate the implementation of those strategies, and focus on the integration of your
    investment plans. A key first step is to understand what trust, tax and estate structures and planning are in place and frame it pictorially in a trust map to understand how assets might flow from one generation to the next.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    Donor Advised Funds
    While many individuals and families have a deep commitment to philanthropy, charitable giving is not limited to those with significant wealth. Donor advised funds (DAFs) are among the easiest and most tax-advantaged ways to give to charity for donors across the spectrum of wealth.

    The Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc. (MS GIFT) is an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. MS Global Impact Funding Trust (MS GIFT) is a donor advised fund. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC provides investment management and administrative services to MS GIFT. Back office administration provided by RenPSG, an unaffiliated charitable gift administrator.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    Trust Services
    Our trustee platform is “open architecture,” meaning that we provide you with access and ability to select an
    appropriate third-party corporate trustee for your trust account. Trust Specialists, within Morgan Stanley,
    analyze client trust documents and situations and then suggest a solution for your needs and goals.

    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third‐party corporate trustee.
    Learn More Here
    Icon Image
    Health and Wellness Education
    The newest offering from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources, Health and Wellness Education, features an extensive range of differentiated services to help you make clear and informed decisions on matters that impact your personal wellbeing.
    Learn More Here

Location

340 Mount Kemble Avenue
1st Floor
Morristown, NJ 07960
US
Direct:
(833) 759-1045(833) 759-1045

Meet The Meridian Group

Photo of Matthew C. Giordano

Matthew C. Giordano

Wealth Management Analyst
Phone:
(973) 425-3893(973) 425-3893
Photo of Kristin Buro

Kristin Buro

Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(973) 425-3876(973) 425-3876
Photo of Tyler Hugo

Tyler Hugo

Financial Advisor Associate
Phone:
(973) 425-8533(973) 425-8533
Photo of Christian DeFalco

Christian DeFalco

Client Service Associate
Phone:
(973) 425-2362(973) 425-2362

About Darren L. Hugo

Darren's financial services career began in 1989. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he was with the US Department of the Treasury as a Securities Analyst in the Economic Policy Division. His focus is on estate & business planning strategies, and investment portfolio design for private clients. An emphasis is placed on developing long-term, trusting relationships. He is a Certified Financial Planner TM, a member of The Financial Planning Assoc., & American Society of Chartered Financial Consultants. He graduated from the University of Maryland and lives in Bernardsville, NJ with his wife and children.
Securities Agent: IL, NC, WI, RI, NV, GA, PA, NH, MN, WA, VI, TX, KY, DC, CA, AR, VT, MT, MD, FL, ID, SC, OR, HI, NJ, MA, DE, CT, AZ, VA, CO, MI, NY, MO; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2063429

About Gerald E. Crum, Jr.

Gerald began his career in 1994 at Brown Brothers Harriman on the Credit Committee. Later he was an equity trader where he used technical & fundamental research. He combines his fixed income & equity markets knowledge with his Certified Financial Planner TM designation to deliver financial advisory Services focused on capital markets theory, estate planning strategies & portfolio design. A graduate from the University of Virginia with a degree in economics, he was born and raised in Cresskill, NJ & lives in North Caldwell with his wife and two sons.
Securities Agent: WI, SC, PA, NV, HI, MI, MD, WA, VI, OR, CT, CO, NY, NJ, NH, MT, MA, KY, NC, MN, ID, FL, AZ, AR, VA, IL, GA, TX, DE, CA, VT, RI, DC; General Securities Principal; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2063428

About Matthew C. Giordano

Matt began his career in 2003 with Smith Barney. He joined The Meridian Group in 2005 as an Administrative Assistant and is now a Wealth Management Analyst. Matt graduated from Rider University in 2002 with a degree in business administration. He was born and raised in Florham Park, NJ where he now lives with his wife, Olivia and sons, Mason and Matteo. In his spare time, he enjoys watching his sons play sports and being outdoors.

About Kristin Buro

Kristin has been in the financial services business since 2014, and joined the Meridian Group in 2018. She brings a client-first mentality that fits the high level of service to which the Meridian Group clients have grown accustom and deserve. Kristin was born and raised in Andover, New Jersey and now lives in Morristown, NJ. In her spare time, Kristin enjoys cooking, reading and going on hikes with her dog, Grumpy.

About Tyler Hugo

Tyler joined the Meridian Group in January of 2024 as a Client Service Associate. In 2025, Tyler joined Morgan Stanley's Financial Advisor Associate (FAA) program. In years past, Tyler interned with the team several times for many months. Originally from Bernardsville, NJ, Tyler earned his BS in Finance from Lehigh University in 2020. Bringing three years of valuable experience in the professional services industry, Tyler previously served as a management consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers prior to joining Morgan Stanley. His commitment to integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering work ethic is a welcomed addition to our team ethos. Tyler leads an active lifestyle, whether it be exercise, fishing, or golf, all are made better when enjoyed with family and friends.

About Christian DeFalco

Christian joined the Meridian Group in August of 2024, after graduating from Virginia Tech in May of the same year. Upon graduating from Virginia Tech, Christian earned a degree in finance, with a concentration in Certified Financial Planning, intending to earn his CFP® designation in the very near future. In years prior, during his college summers, he interned with 3 different groups within the wealth management industry in Morgan Stanley. Christian lives in Roxbury, NJ where he was raised with his younger sister. Christian enjoys spending his time exercising, playing golf, and generally being social, spending time with his friends and family.
Private Wealth Management
Professional Insights

Learn More About Tax Management

Learn More about Learn More About Tax Management
View All Documents
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Read More about On the Markets
Read "On the Markets"

Managing Significant Wealth

  • Investment Management
  • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
  • Cash Management & Lending
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Lifestyle Advisory
  • Business Services
Learn More about Managing Significant Wealth
What Philanthropic Approach is Right for You?
Article Image

What Philanthropic Approach is Right for You?

There are myriad ways to drive positive change in the world. Three worth considering: hybrid philanthropy, venture philanthropy and impact investing. Take a closer look at each.

Insights and Outcomes

Thought Leadership for our ultra high net worth clients, which contains thought-provoking articles, authored by leading experts from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources.
Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values
Article Image

Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values

The renowned NFL wide receiver shares insights on aligning your investments with your values.
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan 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.

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

Back to top



2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

Back to top



3Morgan 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.

Back to top



4Morgan 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.

Back to top



5Morgan 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.

Back to top



6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
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 and other legal matters.

Back to top



7Morgan 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.

Back to top



Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.

Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.

The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.

Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.

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

See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.

Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.

Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Awards Disclosures
CRC 4237142 (02/2025)