The Meridian Group

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

Estate Planning Strategies^Footnote1
Wealth Management^Footnote2
Business Succession Planning^Footnote3
Trust Accounts^Footnote4
Wealth Planning^Footnote5
Planning for Individuals with Special Needs and their Families
Trust Services^Footnote6
Executive Financial Services^Footnote7

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Financial Planning Questionnaire

This questionnaire will help us create a personalized
strategy for you and can enhance our conversation
around your long-term goals.

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Education Planning

With education costs rising, paying for college has become a major life expense that requires smart planning.

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Intelligent Withdrawals

We use state-of-the-art tools that recommend the most tax-efficient way to liquidate assets.

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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.

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

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

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

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.

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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.

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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

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

Client Service Associate

Phone:

(973) 660-4679(973) 660-4679

View My Bio

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: ID, FL, NC, SC, OR, HI, NJ, MA, DE, CT, AZ, VA, CO, PA, NH, MN, AR, WA, VI, TX, KY, DC, CA, VT, MT, MD, SD, RI, NV, GA, WI, MI, NY, MO, KS, IL; 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 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: RI, VI, SD, SC, PA, NV, VT, DC, NY, NJ, NH, MT, MA, KY, WI, NC, MN, ID, FL, AZ, AR, OR, CT, CO, VA, KS, IL, GA, TX, DE, CA, HI, MI, MD, WA; 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 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.

NMLS#: 2783046

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.

About Jessica Corazza

After earning her degree in Economics from Bucknell University, Jessica began her career at UBS, where she quickly established herself as a high performer across several roles, including municipal research, institutional fixed income sales, and institutional equity sales. Building on her success in the institutional space, she leveraged her deep product knowledge and client focus to serve the complex needs of private clients at a Registered Investment Advisor. Most recently, Jessica was an integral member on a Private Wealth Management team at Morgan Stanley, where she continued to demonstrate her commitment to exceptional client service and strategic insight.

Jessica lives in Convent Station, New Jersey with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys spending time with family and staying active in her local community.

About Lucas Cervelli

Lucas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from The College of New Jersey, where he served as President of the Finance National Honors Society, Beta Alpha Psi (BAP). Lucas started his wealth management career with Morgan Stanley in 2022, as a Planning Virtual Engagement Associate (PVEA). As a PVEA he focused on implementing comprehensive, high-impact financial planning services for Financial Advisors and their clients. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Lucas worked alongside high-preforming business brokers, advising on deal negotiations, business valuation, and advanced data analysis support. His experience in complex financial structuring and strategic advisory enhances our ability to deliver tailored, innovative solutions that elevate client experiences and drive long-term success.

Lucas is from Northern New Jersey and lives on a tree farm where he enjoys golfing, hiking, and being outdoors. He has a passion for helping others and has worked with several charities such as the B+ Foundation and Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA).

About Alexandra Toth

Alexandra recently graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Fairfield University. While at Fairfield, she was actively involved in the Dolan School of Business, where she took part in many campus organizations that deepened her interest in finance and strengthened her leadership skills. She also completed several finance internships, each of which helped shape her background, broaden her industry knowledge, and prepare her for a career in financial services.

Alexandra will enhance our operational excellence across client communications, account services, onboarding, money movement, and the many touchpoints that define your day-to-day experience with our team. She is excited to join the team and bring her energy, dedication, and eagerness to contribute. Alexandra values collaboration and client-centered service, and she looks forward to learning from and supporting her colleagues while contributing to our continued growth.

Originally from Chester, NJ, Alexandra is very close with her family, including her three sisters and two golden doodle puppies. Outside of work, she loves to travel, do pilates, golf, and spend time with her family and friends.

Wealth Management

Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 | Morgan Stanley

CRC 4237142 (02/2025)

Our Mission Statement

Our Story and Services

About PWM

Working with You

INDIVIDUAL PLANS FOR INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU

Family Office Resources

Location

Meet The Meridian Group

Darren L. Hugo, CFP®

Gerald E. Crum, Jr.

Matthew C. Giordano

Tyler Hugo

Christian DeFalco

Jessica Corazza

Lucas Cervelli

Alexandra Toth

About Darren L. Hugo

About Gerald E. Crum, Jr.

About Matthew C. Giordano

About Tyler Hugo

About Christian DeFalco

About Jessica Corazza

About Lucas Cervelli

About Alexandra Toth

Portfolio Insights

Managing Significant Wealth

What Philanthropic Approach is Right for You?

Insights and Outcomes

Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values