Our Story and Services

At The Penney Rankin Group, we are dedicated to providing high-quality financial advisory services for successful individuals, families, business owners, and those seeking retirement. We offer tailored strategies that address the complexities of managing substantial portfolios and navigating the intricate world of corporate finance. Together, we bring distinct strengths and diverse backgrounds, providing a broader perspective and deeper understanding as we strive to provide well-rounded, tailored guidance for clients.

We take a holistic approach that is grounded in investment strategy, but covers virtually every aspect of your financial life: risk management, liabilities, trusts and estate structures and even family dynamics and lifestyle management issues. Our goal is to assist you in preserving and growing your financial, family and social capital so that it can have the greatest positive impact today and for generations to come.

We view wealth as more than the value of an investment portfolio. It reflects your life, and the people, priorities, and pursuits that matter most to you. Our strength lies in striving to assist you in navigating financial challenges and make well-informed investment decisions through ongoing education, a disciplined and comprehensive process, and a steadfast commitment to ethical practices.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

PURSUING YOUR GOALS, TOGETHER

As your dedicated wealth management team, our role is to develop a personalized financial strategy that aims to align with your unique needs. For us, service means much more than providing sound investment advice and strategic guidance. Understanding that investments are only one important piece of your overall wealth management strategy, we also serve as the primary coordinator and connector for all your wealth planning needs. In our experience working with clients, we have developed a step-by-step approach to service:
    Icon Image
    1. Understanding You
    We begin with an in-depth conversation to understand your goals and the goals of your family, the concerns you have and what you ultimately would like to achieve. Next, we review your current future financial situation, assess the potential to reach your goals, and address any potential shortfalls or the impact of unexpected life events.
    Icon Image
    2. Forming Your Strategy
    Transparency and education are pillars to making any life decision, so we provide a financial plan with a few different strategies for helping you work towards reaching your goals. A discussion to analyze, compare, and contrast each strategy can empower you to make the ultimate decision.
    Icon Image
    3. Implementing Your Plan
    With our guidance, you'll have access to a comprehensive array of strategies, services, and programs that work in tandem to help you work towards growing, preserving and transferring your wealth, while remaining aligned with your personal goals and aspirations.
    Icon Image
    4. Monitoring for Today, Preparing for Tomorrow
    Markets are unpredictable and life can surprise us. We prioritize consistent communication with our clients to strive to keep our financial plans aligned with the changes in your life. We also collaborate with your team of other professional advisors to review your estate plan, insurance needs and aim to optimize your tax efficiency.

PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS

Our clients are much more than a portfolio of assets – they are families with active lives, who seek experienced advisors who will provide them with thorough, unbiased, and carefully considered guidance on a full range of financial topics. When you work with us, we strive to treat you with respect, care, confidentiality, and are committed to supporting you and your family.

While our clients each have unique personal and professional circumstances, they all have one thing in common, achieving a financial goal to secure their family's financial future and pursue their personal ambitions.
    Icon Image
    Retirees or Those Seeking Retirement
    Some people look forward to retirement as their time to relax and enjoy the fruits of their decades-long career. Others worry about their ability to support their lifestyle given certain life challenges. Saving for retirement is a lifelong process that relies on defined financial planning strategies.
    Icon Image
    Foundations and Endowments
    I support foundations and endowments that require sophisticated investment strategies to fund their operations. I aim to craft highly customized portfolios in line with your risk tolerance, liquidity requirements and ESG guidelines.
    Icon Image
    Business Owners
    In our experience, business owners often put off planning their own financial future until they have achieved certain milestones, things have settled down or they focus on this later in life. We aim to provide you with the support you may need during the various cycles of owning a business from growth to succession to after the sale.
    Icon Image
    Professionals
    Whether you are an engineer, doctor, or any other busy professional, we know that you value your time, and we want to help you manage it efficiently. By creating a roadmap to think through your life goals and paths, we aim to help you navigate obstacles and work towards achieving your dreams. Our goal is to help you enjoy some well-deserved downtime and pursue your passions, rather than worrying about managing finances.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED, ALL IN ONE PLACE

Morgan Stanley’s comprehensive suite of digital resources has been carefully designed to help enhance each and every aspect of your financial portfolio and life. Learn more about some of the Modern Wealth Management Tools that we offer to our valued clients.
    Icon Image
    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 eAuthorizations.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Total Wealth View
    View all your external financial accounts directly in Morgan Stanley Online or the mobile app. By linking your accounts, you'll benefit from more informed wealth planning, secure data access and convenient connectivity.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault allows for easy sharing and convenient access to your most important documents from wills and deeds to financial statements and tax fillings. Easily manage your encrypted financial records all in one place.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    eDelivery
    eDelivery provides you with the ability to view statements and other documents electronically in lieu of paper. Clients who are registered in Morgan Stanley Online may enroll in eDelivery.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    MS Reserved
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards Morgan Stanley's most valued clients. The program is designed to enhance your lifestyle and relationship with the firm beyond traditional wealth management services.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Family Office Resources
    Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources provides specialized, technical expertise to select clients across a broad range of family wealth management issues. Our core capabilities span three complimentary areas of focus including Governance & Legacy, Wealth Strategies and Signature Access.
    Learn More

INVESTOR RESOURCES

It has never been more important to have a financial plan in place to get you to where you want to be. To help stay up to date on the broader economy as well as with personal finance best practices, we have provided some resources below to help you to get started.
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Insights
    Morgan Stanley’s latest updates on markets, economies, global trends and more. Check out our insights here.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    GIC Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Thoughts on the Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Morgan Stanley’s top analysts and strategists as they discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Five Ideas Financial Newsletter
    Incisive market insights, the latest macroeconomic trends, unparalleled expertise, have all of this delivered straight to your inbox weekly.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Wealth and Estate Planning Video Series
    Explore a series of educational videos covering topics such as Foundational Estate Planning Documents, Estate & Gift Taxes, Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts and more.
    Learn More

Location

901 East Byrd St
Suite 2000
Richmond, VA 23219
US
Direct:
(804) 780-3322(804) 780-3322

Meet The Penney Rankin Group

About Me

Emilia Penney is a Vice President and Financial Advisor with The Penney Rankin Group at Morgan Stanley’s Richmond, Virginia office. Drawing on more than two decades in the art world and financial services, she advises individuals, families, and institutions on integrating art collections into broader wealth management strategies. Her work spans financial planning, art advisory, philanthropic strategy, and generational planning.

Before entering wealth management, Emilia built her career in the art market, including leaving her tenured position at America’s oldest auction house, Freeman’s, to expand her scope of work for her clients. She partnered with private collectors, museums, and nonprofit institutions on valuations, estate planning, and charitable giving strategies, frequently collaborating with attorneys and financial professionals. She held memberships with the Appraisers Association of America and the
International Society of Appraisers, reflecting her expertise in appraisal standards and collection advisory.

Seeking to serve clients more holistically, Emilia transitioned into wealth management, joining Bank of America Private Bank, Merrill Lynch and later JP Morgan before bringing her combined financial and art advisory experience to Morgan Stanley in May 2026. Today, she provides guidance on financial planning, philanthropy, and multi-generational wealth strategies.

Clients and colleagues describe Emilia as honest, thorough, and transparent. She is committed to building trust, educating clients on the fundamentals of financial wellness, and designing strategies that evolve with their goals and their families’ needs. Emilia earned a B.A. in Art History from the State University of New York at New Paltz and an M.A. in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, New York. Active in Richmond’s creative community, she has served with Art180, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, and Historic Richmond. Emilia and her husband are raising their two children in the city and enjoy supporting its vibrant local art scene.
Securities Agent: TX, MD, FL, UT, NJ, NC, DC, SC, MA, AZ, VA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Me

Cody Rankin helps individuals and families approach retirement with clarity and confidence. Believing that informed decisions lead to better outcomes, he devotes time to educating clients on the “why” behind each recommendation and ensuring they feel comfortable with every step of their financial plan. Known for his straightforward communication and commitment to integrity, Cody strives to build relationships in which clients know their interests are at the center of each conversation.

Cody entered the financial services industry in 2019 and today serves clients as part of The Penney Rankin Group at Morgan Stanley’s Richmond office. Drawing on his background in finance and wealth management, he guides retirees and those preparing for retirement through the full planning lifecycle—from establishing goals to pursuing them and ultimately celebrating milestones achieved.

He holds the Series 7 and 66 registrations as well as life, health and annuity insurance licenses. Cody earned a B.S. in Finance with a focus on Wealth Management from Coastal Carolina University.

Away from the office, Cody enjoys golfing, cheering on Ohio State football, and spending time with his wife, their young son Jack, and two Yorkies, Sadie and Lou. You’ll often find him hosting cookouts with friends, exploring local breweries, or relaxing at Hermitage Country Club.
Securities Agent: HI, CA, GA, AZ, VA, SC, MI, FL, AR, NY, TX, UT, NV, DC, NC, MD, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
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
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
Article Image

Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors

Prolonged conflict with Iran could lead to higher oil prices, hotter inflation and greater market uncertainty.

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
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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
Article Image

Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
Article Image

Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving

There's more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here's one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Penney Rankin Group today.
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.

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

Back to top



2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

Back to top



3When 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.

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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

Back to top



5Products 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.
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 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



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)