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