Our Story & Services

Our family team's focus is to provide successful families and businesses with personal service and the full resources of our global firm. We work with you to help create and preserve wealth that supports the life you want to live, and the legacy you want to leave.

We work closely with your legal and tax professionals to bring together all of the elements of your financial life - money management, retirement planning, estate planning strategies, insurance, taxes and succession planning - into a cohesive, integrated wealth management plan.

In addition, our team hosts regularly scheduled events for clients & qualified prospects. For more details on our next event, please reach out to Maria Payssa at:
maria.payssa@morganstanley.com
or by phone at: 716-631-4606

The Rickan Group named to the 2024 - 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams:

2024 - 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024, 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Our Clients
  • High Net Worth Families
  • Business Owners
  • Medical Professionals
  • Foundations & Endowments
  • Professional Athletes
  • Legal & Tax Professionals
  • Retirees
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
    Icon Image
    Financial Planning
    The Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Process begins with you, your investment objectives, and your financial goals. Holistic in its approach, it may encompass all the elements of your financial life - your investments and your cash management needs - making sure they align with your goals and wealth management plan.
    Icon Image
    Wealth Management
    We take a holistic approach to bring all the aspects of your financial life together. Through analysis and experience, we work to develop a customized plan for you.
    Icon Image
    Retirement Planning
    This is paramount and ensuring a successful retirement. We bring intense focus on this process. You have worked hard to get where you are at. Now it is up to us to help you live the retirement you have always dreamed of.
    Icon Image
    401(k) Rollovers
    If you have a 401(k) from a previous job, we make it easy to consolidate your assets into one account so you can monitor your progress and investment results all in one place. This helps simplify your financial life, keeps you organized and helps make your money work harder for you.
    Icon Image
    Business Planning
    The links between business ownership and personal wealth are many and complex. Whether your objective is to grow your business, realize its value through a succession strategy or sale, or maintain family ownership through the next generation, we will help you examine your alternatives and develop the best strategy to achieve your goals.
    Icon Image
    Fixed Income
    Fixed income is a class of assets and securities that pay out a set level of cash flows to investors, typically in the form of interest or dividends. It is typically suitable for investors who are looking for a steady stream of income in the form of predictable interest. Examples include Treasury bonds and bills, municipal bonds and certificates of deposit (CDs).
    Icon Image
    Endowments and Foundations
    We have vast experience serving the needs of a wide variety of both public and private foundations and long-term endowments. We understand the unique considerations confronting organizations that each face differing circumstances, balancing the strategic considerations between fundraising and/or grant-making. Our team has the experience and resources to create a fully customized solution.
    Icon Image
    Cash Management & Lending Products
    As a Morgan Stanley client, you have access to a comprehensive suite of cash management solutions. This includes eAuhtorizations, Bill Pay, Morgan Stanley Debit Cards and more.

Modern Wealth Management Tools and Resources

Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital resources has carefully been designed to help enhance each aspect of your financial portfolio. Take some time to learn about some of the many Modern Wealth Management resources that we offer to our clients.
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley mobile app! Access your finances and invest in an instant with the help of this useful resource that is available 24/7.
    Learn more about Morgan Stanley Online
    Icon Image
    Portfolio Risk Platform
    Morgan Stanley's Portfolio Risk Platform is powered by BlackRock's Aladdin risk engine, a state-of-the-art, innovative risk engine used by several of the world’s largest institutional asset managers, providing you with comprehensive risk analytics and a sophisticated view of the risk/return dichotomy across your financial portfolios.
    Icon Image
    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more informed and comprehensive wealth planning, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn more about Total Wealth View
    Icon Image
    MS Reserved
    Morgan Stanley 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 about MS Reserved
    Icon Image
    LifeView
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that creates a realistic, integrated strategy meant to incorporate aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs. It also provides progress-to-goals reporting which illustrate complex planning strategies.
    Access the LifeView Risk Tolerance Questionnaire
    Icon Image
    Goals-Based Planning
    Working with Morgan Stanley and its advanced wealth management technology is an ideal way to access advice and build a coherent wealth plan. Read more about the advantages of working with our unique planning technology to help reach your financial goals, whatever they may be.
    Learn more about Goals-Based Planning
    Icon Image
    Online Security Center
    Safeguarding your assets and personal information is paramount to us here at Morgan Stanley. Learn about our extensive security measures and take advantage of our numerous resources and ideas that are geared towards helping you stay protected on the World Wide Web.
    Learn more about the Online Security Center
    Icon Image
    Digital Vault
    Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one of the best gifts you can give those you love in the event of a catastrophe or serious illness, disability, or death. Your Family Records Organizer can immediately provide vital and timely information to both your family and professional advisors. The Digital Vault allows you to construct a central, shared document library where all documents can be stored using encryption.
    Log into your Digital Vault

Global Sports & Entertainment | “Rise Up”

As Morgan Stanley Global Sports and Entertainment Directors, We understand the unique financial complexities of your career and have the tools needed to help drive your financial success. Supported by an elite team with deep, diverse experience, and backed by Morgan Stanley’s global resources and cutting-edge technology, We are equipped to work with you to achieve all your financial goals. Let’s talk!

Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, a division committed to serving the complex financial needs of professional athletes and entertainers. The division was created because every sports and entertainment profession is unique, with its own characteristics, earnings profile and career span. Our clients need Sports and Entertainment Directors who know the industry and how money flows from their work to their wallet.
Watch the Global Sports & Entertainment "Rise Up" Video

Valuable Tools and Resources:

Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few of the technologies that we have to offer our clients. We have also included resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content.
    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.
    Read The Latest Report
    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.
    Read The Latest Report
    Icon Image
    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Check Out The Latest Episode
    Icon Image
    Global Economic Outlook
    The outcome of the U.S. election is going to usher in policy changes with impacts that will reverberate through the global economy.
    Economic Outlook

Location

450 Essjay Road
Ste 100
Williamsville, NY 14221
US
Direct:
(716) 631-4606(716) 631-4606
Toll-Free:
(800) 669-6862(800) 669-6862
Fax:
(716) 631-4610(716) 631-4610

Meet The Rickan Group

Photo of Maria M Payssa

Maria M Payssa

Senior Client Service Associate
Phone:
(716) 631-4606(716) 631-4606

About Fred W Rickan

Fred joined Morgan Stanley in 1984 and has advised clients in wealth management for over 30 years. With his sons, he formed the Rickan Group at Morgan Stanley.

Fred focuses on wealth management for the Rickan Group's high net worth families, businesses and institutions. He works with client's legal and tax professionals to develop tailored wealth strategies.
Securities Agent: MD, FL, WA, VT, CT, PA, DC, VA, NJ, MI, DE, TX, NC, MO, MA, CA, LA, TN, NY, IN, ID, GA, SC, RI, NM, NE, AZ, OH, IL; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 179219

About Eric M Rickan

Eric works with our firm partners to create asset allocations that incorporate ETFs, institutional money managers, hedging and alternative strategies.

He works with the Rickan Group's foundation and endowment clients to ensure all fiduciary responsibilities are complied with and current with fiduciary standards.
Securities Agent: SC, IL, TN, RI, MO, NJ, MA, LA, IN, CA, NY, NC, FL, CT, TX, OH, VT, DE, VA, PA, MI, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1390904

About Brent C Rickan

Brent focuses on wealth management and retirement planning. He works closely with individuals and families to identify and accomplish goals. He guides them through all stages of wealth management; accumulation, preservation, and transfer.

Brent also works with business owners for current asset solutions, as well as succession and exit strategies.

Brent is the group's contact for fixed income, including municipal & corporate bonds, agency & treasury bonds, and short term cash alternatives.
Securities Agent: DE, CT, TX, TN, RI, MA, LA, IL, KY, SC, NC, MO, IN, FL, MI, VT, OH, MD, CA, VA, PA, NJ, WA, NY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1321547

About Grant A Rickan

Grant focuses on family education and multi-generational wealth planning. He works with families to ensure their financial strategy stays on path to what is really important to them.

Grant utilizes LifeView, a robust, proprietary suite of tools that enable our team to help you and your family articulate, achieve and protect the future you envision.

He also serves as the group's resource for lending and insurance solutions.
Securities Agent: TN, TX, RI, IN, FL, SC, OH, NC, MI, VT, CT, CA, VA, NY, MD, PA, DE, NJ, MO, MA, IL, LA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1364470

About Blake A Rickan

Blake focuses on portfolio analysis as well as financial planning through the use of GPS, Morgan Stanley’s proprietary planning tool that is used to ensure that clients are on track to their financial goals.
Securities Agent: MD, NJ, RI, MI, CT, OH, MA, PA, CA, SC, FL, VA, MO, IN, VT, DE, TX, TN, NC, LA, IL, NY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1838643

About Maria M Payssa

Maria has worked with Fred and Morgan Stanley for over 25 years. She oversees the group's administrative and operational activities. She independently helps to develop and implement procedures to best meet the logistical and administrative needs of clients.

Maria also coordinates clients cash, checking, and banking transactions.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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

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
Learn More about Family
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
Article Image

Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

Wealth Management for Athletes and Entertainers

Understanding the unique financial challenges of athletes and entertainers and how they differ from one profession to the next, we deliver the experience and resources you need to help create and implement a comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plan based on your needs, values and aspirations.
  • Investment Management
  • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
  • Private Banking Solutions
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Lifestyle Advisory
Learn More about Wealth Management for Athletes and Entertainers
You are your Own CEO: Build a Dream Team for Your Career
Article Image

You are your Own CEO: Build a Dream Team for Your Career

Assembling a team of trusted professionals to manage your career—and your money—is essential to help best position you to thrive. Here’s how.

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
Learn More about Retirement
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
Article Image

4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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
Learn More about Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
Article Image

2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Learn More about Business Planning
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
Learn More about Philanthropy
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.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
Learn More about Mosaic
A Change of Greenery
Article Image

A Change of Greenery

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Rickan Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

Back to top



2When 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



3Morgan 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



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



5Morgan 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



6Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

Back to top



7Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

Back to top



8Alternative 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.

Back to top



9The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG 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.

Back to top



10Morgan 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



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.

Back to top



12Products 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



13Morgan 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

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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)