Our Story and Services

You have worked hard, spent wisely and saved well to accumulate wealth. You may still be balancing the demands of work and the needs of your family. Or your family may have grown and you are preparing to retire, concerned about preserving your wealth, creating retirement income and structuring your finances to leave a legacy. Regardless of your stage in life, as your wealth has grown, the complexity and resources needed to manage it have also grown.

The Rivard Group at Morgan Stanley is laser focused on your financial success and helping to simplify your life. Our goal is to help you maintain and grow what you have accumulated. Our approach may be different from other financial advisors. We limit the number of clients we work with and believe that successful wealth management is more than just investment advice. We don’t “swing for the fences”, but rather help you manage risk, while seeking to grow what you saved. We develop a holistic, personalized financial plan that provides strategies for you now and in the future. By spending time and listening intently, we learn about you, your family, your values and your wishes for your legacy. We strive to empower you to make confident financial decisions that enable you to retire comfortably.

Our passion is helping people realize their dreams and developing lasting relationships. Our team approach provides you with concierge level service. We are committed to working with you to help protect and build your wealth and realize your vision for your future.


The Rivard Group on Forbes' 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Management Team
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/22-3/31/23
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

We are dedicated to building deep and lasting client relationships, based on trust and integrity.  We do this by working with a select group of clients, which enable us to deliver concierge level service.  We are able to dedicate the time, attention and focused service each client deserves. Our approach is proactive, transparent and consultative. We want to make sure you understand the why and how of every decision: why we have suggested the strategy and how we recommend to implement it.

Our 4-Step Process:
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    Step 1
    At our first meeting we discuss your goals, values, concerns, assets, liabilities and how you accumulated your wealth. We also discuss your risk tolerance, tax concerns and your short and long-term goals. Prior to the meeting we will send you some documents for you to complete to help guide the discussion. This meeting is also an opportunity for you to learn as much as you would like about our team.
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    Step 2
    Based on what we learn, we develop and deliver your financial plan. It highlights the progress toward your goals, your current asset allocation and what we believe your allocation should be, based on your goals, objectives, and tolerance for risk. At this time, we feel you will have enough information to decide if you would like to engage our team to work with you.
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    Step 3
    Upon transferring your assets to Morgan Stanley, we create your individualized investment proposal using the wealth of resources and extensive investment options available at Morgan Stanley.
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    Step 4
    After implementation, we continually assess your plan and its performance, and meet with you regularly. Your plan is implemented with discipline, yet it is flexible to adapt to changes in your life and in the economic and tax environment.

Core Values

Our core values are the foundation of our practice.  They are our personal beliefs and the team’s standards of conduct.  We believe these core values are important to develop lasting relationships:
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    Passion for Helping People
    At the heart of what we do, is our desire to help clients. We have chosen to be Financial Advisors because we are passionate about helping people; striving to make a profound impact on their lives now and in the years to come.
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    Transparency
    We are fully transparent in our work with clients. We believe it is important that clients understand the recommended investments and how the investments are aligned with their long-term goals. We also clearly describe how we are compensated and what we are compensated for.
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    Live up to Commitments
    We take our commitments seriously and place the utmost importance in delivering the concierge level service we pledge to our clients. Our goal is for every client feel like they are our only client.
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    Continuous Learning
    We seek out additional educational opportunities to attain and maintain high levels of institutional knowledge in financial planning, retirement planning, estate planning and tax strategies to provide timely, informed guidance to clients.

Our Clients

We work with clients that want our help and who we feel we can have a good relationship with. 
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    Our clients include individuals, families, and business owners. A large percentage of our clients are professionals who have saved well and recognize the importance of experienced wealth management. They are busy and look to us to help simplify their lives. Many clients are embarking on a new stage in their lives, such as retirement, and seek guidance on how to create lasting income throughout their retirement years while leaving a legacy for their children.
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    We are proud that we have a number of our clients' adult children as individual clients of The Rivard Group at Morgan Stanley.
Join us for an exciting journey into the world of finance and wealth education. At Morgan Stanley, we believe that knowledge is the key to unlocking future success, and we’re excited to share our thought leadership and experience with you! Hosted by Caroline Gundeck, Head of UHNW Client and Field Engagement and Charline Burgess, Senior Wealth Education Specialist, you will learn about financial concepts, investing, and money management in a fun and interactive way.
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    Introduction to Money & Saving: Building a Strong Financial Foundation:
    Our first session was an introduction to personal finance with a focus on beginning to build a strong financial foundation. We discussed goal setting, cash flow, budgeting and saving strategies and the power of compounding interest. We have included the presentation that was used during this session and two videos related to this topic:
    Watch the Replay
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    Credit and Debt Management
    Our second session was aimed at empowering you with essential knowledge on credit and debt management so you can understand how to establish credit, understand credit history, demystify credit scores and navigate the world of lending in order to make informed decisions about your financial future.
    Watch the Replay
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    Cybersecurity
    Our third session of this series will explore the skills that are important to safeguard your online identity and assets, from common cyber threats to learning best practices for secure online transactions. This session will cover practical strategies to stay safe in today’s digital landscape.
    Watch the Replay
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    Exploring Investments: Stocks, Bonds, and Beyond
    Our fourth session will dive into the fundamentals of investing, from understanding market dynamics, defining asset classes such as stocks and bonds and other investment vehicles, as well as discussing asset allocation and diversification, this session will provide valuable insights to kickstart your investment journey.
    Watch the Replay
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    Health is Wealth with Dr. Kim Henderson
    Join us for a session featuring Dr. Kim Henderson, Head of Wealth Management Health & Wellness Education who will provide us with insights into managing healthcare, investing in preventative care, and cultivating healthy habits that could lead to long- term prosperity.
    Register for the Event: Monday, September 9th at 4pm
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    Estate Planning 101: Basics including How to Be a Trust Beneficiary
    Join us on a session on the fundamentals of estate planning, a strategy designed to help protect, manage and distribute assets both during and after your lifetime. This session will feature our in-house experienced professionals that will speak about preserving your legacy while ensuring the well-being of your loved ones to leave a lasting impact.
    Register for the Event: Monday, October 7th at 4pm
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    Entrepreneurship 101: Turning Ideas into Profit
    If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, this session will teach you the essential steps to take when launching your own business, from concept to execution. Discover the importance of building a reliable team and implementing robust business structures for long term success.
    Register for the Event: Monday, November 4th at 4pm
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    Navigating College & Career Paths
    Join us to navigate the ins and outs of career paths, digital branding and networking essentials. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to pivot, this session will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
    Register for the Event, Monday December 2nd at 4pm

Location

34901 Woodward Ave
Ste 300
Birmingham, MI 48009
US
Direct:
(248) 988-2382(248) 988-2382

Meet The Rivard Group

About James (Jim) C. Rivard

Jim Rivard is committed to his clients’ success.  He believes his clients’ interests always come first and he takes an integrated approach to comprehensive wealth management.  Jim provides guidance to clients on appropriate asset allocation, estate and tax planning related strategies, and asset and liability management.

An investment professional since 1999, Jim was with Smith Barney before to joining Morgan Stanley.  As a team, Jim and Patrick Rivard, along with their assistant Angie Ames, moved to Morgan Stanley in 2007.

Jim began his career as a Certified Public Accountant, working in the public accounting industry for five years prior to entering the investment industry.  While he no longer practices as a CPA, he brings a distinct perspective and depth of knowledge of tax strategies in his work with clients.  As a Chartered Retirement Plans SpecialistSM, Jim has attained a level of knowledge and experience in retirement plan administration.

Jim is actively involved in the non-profit organization, Angels’ Place, where he oversees the investment committee and was previously a member of the Board of Directors.  The organization provides homes and services for persons with developmental disabilities.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Jim received a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting.  He and his wife, Janet, live in Bloomfield Hills, along with their three children.  When out of the office, Jim enjoys coaching his children’s sports, golfing, fishing & spending time at the family’s Northern Michigan cottage.
Securities Agent: NM, MI, KS, IL, AL, TX, NY, CT, WY, WI, ME, VA, OH, HI, AZ, MT, MA, NJ, GA, TN, SC, PA, MD, WA, NC, IN, FL, CA, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1468424
CA Insurance License #: 0I04690

About Patrick J. Rivard

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional, Patrick works with individuals and families on financial and retirement planning strategies, including 401(k) rollover and distribution options, college planning and life stage planning.  His analytical skills, strategic approach and ability to explain financial concepts helps clients feel confident about making investment decisions.

Patrick has over 20 years of experience as a Financial Advisor.  He began his career at Smith Barney.  As a team, Patrick and Jim Rivard, along with their assistant Angie Ames, joined Morgan Stanley in 2007.  Patrick earned his Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC®) designation from the College for Financial Planning, to better help clients with the complex retirement planning process. He also been designated by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), as a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC). Advisors who earn their QPFC demonstrate the required skills to help plan fiduciaries manage their roles and responsibilities.

Active in the community, Patrick currently serves on the St. Regis Catholic Parish Finance Council and the Board of Directors of Birmingham Country Club.  Patrick and his wife Meghan, reside in Bloomfield Township, along with their three children.  He received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business from Kalamazoo College.  In his free time, Patrick enjoys spending time with his family, attending his children’s sporting events and the occasional round of golf.
Securities Agent: WA, KS, TN, CO, NJ, NC, MT, CT, AL, OH, IN, CA, SC, PA, IL, GA, TX, HI, FL, AZ, MI, MA, WY, VA, NY, ME, MD, NM, WI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1454859
CA Insurance License #: 0I03883

About Angie Ames

Angie Ames has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry.  She has been providing assistance to clients of the Rivard Group since 2004 when Patrick and Jim Rivard were with Smith Barney.  As a team, Patrick, Jim and Angie joined Morgan Stanley in 2007.  Angie takes pride in being the first point of contact for the team and providing exceptional service.  She is responsible for client administration and support including client onboarding, online access, client requests and transactions, scheduling meetings and familiarizing clients with the breath of services offered by the Rivard Group.

A graduate of the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, Angie received a Bachelor of Commerce.  She and her husband have two children.  Angie enjoys traveling and attending sporting events with her family.

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Kristopher Johnson

Kristopher Johnson is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Michigan and Ohio.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Kristopher began his career in financial services in 2008 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banking Advisor at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He also served as a Wealth Management Lending Officer and Sales Trainer at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Kristopher is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, where he received his Masters of Business Administration in Finance. He lives in Rochester, Michigan with his wife. Outside of the office, Kristopher enjoys exercising, watching sports, volunteering with local organizations, and spending time with family and friends.
NMLS#: 630462
Wealth Management
From Our Team

The GIC Weekly


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
Why Your Home Can Be a Retirement Asset
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Why Your Home Can Be a Retirement Asset

If you’re willing to consider drawing down home equity—either by selling your home or borrowing against its value—it can dramatically change your retirement outlook.

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

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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

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

Retirement for Plan Sponsors

End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
  • Plan Evaluation
  • Investment Management
  • Plan Management Support
  • Plan Participant Education
State of the Workplace Study 2023
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State of the Workplace Study 2023

Explore Morgan Stanley at Work’s State of the Workplace III Financial Benefits Study results. Discover workforce challenges and how to stay competitive.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Strategies to Finance Your Business
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Strategies to Finance Your Business

Growth could be within your grasp—if you can get the right financing.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Rivard Group today.
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.

1When 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.

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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.

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3Morgan 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

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4When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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5Morgan 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.

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6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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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)