

The S2 Group at Morgan Stanley

Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to help our clients make smart investment and financial decisions. We accomplish this by offering holistic, comprehensive financial planning and sophisticated investment strategies designed to guide you through the never-ending changes life brings and also ensuring you stay on track to accomplish your goals.
Our Story and Services
Welcome to the S2 Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Driven by the mutual passion for working with business owners and women investors, the S2 Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management was founded by Darya Allen-Attar and Laura Russell-Jones, with a simple idea and a powerful impact: when two highly experienced financial advisors unite around a shared mission, the results multiply. That's the S2 effect—two minds, one purpose, exponential value.
With offices in both San Francisco and Santa Monica, the S2 Group combines Darya and Laura's complimentary and shared vision: to help high-net-worth individuals and their families, business owners, and mission-aligned investors navigate complex financial decisions with clarity, confidence, and control.
Our mission is to help clients prepare for business succession and steward their wealth for future generations, provide strategic and sophisticated investment solutions, and offer sustainable investment options for values-alignment and positive impact.
Our Clients
At the S2 Group, we understand that today's most successful clients seek more than traditional, transactional wealth management. Our clients are looking for advisors who truly understand their vision, share their values and help translate their success into a meaningful impact for their family, their business and the causes they care about. We've created a team uniquely qualified to serve:
• Business Owners who are pushing boundaries and creating tomorrow's innovations, as well as those navigating business transitions, exits, and succession planning
• Sustainable Investors who believe financial returns and positive impact can and should go hand-in-hand
• Mission-Aligned Non-Profits dedicated to creating meaningful change in our communities and beyond
• Women Investors and Executives seeking financial empowerment, taking control of their investment decisions and developing customized financial plans for long-term confidence and independence
Our Approach
Our approach combines the institutional strength of Morgan Stanley with a boutique level of personalized attention. We work closely with our client's professional advisors (CPAs, investment bankers/M&A, estate attorneys, tax advisors, etc.) to provide coordinated strategic advice and solutions to our mutual clients. Throughout our careers, we have formed deep relationships and established a strong network of professionals) that we often refer to our clients.
Services our team offers:
• Financial Planning – creating customized long-term and retirement financial plans based on client's personal goals and cash flow needs as well as various "what-if" scenarios
• Tax-Efficient Wealth Management – integrating tax and estate planning considerations into financial planning and investment strategies
• Alternative Investments – For qualified and accredited investors only - providing access to private investments, such as private credit, private equity/hedge funds, real estate, and other alternative asset classes
• Sustainable Investing – integrating values-based or mission-aligned sustainable investments with a positive social and/or environmental impact
• Life Insurance / Long Term Care / Umbrella Insurance – protecting your client's assets and ensuring they are properly insured
• Philanthropy / Legacy Planning Strategies – Charitable giving through donor advised funds and trusts
• Family Office – For high-net-worth individuals $20m+ – Legacy Planning, Family Governance, Wealth Education, Trust and Estate Planning Strategies
• Business Owner Services – from growth strategies to succession planning and liquidity event management. Set up/Review your company's 401K Retirement plans / Cash Balance Plans. Through MS@Work: 409 Valuation Services, Cap Table management services
• Financial Services for Highly Compensated Professionals – Help manage stock options and equity compensation plans, 10b5-1 Trading, Concentrated Stock positions
- Wealth ManagementFootnote1
- Professional Portfolio ManagementFootnote2
- Sustainable InvestingFootnote3
- Business Succession PlanningFootnote4
- Retirement PlanningFootnote5
- Cash Management and Lending ProductsFootnote6
- Philanthropic ManagementFootnote7
- Planning for Education FundingFootnote8
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Long-term Care InsuranceFootnote9
- Qualified Retirement PlansFootnote10
- Corporate Pension Plans
- Stock Option PlansFootnote11
Location
Meet The S2 Group
About Laura Russell-Jones
NMLS#: 2170740
CA Insurance License #: 0H24660
About Darya Allen-Attar
NMLS#: 1282462
CA Insurance License #: 0L97298

Contact Laura Russell-Jones

Contact Darya Allen-Attar
The Power of Partnerships
About Jeff Spence
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.
Jeff began his career in financial services in 2004, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014 as a Private Banking Vice President. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch. He also served as a Branch Manager at Bank of America.
Jeff is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside, where he received a Bachelors in Business Administration. He lives in Oakland, CA with his wife, Sherie. Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys riding his motorcycle in the East Bay mountains of California, and traveling the world with his wife enjoying new experiences.
About Casey Morris
Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and 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.
Casey began his career in financial services in 2019 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Commercial Banker at Wells Fargo. He also served as a Market Consultant at the Hanover Research Council.
Casey is a graduate of George Mason University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He lives in Arlington, Virginia. Outside of the office, Casey enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing golf.
About Brent Curlow
Brent began his career in financial services in 2003, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position, he worked at First Hawaiian Bank as an Investment Services Analyst.
Brent graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and holds his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and is a CFA charter holder . Brent lives in Honolulu, Hawaii with his wife, Helen. Outside of work, Brent volunteers as Social Chair for CFA Hawaii and Board Director for Financial Planning Association of Hawaii.
About Cris Vega
Cris began his career in financial services in 2004 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position Cris served high-net-worth clients at MissionSquare Retirement for over 13 years. Cris also has worked at Merrill Lynch and Banc of America Securities.
Cris Vega graduated from California State University of Fullerton and earned his Master of Arts in Economics. Cris also has earned his MBA from California State University of Los Angeles. His Bachelor of Science in Finance was earned at California State University of Long Beach. Cris holds his Certified Financial Planner® designation. Cris lives in Hacienda Heights, CA with his wife and daughters. Outside of work, Cris manages his daughter’s soccer team and holds a soccer coaching license. Cris is also a part time instructor of economics at CSU Fullerton.
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
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
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan 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.
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.
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Philanthropy
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
3The 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.
4Morgan 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.
5When 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.
6Morgan 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
7Products 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.
8When 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.
9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
10When 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.
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.
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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.
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