

The Stephens Group

Our Mission Statement
Welcome
Stephens works closely with an elite clientele of affluent executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities and their families. Bryan's goal is to provide highly customized solutions that can make a material difference in his clients' lives. Combining his own experience with the vast resources of Morgan Stanley, he creates and implements truly comprehensive wealth management plans that address everything from investment strategy to philanthropy management to estate and business transition planning strategies.
While the solutions we deliver are often quite sophisticated, our goal is simple. We want to help you and your family realize your visions of a successful life. We will serve as the close family advisors you can trust to make informed decisions, and deliver whatever resources and knowledge is needed to help support the people, causes and institutions that add meaning to your life.
Working With You
Step 1: Discovery Process
While every client situation is unique, we begin by learning about you, your family and your financial complexities. What we learn helps us to formulate specific strategies and, of equal importance, it helps us customize the entire relationship to your preferences and requirements.
Step 2: Formulation of Your Tax, Trust, and Estate Strategy
After reviewing your balance sheet and existing estate plan, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify planning techniques that may be effectively tailored to your personal and financial objectives. We will work with your tax and legal advisors in this effort.
Step 3: Creation of a Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
Managing significant wealth often involves developing a customized asset allocation mix that reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans. This asset allocation becomes the basis for a long-term strategy formalized in your investment policy.
Step 4: Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
These short-term adjustments in asset allocations seek to take advantage of opportunities created by temporary market distortions. Before adjustments are made, we can analyze the impact of any taxes or trading costs on potential returns.
Step 5: Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
After comprehensive due diligence and extensive analysis of expected results across a range of market scenarios, investment strategies from our global investment platform can be leveraged to create your portfolio. This process can help to create an efficient balance of risk and return for your specific strategy.
Step 6: Ongoing Assessment of Your Family's Portfolio & Wealth Management Needs
Coordinating with you and your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to help ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.
Recognition
- The Stephens Group was named as one of Forbes Best In State Wealth Management Teams in 2024, 2025
- Bryan Stephens was recognized as a Forbes' Best in State Advisor, New York, in 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Bryan Stephens named to Morgan Stanley's prestigious Master's Club 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
2024, 2025 - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/23–3/31/24. https://www.morganstanley.com/what-we-do/wealth-management/forbes-top-wealth-advisors-lists-2025
2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 - Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
About PWM
- Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
- Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
- Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
- Approximately 300 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
- Over $775 billion in AUM1
- Comprising 25% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2023
- Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
Location
Meet The Stephens Group
About Bryan Stephens
Operating within the exclusive division of Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management and the Family Office Resources Group, Bryan's team offers personalized and comprehensive financial services. These include strategic investment planning, estate planning, business transition strategies, tax mitigation, philanthropy management, and private bank tailored lending solutions.
Bryan built his practice with ultra-high net worth clients at Merrill Lynch and UBS Private Wealth Management, gaining valuable skills and experiences. Recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Private Wealth Advisor in New York for 2020, 2022, and 2023, Bryan is a sought-after speaker at industry events and has been featured in esteemed financial publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Advisor IQ, Reuters, and Worth magazine.
Bryan possesses industry designations Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®). Bryan also holds the title of Family Wealth Director, a distinction held by less than 4% of Morgan Stanley advisors. His team received the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams award in the Private Wealth Management category in 2024. Bryan is a member of the firm's Masters Club, ranking among the top advisors at Morgan Stanley for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Additionally, he serves as a Senior Portfolio Management Director, Senior Alternative Investment Director, Lending Specialist, and Global Sports and Entertainment Director.
Bryan is a student of the markets and is passionate about wealth management. Outside of the office, he enjoys cycling and skiing and splits time between Westchester and Nantucket with his wife and two children.
Disclaimer:
2020, 2022, 2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
NMLS#: 2052653
About Brendan Bacarella
At Morgan Stanley, Brendan and the team use the firm’s resources to provide a holistic approach to address clients needs. From cash management to pre-liquidity planning, the Stephens Group provides comprehensive wealth management services.
In his free time, Brendan, accompanied by his wife, finds joy in exploring diverse culinary experiences worldwide. He lives in Summit, NJ with his wife, Kat, and their Siberian cat, Zelda.
Disclosures:
*This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
About Josh Lerner
Josh is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Finance. He is Series 7 and 66 licensed. Outside of work, he enjoys basketball and spending time with friends.
About Carsyn Cebulski
Post graduation, I worked as a client service associate with UBS Wealth Advice Center before starting with Morgan Stanley.
I love traveling on my off days, mostly to warm places. My favorite place to visit was Grand Cayman and Anguilla. I’m originally from Long Island so I love the beach and summer time.

Contact Bryan Stephens
The Power of Partnerships
About Angelo Loumbas
Originally from Chicago, Angelo practiced law for 15 years and represented ultra-high net worth clients and the businesses they owned, as well as major philanthropic organizations. Angelo is admitted to the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. He has spoken on topics such as “Conditions Suggesting a Management Buyout” before the Chicago Bar Association Corporation and Business Law Committee, “Tax Consequences of Intra-Family Loans,” before the Chicago Bar Association Trust Law Committee, and “Conversations about Wealth and Philanthropy with Prospective Donors” before the Chicago Council on Planned Giving.
Prior to rejoining Morgan Stanley in his current position in 2018, Angelo advised wealthy clients in the financial services industry for 10 years, first as a Wealth Strategist with US Trust in Chicago, then a Wealth and Estate Planning Specialist within Family Office Resources in Chicago, and finally as a Senior Wealth Planning Strategist for the Wells Fargo Private Bank in Greenwich, Connecticut. Angelo earned his B.A. from DePauw University, his M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and his law degree from Indiana University at Bloomington. He is Series 7, 66 and 24 licensed. Angelo served as President of the Rotary Club of Chicago (“ROTARY/One”), the world’s first Rotary club, in 2009-2010, and now lives in Armonk, New York with his wife, a native New Yorker, and their two children.
About Mary Beth Powers
Mary Beth has worked in the trust and estate services industry for over thirty years, primarily handling trust new business opportunities. Before joining Morgan Stanley, Mary Beth spent ten years as a senior vice president and regional trust specialist with Citigroup Trust in NYC.
Mary Beth received a Bachelor of Science from Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey and is Series 7 and 63 licensed. She resides with her husband and family in Blauvelt, New York.
About Brook Solliday
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.
Brook began his career in financial services in at Morgan Stanley in 2007 on the Banking and Lending Sales Desk. He started as an Associate Private Banker in 2010 and was promoted to Private Banker in 2013.
Brook is a graduate of Montclair State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Management. He lives in Hoboken, New Jersey with his family. Outside of the office, Brook enjoys cheering on the Philadelphia professional sports teams, cooking, painting with his daughter, and coaching her sports.
Stephens Group Placemat
Portfolio Insights
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
Insights and Outcomes
Private Wealth Management Podcast
- Intergenerational Planning
- Philanthropic Giving
- Non-Traditional Assets
- Managing Family Wealth
Wealth Management for Athletes and Entertainers
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Private Banking Solutions
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
1Tailored Lending is a loan/line of credit product offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. A Tailored Lending credit facility may be a committed or demand loan/line of credit. All Tailored Lending loans/lines of credit are subject to the underwriting standards and independent approval of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association. Tailored Lending loans/lines of credit may not be available in all locations. Rates, terms, and programs are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. The information contained herein should not be construed as a commitment to lend. Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association is a Member FDIC that is primarily regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The proceeds from a Tailored Lending loan/line of credit (including draws and other advances) may not be used to purchase, trade, or carry margin stock; repay margin debt that was used to purchase, trade, or carry margin stock; and cannot be deposited into a Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC or other brokerage account.
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and its affiliates and their employees (including Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors) are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any statements contained herein should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their personal tax advisor or attorney for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving personal trusts and estate planning.
3Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.
Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.
See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.
Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products 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.
Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
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
Awards Disclosures