John M Williams
Managing Director, Portfolio Management Director, Private Wealth Advisor
Phone:
(202) 292-5480(202) 292-5480
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
The Williams Group
Direct:
(202) 292-5485(202) 292-5485
Our Mission Statement
A boutique group within a global firm, Private Wealth Management is optimized to serve ultra high net worth individuals, families and foundations.
Welcome
As Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisors, we combine our own talents and experience with the vast resources of a global financial services firm to address the planning, governance, liability management and investing needs of ultra high net worth families, their businesses and philanthropic enterprises. We take a holistic approach that is grounded in investment strategy, but covers virtually every aspect of your financial life: risk management, liabilities, trusts and estate structures and even family dynamics and lifestyle management issues. Our goal is to help preserve and grow your financial, family and social capital so that it can have the greatest positive impact today and for generations to come.We look forward to learning more about you and your family, and discussing the resources we can place at your disposal.
Capabilities
- Comprehensive Wealth Planning
- Investment Management
- Manager Selection
- Asset AllocationFootnote1
- Sustainable & Responsible InvestingFootnote2
- Risk Management
- Philanthropy Management
- Cash Management & LendingFootnote3
- Tailored LendingFootnote4
- Retirement & Pension Plans
- Sudden Wealth Financial Planning
- Open-Architecture Platform
- Tax, Trust & Estate AdvisoryFootnote5
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
About PWM
Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
- 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
Private Wealth Management Highlights
- 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
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, December, 2023
Source: Barron's.com (April 2023) 2023 Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors awarded in 2023. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's during the period from Dec 2020 - Dec 2021. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to Barron's to obtain or use the ranking. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
Approach
Discovery Process
Investing the time to learn about you and your family; your assets and liabilities and the risk exposures, enables us to formulate strategies and customize the relationship to your needs.
Formulation of Tax, Trust and Estate Strategy
Working with your tax and legal advisors, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify and tailor planning techniques that may be used to address your objectives.
Creation of Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
Your customized asset allocation reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans.
Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
Short-term adjustments seek to capitalize on temporary market distortions. Before making adjustments, we analyze the impact of taxes and trading costs on potential returns.
Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
After comprehensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across multiple market scenarios, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform.
Ongoing Assessment
In coordination with your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.
Location
1747 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20006
US
Direct:
(202) 292-5485(202) 292-5485
Meet The Williams Group
Daniel Williams
Financial Advisor, Senior Vice President
Phone:
(202) 292-5481(202) 292-5481
Barbara L. Smallwood
First Vice President, Group Director
Phone:
(202) 292-5482(202) 292-5482
James Molloy
Registered PWM Client Service Associate
Phone:
(202) 292-5484(202) 292-5484
Patrick Williams
Registered PWM Client Service Associate
Phone:
(202) 292-5483(202) 292-5483
About John M Williams
John has been with the firm or predecessor firms since 1988. As of January 1, 2024, he oversees approximately $2.8 billion on behalf of foundations, endowments, and high net worth families. John has been recognized by several national financial publications including Barron’s as one of the Top 1000 Financial Advisors from 2009-2013 and one of the Top 1200 Financial Advisors from 2014-2024. John is a native Washingtonian, and graduated from Blessed Sacrament School and Gonzaga College High School. He Earned a B.S. in Economics from Siena College in 1984, where he was a four-year letterman in basketball, and captain of the 1983-1984 team.
John currently lives in Washington, DC with his wife of over thirty years. He recently finished serving terms on the President’s Council of Gonzaga College High School, Gonzaga’s Development Committee, the Board of Advisors for the SHARE Food Network, and the Investment Committee of the Religious Formation Conference. He is a past board member of the Consortium of Catholic Academies (Chairman, Finance), Washington Jesuit Academy (Chairman, Development), Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington (Chairman, Investment), and a past member of the Investment Committee of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. John is a member of the Order, as well as the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
2009-2024 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State) Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2009-2024). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award. Awards Disclosures.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, a division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 3769860 08/24
John currently lives in Washington, DC with his wife of over thirty years. He recently finished serving terms on the President’s Council of Gonzaga College High School, Gonzaga’s Development Committee, the Board of Advisors for the SHARE Food Network, and the Investment Committee of the Religious Formation Conference. He is a past board member of the Consortium of Catholic Academies (Chairman, Finance), Washington Jesuit Academy (Chairman, Development), Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington (Chairman, Investment), and a past member of the Investment Committee of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. John is a member of the Order, as well as the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
2009-2024 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State) Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2009-2024). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award. Awards Disclosures.
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, a division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 3769860 08/24
Securities Agent: MO, UT, WV, WI, MD, MT, MS, KS, FL, PA, OH, NY, NM, TX, VT, VA, HI, GA, DE, AL, CO, MN, SC, WA, WY, NC, AK, CT, KY, MA, TN, ME, NJ, DC, CA, NH, OR, IN, AZ, IL, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1278807
CA Insurance License #: 4006012
NMLS#: 1278807
CA Insurance License #: 4006012
About Daniel Williams
Daniel F. Williams (“Danny”) is a First Vice President and Financial Advisor for The Williams Group at Morgan Stanley (“the Firm”) Private Wealth Management, a division focusing on Ultra High Net Worth clients.
As of *12/31/2022, The Williams Group manages approximately *$2.8 Billion for a diverse group of families, foundations, and endowments.
Danny joined Morgan Stanley in 2014 and has seen his role evolve. Drawing on experience (his and the team’s) and the Firm’s intellectual capital, Danny provides comprehensive advice to wealthy families. Danny’s focus areas include wealth planning, portfolio implementation, strategic and tactical asset allocation, third-party manager due diligence, diversification of concentrated equity positions, lending, alternative investments, and philanthropic strategies.
A native Washingtonian, Danny is a proud graduate of Gonzaga College High School and earned a B.A. from Miami University (Ohio). Danny is still actively involved in the community as he coaches CYO basketball (Blessed Sacrament DC), youth football (Maplewood Athletic Association), and sits on the Young Professional board of HEROES, Inc.®, a 501c3 that supports the spouses and children of law enforcement officers and firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty to the greater Washington, D.C. community. Danny is a terrible golfer but plays quickly.
As of *12/31/2022, The Williams Group manages approximately *$2.8 Billion for a diverse group of families, foundations, and endowments.
Danny joined Morgan Stanley in 2014 and has seen his role evolve. Drawing on experience (his and the team’s) and the Firm’s intellectual capital, Danny provides comprehensive advice to wealthy families. Danny’s focus areas include wealth planning, portfolio implementation, strategic and tactical asset allocation, third-party manager due diligence, diversification of concentrated equity positions, lending, alternative investments, and philanthropic strategies.
A native Washingtonian, Danny is a proud graduate of Gonzaga College High School and earned a B.A. from Miami University (Ohio). Danny is still actively involved in the community as he coaches CYO basketball (Blessed Sacrament DC), youth football (Maplewood Athletic Association), and sits on the Young Professional board of HEROES, Inc.®, a 501c3 that supports the spouses and children of law enforcement officers and firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty to the greater Washington, D.C. community. Danny is a terrible golfer but plays quickly.
Securities Agent: WV, WA, VT, WY, TX, TN, SC, OR, OH, NY, NM, NJ, NH, NC, MT, MS, MN, MI, ME, MD, MA, KY, KS, IN, IL, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, VA, PA, NV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2172899
NMLS#: 2172899
About Barbara L. Smallwood
Barbara L. Smallwood is a Vice President with Morgan Stanley and the Group Director with the Williams Group. She is the initial interface with the majority of our new and existing clients and is responsible for managing their myriad needs. She also handles all administration and compliance activity for the group.
Barbara started her career with the Williams Group in 1994. Barbara is an active Notary Public, commission issued by the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland. She currently holds Series 7 and 63 registrations.
Barbara started her career with the Williams Group in 1994. Barbara is an active Notary Public, commission issued by the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland. She currently holds Series 7 and 63 registrations.
About James Molloy
James H. Molloy IV (“Jimmy”) is a Registered Client Service Associate on the Williams Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management. His primary responsibilities include client service, client reporting, and cash management.
Jimmy is a native Washingtonian, and proud graduate of Georgetown Preparatory School. He earned a B.A. from Pennsylvania State University.
Jimmy is a native Washingtonian, and proud graduate of Georgetown Preparatory School. He earned a B.A. from Pennsylvania State University.
About Patrick Williams
Patrick C. Williams (“Pudge”) is a Registered Client Service Associate on the Williams Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management. His primary responsibilities include client service, client reporting, and cash management. Prior to joining the Williams Group, he was a Mutual Fund Services Representative at Eaton Vance in Boston, MA.
Pudge is a native Washingtonian and graduate of Gonzaga College High School. Upon graduation, Pudge went on to play golf at Siena College in Loudonville, NY. He earned a B.A in 2021 and an MBA in 2022 from Siena College.
Pudge is a native Washingtonian and graduate of Gonzaga College High School. Upon graduation, Pudge went on to play golf at Siena College in Loudonville, NY. He earned a B.A in 2021 and an MBA in 2022 from Siena College.
Contact John M Williams
Contact Daniel Williams
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Private Wealth Management Podcast
Bringing you engaging stories and key insights surrounding the complexities associated with significant wealth, including:
- Intergenerational Planning
- Philanthropic Giving
- Non-Traditional Assets
- Managing Family Wealth
LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art
Article Image
Managing Significant Wealth
- Investment Management
- Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
- Cash Management & Lending
- Family Governance & Wealth Education
- Lifestyle Advisory
- Business Services
Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy
Article Image
Insights and Outcomes
Thought Leadership for our ultra high net worth clients, which contains thought-provoking articles, authored by leading experts from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources.
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
1Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
2Investing in the market entails the risk of market volatility. The value of all types of investments may increase or decrease over varying time periods. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable or impact investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability and impact 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.
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
4Tailored 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.
5Morgan 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.
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
2Investing in the market entails the risk of market volatility. The value of all types of investments may increase or decrease over varying time periods. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable or impact investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability and impact 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.
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
4Tailored 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.
5Morgan 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.
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
CRC 6295606 (3/2024)
