The VU Group at Morgan Stanley

Paul is passionately committed to helping his clients achieve their financial goals. He brings over two decades of distinguished experience as a trusted advisor at Morgan Stanley. His career reflects a dynamic blend of experience, having honed his skills in middle-market investment banking, managing investor relations for a Fortune 500 corporation, and founding a business specializing in the import and retail of Southeast Asian antiques. Paul’s multifaceted background provides a strategic depth to his advisory practice.

As an Executive Director, Family Wealth Director, Senior Investment Management Consultant, Lending Specialist, and Workplace Advisor / Equity Compensation, Paul delivers an unique blend of knowledge to his clients. His designation as one of the select Family Wealth Directors at Morgan Stanley reflects advanced proficiency across all aspects of family wealth management, including portfolio strategy, estate planning, taxation, stock plans, and philanthropy strategies Paul also assists founders in capital raises through referrals to private equity funds within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, the asset management division of Morgan Stanley. Paul’s dedication to continuous learning is evident through his active engagement in firm-sponsored education programs and due diligence meetings, ensuring he remains at the forefront of wealth management insights and strategies.

Beyond the world of finance, Paul’s family story embodies the spirit of the American dream. His parents immigrated to the United States in 1968, where Paul was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His family built a new life in America and Paul eventually pursued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and later UCLA Law. Paul is an avid tennis player, earning competitive rankings through the US Tennis Association. He also enjoys traveling the globe and experiencing unique cultures. Paul gives back by contributing to charities like the Humane Society and SPCA, reflecting his empathy for animals. Paul divides his time between California, Nashville, and New York City with his wife, Morgan, and their three children, Friday, Cash, and Clay.

Austin Liu brings over a decade of experience in the financial services industry to his role as a Vice President for The VU Group at Morgan Stanley. As a dedicated Portfolio Manager. Austin offers a wide range of services to his clients. His skill set includes portfolio analysis, a service that enables clients to make informed financial decisions. 

Austin began his career at Morgan Stanley in 2012, drawn to the firm's commitment to excellence and its reputation for delivering top-notch financial services. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he accumulated 12 years of experience in various roles at other organizations, honing his skills and knowledge in the financial industry. 

Austin was born in Hong Kong and made the journey to the United States at the age of two. He spent his formative years in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, which remains his home today, specifically in the picturesque neighborhood of West LA. Austin holds a degree in business and economics from UCLA (University of California Los Angeles), a testament to his dedication to academic excellence. 

Austin's views the financial markets and financial planning as an opportunity to create wealth and help secure the futures of his clients. He believes that clients deserve investment decisions based on data and analysis, not guesswork. This commitment to precision and insight has been with him since childhood, influenced by his father's love for trading. Austin's innate aptitude for numbers and his analytical nature make him a trusted advisor and the "go-to guy" among his friends and family for computer and car-related matters. 

Outside of his professional life, Austin is happily married to Michelle, sharing their journey through life together. Austin's interests are as diverse as his career. He has a deep passion for classic cars, enjoys being a fervent fan of basketball (with a special allegiance to the Los Angeles Lakers), and is an adventurous foodie, always on the hunt for new restaurants and hot sauce varieties. One of Austin's life goals is to explore every corner of the world, with a desire to visit every country someday. 

Jacqueline Riggs is an accomplished Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Associate Vice President at the VU Group. With a focus on Equity Compensation Workplace Advisor, Jacqueline has been an invaluable asset to the VU Group since joining in 2015. Her journey began as a Client Service Associate, but her passion for and desire to further develop her skills led her to seize the opportunity to become a Financial Advisor in 2018.

Born and raised in Calabasas CA, Jacqueline’s roots are deeply ingrained in the community. She graduated from UCLA in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Economics with a minor in Digital Humanities. This educational background has equipped her with a unique perspective on finance and a keen eye for innovative solutions.

Jacqueline’s approach is highly process-based, providing clients with a clear and structured guide through their financial journey. Her exceptional interpersonal skills and empathetic nature allow her to understand each client’s unique circumstances, tailoring her strategies to suit their specific goals and aspirations. This meticulous approach has earned her a well-deserved reputation as a trusted advisor among her clients.

In 2022, Jacqueline celebrated a significant personal milestone as she married her husband, Alex Riggs, further enriching her insight into family dynamics and long-term planning. Beyond her professional achievements, Jacqueline finds joy in an array of hobbies including snowboarding, scuba diving, and hiking with her loyal companion, Dylan. She also explores her creativity through thrift shopping, reselling vintage and antique jewelry and engaging in home improvement projects.

Christine is a seasoned financial professional with an impressive 24 years of experience in the financial services industry. In her role as Team Operations Manager, she offers a comprehensive range of services to her clients, ensuring their operational needs are met with precision and care. Her experience includes an extensive understanding of financial regulations. Christine embarked on her financial services career at Morgan Stanley in 1998. What began as a temporary job quickly transformed into a lifelong career. Prior to her tenure at Morgan Stanley, Christine worked in real estate and accounts payable/received assistant roles, which provided her with a solid foundation in financial processes. Christine's strength lies in her extensive experience, spanning over two decades, which sets her apart as a trusted advisor. She is deeply passionate about working as part of a team, understanding the value of collaboration and the impact it can have on client satisfaction. Her dedication to helping others and her exceptional ability to anticipate client needs are some of the key drivers of her success. In Christine's view, the single most important aspect of her role is active listening and the ability to anticipate her clients' financial requirements. She also places significant emphasis on supporting her team members, recognizing that a cohesive team is crucial in delivering the best possible service. Christine brings her experience to the forefront by serving as a prior CSA Coach, where she has imparted her knowledge to guide and mentor new professionals in the field.

Christine's personal life is enriched by her loving family. She is married to Ben and is the proud mother of a 7-year-old daughter named Parker. Their household is completed by two feline companions, Louie (a tuxedo cat) and Peach (a grey tabby). Outside of her professional life, Christine is an avid reader and enjoys activities such as hiking and Pilates. Her dedication to giving back is evident through her involvement in various charities and organizations that are close to her heart. Christine was born in Anaheim, California, and grew up in the vibrant community of Sherman Oaks, earning her the affectionate label of a "Valley Girl." Key character traits that have contributed to Christine's success as an advisor include her loyalty, strong communication skills, extensive experience, dedication to her clients' well-being, and her caring nature. These qualities have helped her build lasting relationships and trust with her clients over her illustrious career. 

Nick is a dynamic financial professional with five years of dedicated experience in the financial services industry. His qualifications underscore his commitment to delivering comprehensive financial solutions to his clients. In November 2021, Nick joined Morgan Stanley, drawn by the firm's sterling reputation for growth potential and career opportunities. Prior to his tenure at Morgan Stanley, he served as a Relationship Banker at JPMorgan Chase for two years, gaining valuable insights into the financial services field. For Nick, the single most important aspect of his role is being a dependable source that clients can rely on and trust. He understands that trust is the cornerstone of a successful client relationship and is dedicated to fostering it through every interaction.

Nick’s personal life is adorned with a love for sports, particularly basketball, with a unbreakable allegiance to the Lakers. His passion extends beyond the court to his commitment to animal welfare through his support of the ASPCA. Born and raised in Glendale, California, Nick’s roots are firmly planted in the heart of Southern California. Nick earned his bachelor's degree in financial analysis from Cal State Northridge in May 2023. His academic achievements reflect his commitment to developing a strong foundation in financial knowledge, further enhancing his ability to serve his clients effectively. 

Rocio Hernandez is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® focused on creating comprehensive financial plans. She takes great pride in her ability to understand and identify clients' needs, offering tailored financial strategies that empower them to achieve their goals.
Rocio's journey in the financial services industry began in 2015 at a closely held registered investment advisor in Manhattan Beach, CA. Over the years, she has honed her experience, working at global financial institutions where she developed financial plans for the firm’s Law and Professional Services group. In 2022, Rocio returned to Morgan Stanley, recognizing the firm's unparalleled technology, resources, culture, and exceptional client service as differentiators in the industry.

Beyond her professional life, Rocio enjoys the company of her family and her friendly cocker spaniel, Louie. She maintains an active and healthy lifestyle, participating in group classes and hikes. Rocio is deeply committed to her community and is actively involved in organizations such as Financial Planning Association of Los Angeles, America Needs You, and Thrive Scholars.

Max has made himself a valuable member of The VU Group since joining the team in 2022. Before joining, Max started his career working with financial advisors and serving as an equity analyst. In his current role, Max provides crucial support to the team and our clients across a wide spectrum of services. This includes handling day-to-day operations, facilitating client onboarding, and managing the team’s involvement in the reinvestment network.

One of Max's notable strengths is his affinity for client interaction. He takes great satisfaction in the client-facing aspect of his role, where he witnesses the direct impact of our work in helping our clients achieve their financial goals while building meaningful relationships.

Max graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in finance and a minor in Real Estate Investment. He was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, CA. His hobbies include scuba diving, going to the beach, skiing, traveling, and playing basketball and beach volleyball. Max is also an avid sports fan and a passionate supporter of the Lakers, Rams, Dodgers, and his alma mater, the Spartans.

Jonathan has 9 years as a client relationship financial professional. He is also specially designated in the corporate retirement plan field. Jonathan started in the industry as a Team Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. He also focused on the 401(k) and 403(b) space and has considerable experience in servicing that area of the practice. Jonathan most enjoys client interactions and getting to know about client's personal priorities.

Jonathan was born in Berkeley, California and raised in Walnut Creek. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Broadcast Entertainment Communications Arts. He lives in Los Angeles with wife and two Bullies. An avid fan of the Golden State Warriors and the Portuguese National Futbol Club, Jonathan loves to snowboard when there's not a game to watch and there's snow on the mountains.