Our Story and Services

Morgan Stanley serves many of the world’s most sophisticated investors, and our firm is one of the nation’s leading firms to help clients with their personal wealth. As your Financial Advisor, we have experience with the unique challenges, styles and strategies that distinguish wealthy investors. We will work with you to help you preserve and grow your wealth, relying on the insights of seasoned investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

2024 Five Star Wealth Manager

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    9 Year Award Winner
    2024; 2023; 2022; 2019; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014; 2013
    Five Star Wealth Manager Award

    Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2024; 2023; 2022; 2019; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014; 2013) The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
    2024 Award - 7/25/23 - 1/31/24
    2023 Award - 7/25/22 - 2/10/23
    2022 Award - 8/30/21 - 3/4/22
    2019 Award - 8/13/18 - 3/11/19
    2017 Award - 8/24/16 - 2/24/17
    2016 Award - 8/19/15 - 1/15/16
    2015 Award - 8/30/14 - 1/30/15
    2014 Award - 8/30/13 - 1/30/14
    2013 Award - 8/30/12 - 1/30-13
2006 - Present: Morgan Stanley
Senior Vice President
Financial Advisor
Portfolio Management Director

2004 - 2006: Morgan Stanley & Co.
Financial Advisor
Retirement Planning Specialist

2003 - 2004: John Hancock
Investment Advisor

The Woo Group Difference

No matter what you want to achieve, we will work with you to provide ongoing, comprehensive planning and advice to help you succeed.
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    Private Equity & Alternative Investments
    How can I diversify my current investment portfolio to protect against cyclical risks? What investment options are available to me?
    Learn More About our Insights & Resources
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    IPO and SPAC Planning
    I hold shares in a company that has had an IPO or SPAC event. What wealth planning issues do I need to consider now that I’m far wealthier than I’ve ever been?
    Learn More About our Insights & Resources
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    Tax, Trust, & Estate Planning
    What Estate Planning documents do I need to protect and provide for beneficiaries, and ensure the appropriate transfer of my assets? How can I enable medical or financial decision-making in case of incapacity?
    Learn More About our Insights & Resources
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    Financial Planning
    How can I maximize the preservation of my assets for my heirs? Can I fund all my goals without running out of money? What tax-advantaged solutions should I be leveraging to do so? How do I fund my kid(s) college education?
    Learn More About our Insights & Resources
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    Banking & Lending
    How can I secure a line of credit without facing capital gains taxes? What interest rates are available to me? Can I get a mortgage for my home purchase?
    Learn More About our Insights & Resources
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    Schedule A Meeting
    If these questions have been weighing on your mind, let's schedule a meeting to review your needs and develop a fuller financial picture.
    Schedule A Meeting

Our Disciplined Process

Combining our own talents and experience with the vast global resources of our firm, we are able to deliver holistic wealth management solutions that address every aspect of your financial life. Following a highly disciplined process, we will help you create, implement and maintain a comprehensive wealth management plan designed to reach your most important personal, professional and philanthropic goals.
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    Discovery Meeting
    We begin by learning about your history, your family, your values, concerns and aspirations. This discovery process enables us to develop an appropriate plan designed to help grow, preserve and transfer your wealth.
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    Develop Your Strategy
    From this ongoing dialogue, we’ll analyze your current situation and begin to develop specific strategies to help achieve your goals. Your customized plan will also include an asset allocation strategy designed to help achieve your financial goals in light of your risk tolerance and investment time horizon.
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    Implement Your Strategy
    Once you’ve approved your plan, we begin to execute each strategy, working closely with you to help ensure each of the various elements of your plan effectively integrate with one another. We closely monitor your strategy to make sure it stays current with your goals as your family and professional life evolves.
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    Review Your Performance
    You will receive a quarterly review that outlines your portfolio’s performance, helping track your progress. What’s more, when your personal situation or market conditions change significantly, we will suggest appropriate adjustments to help your portfolio remain aligned with your goals.
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    Ongoing Service and Care
    Committed to first-class service, we focus on developing enduring relationships that provide special value to you and your family. We are committed to delivering concierge service that emphasizes personalized attention and ongoing communication throughout the year.
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    Start The Conversation
    Let's discuss your goals and objectives. Schedule a meeting with us below!
    Schedule a Meeting

Location

1901 Main Street
Ste 700
Irvine, CA 92614
US
Direct:
(949) 955-7858(949) 955-7858
Toll-Free:
(800) 533-3402(800) 533-3402

Meet The Woo Group

About Brian J. Woo

Brian Woo joined Morgan Stanley in 2004 and currently provides comprehensive wealth management strategies, along with discretionary portfolio management for corporate executives, retirees, and small business owners. His areas of focus include retirement planning, risk management, and cash flow analysis.

With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Brian has dedicated his career to helping his clients mitigate the risk of an uncertain future. His planning based approach focuses on helping clients secure a confident retirement while also protecting their current lifestyle. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Brian worked at John Hancock as an Investment Advisor Representative where he focused on serving the needs of high net worth individuals.

A graduate of the University of California at Irvine with a B.A. degree in Economics, Brian has always been committed to advanced learning and continuous education for himself and for his clients. In 2010, he earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. This certification is the recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning and certifies that he is well-versed in the intricacies of the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning, retirement and estate planning strategies. Brian is also a CFA® charterholder.

As a Portfolio Manager, Brian is committed to helping his clients reduce volatility and maintain the discipline necessary to navigate today’s challenging markets. For his dedication and experience, Brian is a 9 time recipient of the Five Star Wealth Manager award for Orange County by Five Star Professional.

A native of Orange County, Brian currently resides in Irvine with his wife, daughter, and son. When he’s not in the dugout coaching his son’s baseball team, you might find him on the golf course or taking a long walk with his dog Colton. Brian is an active volunteer at local charities and enjoys running marathons, but above all else, he values spending quality time with his family.

2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024) The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional based on objective criteria. The award was not based on a specific time period.
Securities Agent: NV, ID, FL, AZ, OK, MN, TN, CA, CO, IA, MO, UT, OR, CT, NY, GA, WA, NC, AL, NJ, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1393554
CA Insurance License #: 0E01790

About Brian B. Lee

A graduate of The College of William & Mary, Brian joined the firm in 2017 and has since spent over five years in the financial industry. As the team’s resident Financial Planning Specialist, Brian believes in a holistic approach to wealth management. This means starting every client with a financial profile as a baseline to understand their entire financial picture. Brian aims to understand his client’s specific risk appetite, to help alleviate client's anxiety about the future and clarify the unknowns as needed. Brian then works closely with his team to create a financial plan that can fit his client’s needs.

Brian’s father emigrated to the United States with nothing and taught him from a young age the importance of investing early. Taking this message to heart, Brian soon discovered his passion for finance and investments. Realizing in adulthood how lucky he was to have received such impactful guidance in his youth — he is passionate about paying it forward to his clients by delivering each day, a high standard of care.

Outside of work, you might find Brian at a Dodgers game with his wife, spending time with his family, or Lawn Bowling in Laguna Beach.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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 visit us at http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
Securities Agent: CT, MO, ID, MN, IL, CA, WA, FL, AL, NV, AZ, TX, NY, GA, CO, OK, UT, OR, NJ, NC, IA, TN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1700896
CA Insurance License #: 0M13223

About Janet Waller

2009-Present: Morgan Stanley
Portfolio Associate

2001-2009: Raymond James

1996-2001: Roth Capital Partners

1995-1996: PaineWebber

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 Kyle Miller

Kyle Miller is a Senior Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in California.

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.

Kyle began his career in financial services in 2005, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2011 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Senior Banker at U.S. Bank. He also spent time early in his career with the Denver Broncos.

Kyle is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Finance, and San Diego State University, where he received his MBA in Business Administration. He lives in Dana Point, California with his wife and two daughters. Outside of the office, Kyle enjoys skiing, playing golf and volunteering in the community.
NMLS#: 798374
Wealth Management
From Our Team

What’s it like to work with a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor


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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Woo 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.

1Morgan 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.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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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 (“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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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.

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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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6Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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7Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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8Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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9Investing in commodities entails significant risks. The commodities markets may fluctuate widely based on a variety of factors including changes in supply and demand relationships; governmental programs and policies; national and international political and economic events; war and terrorist events; changes in interest and exchange rates; trading activities in commodities and related contracts; pestilence; weather; technological change; and, the price volatility of a commodity. In addition, the commodities markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions due to various factors, including lack of liquidity, participation of speculators and government intervention.

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10Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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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)