My Story And Services

My name is Bill and I am a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management located in Baltimore, Maryland. I have more than 35 years of experience in financial services, joining Morgan Stanley in 2006 after beginning my investment advisory career at Legg Mason in 2000. Prior to joining Legg Mason, I spent 10 years as a Financial Planning Specialist with Wells Fargo.

I graduated with a BSBA degree in Finance from the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business and an MBA degree from Loyola University Maryland’s Sellinger School of Business. I also holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. This professional credential, conferred by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., is a rigorous educational endeavor requiring mastery of nearly 100 topics on integrated financial planning, and involves very strict ongoing educational requirements. Bill also holds an Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation from the College for Financial Planning.

I serve a diverse group of clients with a broad range of services. These services include financial planning, investment consulting, portfolio construction, retirement income planning, philanthropic strategy, and insurance analysis. My goal is to develop a comprehensive, customized wealth management strategy for each client, then couple that strategy with ongoing dialogue and proactive communication.

I am honored to have been named a Five-Star Wealth Manager*, annually, from 2012-2024. This award recognizes advisors that rank highest in client service and overall satisfaction. I take great pride in his commitment to putting my clients first and is thankful for this recognition.

I have lived in the Baltimore, MD area since 1989, and I've been an active community member. Currently I reside in Bel Air, MD with my wife and two daughters.

2012-2024 Five-Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2012-2024) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:

2024 Award - 4/10/23 - 10/31/23
2023 Award - 4/18/22 - 10/21/22
2022 Award - 5/10/21 - 11/12/21
2021 Award - 4/27/20 - 10/30/20
2020 Award - 4/19/19 - 11/13/19
2019 Award - 4/19/18 - 11/07/18
2018 Award - 4/21/17 - 11/06/17
2017 Award - 3/26/16 - 11/11/16
2016 Award - 6/16/15 - 11/09/15
2015 Award - 6/16/14 - 11/09/14
2014 Award - 6/16/13 - 11/09/13
2013 Award - 6/16/12 - 11/09/12
2012 Award - 6/16/11 - 11/09/11
Services Include
Securities Agent: NY, MI, DE, AZ, DC, MD, SC, VA, PA, OK, NJ, GA, CT, AL, NH, WA, IN, WV, NC, IL, MA, CO, CA, OR, WI, TX, FL, RI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1268254
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

My work with you starts with one or more in-depth, exploratory meetings. I need to understand your unique financial situation so I can offer you appropriate advice and strategies.
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    Step 1: Introductory Meeting
    Our relationship begins with an initial discussion aimed towards getting to know you, your lifestyle, and your future goals.
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    Step 2: Discovery Meeting
    During the discovery meeting, we will work together to establish your financial goals by reviewing your current financial situation and developing an appropriate risk tolerance that can help you achieve the financial outcome you envision for yourself.
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    Step 3: Financial Plan Presentation
    Financial plan presentations map out essential factors that play into your financial success such as your employee and employer contributions, liquidity events, and insurance coverage. Examining relevant financial information provides a holistic asset allocation analysis for your accounts helping ensure a comprehensive financial plan.
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    Step 4: Action Items & Next Steps
    After the financial plan presentation, we will follow up with you regarding our analysis and recommendations, which may include adjustments to your financial plan, investment allocation, company benefits and insurance coverage.
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    Step 5: Implementation Meeting
    The implementation meeting focuses on creating prospective strategies custom designed for your specific needs. Recommended changes could include logistics, tax impact, asset allocation adjustments, and saving/benefit modifications.
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    Step 6: Monitoring & Performance Tracking
    Finally, we will be constantly monitoring your assets and analyzing your performance tracking data seeking to ensure your financial expectations are bring met and adjusted accordingly. We will keep a high degree of communication with you to make sure your concerns and requests are always addressed.

Education

  • University of Richmond, BS - Business Administration, 1989
  • Loyola University Maryland, MBA - Finance/Investments, 1993

Digital Tools

Digital technology is centered on how people communicate, consume, transact, and travel. Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance various aspects of your financial life. Here are a few of the technologies we have to offer to our clients.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Learn More About Morgan Stanley Online
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    Online Security Center
    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.
    Learn More About Online Security Center
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    Financial Management Tools
    Managing multiple financial accounts across different firms can be complicated. With Morgan Stanley Online, you can link your non-Morgan Stanley accounts and analyze your cash flow all in one place.
    Learn More About Financial Management Tools

Knowledge is power.

I believe financial education can lead to better insights into our investment strategy and discipline, and ultimately, better long-term decisions. As a result, I am committed to providing you with important information about managing your wealth more effectively in today’s global markets.
I have assembled the following resources that can help reinforce the fundamental tools, investment strategies and concepts of our practice. I’ve provided links to these materials and hope you’ll return often to learn more about the tools and topics that impact your overall wealth.
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    Global Investment Committee On The Markets
    A monthly publication that summarizes the Global Investment Committee’s market outlook and contains thought-provoking essays that examine the forces shaping the investment landscape. Check out this month's edition below.
    Read GIC On the Markets
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    Your Guide to Tax-Efficient Planning
    The tax decisions you make today can help you save for years to come. Consider these smart tax strategies for your financial plan. Utilizing these strategies can help you enjoy more of your nest egg.
    Learn More
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    Thoughts on the Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Listen Here

Client Service Team

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    Ayanna Byrd - Registered Client Service Associate
    Phone:
    (410) 494-1873(410) 494-1873
    Email:Ayanna.Byrd@morganstanley.com
    Ayanna is a 2020 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. After initially working in public health, Ayanna transitioned into the finance industry in 2022. She joined Merrill Lynch in 2023, before moving to Morgan Stanley in October of the same year. Outside of work, Ayanna enjoys cooking and reading.

Location

1201 Wills Street
Ste 700
Baltimore, MD 21231
US
Direct:
(410) 736-5345(410) 736-5345
Toll-Free:
(800) 837-5833(800) 837-5833
Fax:
(443) 965-9311(443) 965-9311
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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact William S Persons 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.

1When 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.

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

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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.

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3Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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4When 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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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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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8Morgan 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

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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)