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At Morgan Stanley, we lead with exceptional ideas. Across all our businesses, we offer keen insight on today's most critical issues.

Personal Finance

Learn from our industry leaders about how to manage your wealth and help meet your personal financial goals.

At Morgan Stanley, we lead with exceptional ideas. Across all our businesses, we offer keen insight on today's most critical issues.

Market Trends

From volatility and geopolitics to economic trends and investment outlooks, stay informed on the key developments shaping today's markets.

At Morgan Stanley, we lead with exceptional ideas. Across all our businesses, we offer keen insight on today's most critical issues.

Technology & Disruption

Whether it’s hardware, software or age-old businesses, everything today is ripe for disruption. Stay abreast of the latest trends and developments.

At Morgan Stanley, we lead with exceptional ideas. Across all our businesses, we offer keen insight on today's most critical issues.

Sustainability

Our insightful research, advisory and investing capabilities give us unique and broad perspective on sustainability topics.

At Morgan Stanley, we lead with exceptional ideas. Across all our businesses, we offer keen insight on today's most critical issues.

Diversity & Inclusion

Multicultural and women entrepreneurs are the cutting-edge leaders of businesses that power markets. Hear their stories and learn about how they are redefining the terms of success.

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Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals.

Wealth Management

We help people, businesses and institutions build, preserve and manage wealth so they can pursue their financial goals.

Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals.

Investment Banking & Capital Markets

We have global expertise in market analysis and in advisory and capital-raising services for corporations, institutions and governments.

Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals.

Sales & Trading

Global institutions, leading hedge funds and industry innovators turn to Morgan Stanley for sales, trading and market-making services.

Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals.

Research

We offer timely, integrated analysis of companies, sectors, markets and economies, helping clients with their most critical decisions.

Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals.

Investment Management

We deliver active investment strategies across public and private markets and custom solutions to institutional and individual investors.

Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals.

Morgan Stanley at Work

We provide comprehensive workplace financial solutions for organizations and their employees, combining personalized advice with modern technology.

Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals.

Sustainable Investing

We offer scalable investment products, foster innovative solutions and provide actionable insights across sustainability issues.

Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals.

Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures

From our startup lab to our cutting-edge research, we broaden access to capital for entrepreneurs and spotlight their success.

Featured Get Matched with a Financial Advisor Wealth Management Explore What We Offer E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley Watch Our Client Success Stories The Morgan Stanley Blueprint About Us About Us Core Values Leadership History Locations Diversity Sustainability Giving Back Technology Sponsorships

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

Core Values

Everything we do at Morgan Stanley is guided by our five core values: Do the right thing, put clients first, lead with exceptional ideas, commit to diversity and inclusion, and give back.

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

Leadership

Morgan Stanley leadership is dedicated to conducting first-class business in a first-class way. Our board of directors and senior executives hold the belief that capital can and should benefit all of society.

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

History

From our origins as a small Wall Street partnership to becoming a global firm of more than 80,000 employees today, Morgan Stanley has been committed to clients and communities for 90 years.

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

Locations

The global presence that Morgan Stanley maintains is key to our clients' success, giving us keen insight across regions and markets, and allowing us to make a difference around the world.

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

Diversity

Morgan Stanley is differentiated by the caliber of our diverse team. Our culture of access and inclusion has built our legacy and shapes our future, helping to strengthen our business and bring value to clients.

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

Sustainability

Our firm's commitment to sustainability informs our operations, governance, risk management, diversity efforts, philanthropy and research.

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

Giving Back

At Morgan Stanley, giving back is a core value—a central part of our culture globally. We live that commitment through long-lasting partnerships, community-based delivery and engaging our best asset—Morgan Stanley employees.

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

Technology

As a global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley is committed to technological innovation. We rely on our technologists around the world to create leading-edge, secure platforms for all our businesses.

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

Sponsorships

At Morgan Stanley, we believe creating a more equitable society begins with investing in access, knowledge and resources to foster potential for all. We are committed to supporting the next generation of leaders and ensuring that they reflect the diversity of the world they inherit.

Careers Careers Students & Graduates Opportunities Experienced Professionals Opportunities Technology Professionals Experienced Financial Advisors

We believe our greatest asset is our people. We value our commitment to diverse perspectives and a culture of inclusion across the firm. Discover who we are and the right opportunity for you.

Students & Graduates

A career at Morgan Stanley means belonging to an ideas-driven culture that embraces new perspectives to solve complex problems. See how you can make meaningful contributions as a student or recent graduate at Morgan Stanley.

We believe our greatest asset is our people. We value our commitment to diverse perspectives and a culture of inclusion across the firm. Discover who we are and the right opportunity for you.

Experienced Professionals

At Morgan Stanley, you’ll find trusted colleagues, committed mentors and a culture that values diverse perspectives, individual intellect and cross-collaboration. See how you can continue your career journey at Morgan Stanley.

We believe our greatest asset is our people. We value our commitment to diverse perspectives and a culture of inclusion across the firm. Discover who we are and the right opportunity for you.

Experienced Financial Advisors

At Morgan Stanley, our premier brand, robust resources and market leadership can offer you a new opportunity to grow your practice and continue to fulfill on your commitment to deliver tailored wealth management advice that helps your clients reach their financial goals.

Featured Explore Our Culture Careers Yes, You Can Be a Tech Innovator at Morgan Stanley Technology CLEAR Wealth Management What New Investors Like You Want to Know Apr 3, 2025

Want to invest but not sure where to start? Get answers to your frequently asked questions.

Key Takeaways Brokerage accounts offer convenience, control and value. You make the decisions and place the trades.  We build and manage a diversified portfolio for you based on your risk tolerance with Core Portfolios. If you'd like personalized planning and investing guidance by phone, a virtual advisor may be for you. A Financial Advisor offers a hands-on, dedicated, full service-relationship. When it comes to planning for your financial future, we could all use a little help.

 

The first step is to think about your goals. Next, consider if investing can help you meet them.  Investing can be a smart option and may help you earn more over time than keeping your money in a savings account. And when you won’t need your funds right away, investing can help you achieve long-term financial goals like buying a home.   

 

At Morgan Stanley, you’ll find a range of modern investing solutions – from accounts where you make the investing decisions to accounts that are fully managed for you. There are three ways to get started: do-it-yourself, enlist the support of a Morgan Stanley Virtual Advisor, or work with a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.

1.      DO-IT-YOURSELF WITH AN E*TRADE FROM MORGAN STANLEY BROKERAGE ACCOUNT How do I invest with E*TRADE? 

E*TRADE from  Morgan Stanley offers online brokerage accounts that let you invest your money yourself without paying commissions1. You can use E*TRADE to buy or sell stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options and more.

E*TRADE’s user-friendly website provides access to research and easy-to-use tools to help you make informed investment decisions and easily place your trades. You can also take advantage of a range of educational videos and classes to narrow your investing choices.

Does online investing with an E*TRADE brokerage account make sense for me?

If you want to trade your own stocks and funds, a brokerage account at E*TRADE may make sense. Self-directed accounts where you make the decisions and place the trades offer convenience, control and value, and may be a good option for people who are new to investing, building a portfolio of investments, and even active traders.

 

E*TRADE’s mobile app makes investing available when you’re on the go. You can view your investments, explore market watch lists, transfer money, deposit checks and pay your bills.  Customer support is available via phone or chat whenever and wherever you need it.

 

What are the fees and minimums?

There are no account minimums to open an E*TRADE brokerage account and $0 commissions for online stock and ETF trades. Other fees may apply.1

 

How do I open an E*TRADE account?

An online application and initiating a transfer of money from your bank account will get you started. It can take up to three business days for funds to be available or the same day if you initiate a wire transfer. Once you’re funded, watch a demo to learn how to place your orders. Or get started as you watch our webinars on a variety of topics live.

 

Open Your E*TRADE Brokerage Account

Get started today with E*TRADE's easy to use website and range of investing options.

Open an Account What if I need a little help with my investing at E*TRADE?

 A Core Portfolios account - also known as a robo-advisor—makes investing easier. You provide information about your goals and risk tolerance, and our team of professionals, paired with automated technology, build a diversified portfolio that we will manage for you.2  And, you can use automated tax-loss harvesting to potentially lower your tax bill. A minimum investment of $500 is required and fees will apply3.

 

Another option that makes investing simpler is E*TRADE’s Prebuilt Portfolios. Get a professionally built portfolio of leading mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). You can customize your portfolio based on your risk tolerance and you can buy or sell individual funds at any time. A $500 minimum for mutual funds and $2,500 minimum for ETFs is required.

i You can personalize your account by choosing socially responsible or smart beta ETFs. 2.      MORGAN STANLEY VIRTUAL ADVISOR What is Virtual Advisor?

With Morgan Stanley Virtual Advisor, you get a team of licensed and experienced Financial Advisors who are available by phone Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. You may get different Virtual Advisors from your team when you call. Your Virtual Advisor can:

Provide personalized expert advice and information. Create a comprehensive financial plan that’s right for you to help you meet your goals. Deliver comprehensive investing recommendations across a range of options. Help manage your overall finances.
They work with you to understand your goals, provide research-based investing advice that evolves along with your needs, and stay connected to keep you on track. Their access to Morgan Stanley’s in-house analysts and strategists as well as industry-leading research and powerful planning tools means that you have the expertise of a well-resourced and experienced global firm working on your behalf.

i Morgan Stanley Virtual Advisor may be a good option if you like the idea of regular performance reviews by phone. Is Virtual Advisor right for me?

Like most people, you may have competing financial priorities in your life. Should you pay off student loans before saving for a down payment on a house? Could you do both and still start investing for retirement? If you’d like personalized financial planning and proactive investing guidance yet aren’t ready to engage a dedicated Financial Advisor, or have concerns around the traditional costs of working with a Financial Advisor, a team of remote advisors may be a good option for you. And if you like the idea of having a team of advisors by your side that will help you meet your goals by providing regular performance reviews by phone, consider the Morgan Stanley Virtual Advisor team.  

 

 What are the fees and minimums?

Virtual Advisors typically charge an advisory fee that is a percentage of the assets they manage on your behalf, with a minimum asset level beginning at $100,000. Advisory fees and commissions vary depending on the services used and investments made.

 

How do I get started with Virtual Advisor?

Call 1-866-743-5700, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET or schedule a complimentary consultation online.

Schedule Your Conversation with a Virtual Advisor

Get started today.

Schedule a meeting 3.      MORGAN STANLEY FINANCIAL ADVISOR Why choose a Financial Advisor?

For ongoing comprehensive financial planning, investment management and even tax management advice, you can choose to work with a dedicated Financial Advisor. You’ll develop an ongoing relationship with an experienced professional who understands the markets, knows you and your family, and can help you manage risk. Plus, you’ll have access to a full range of investment services and products that may not be available to others, such as alternative and private investments.

 

Is having a Financial Advisor right for me?

If you’re looking for a hands-on, dedicated professional you can meet with to help you build a customized plan for your complex financial situation, working with a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor may be a good option. Your Financial Advisor can help you build a personalized financial plan based on your goals and can also help you with complex estate and charitable giving planning. They can guide you from saving for the lifestyle you want in retirement, to helping you work out a plan for drawing down your retirement savings in any market environment. 

i For this level of individualized service, a minimum investment is required that could start at $1 million. What are the fees and minimums?

For this level of individualized service, a $500,000 minimum investment is required. Depending on the type of relationship we establish and the ways you choose to do business with us, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors may be compensated as a percentage of the assets we manage on your behalf, transaction commissions or other fees. Our Financial Advisors are upfront and transparent about their compensation and strive to ensure we justify your investment in us with value.

 

How do I choose a Financial Advisor?

You don’t have to go it alone. Interview two to three Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and select the one who fits best with you and your financial goals. Consider asking questions like:

How would you get to know me and how best will you help me? How often would we meet? Do you have experience that applies to my unique financial goals and needs? How will you help me navigate important financial decisions? What if I have urgent questions or need advice when the markets shift dramatically? How will you service me given all the other clients you have? How would we get started?  Ready to Start Your Conversation? Find a Financial Advisor Near You. Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's Broker/Check.

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Wealth Management How Morgan Stanley Helps New Investors Like You You have goals. You’re ready for what’s next. Investing can help take you there. Wealth Management Make investing easier with Core Portfolios Tell us about your goals, time frame and risk tolerance. We’ll take the guesswork out of investing by building a diversified portfolio for you. Wealth Management Morgan Stanley Virtual Advisor Plan for competing financial priorities over the phone—like paying off debt while saving for a home and education expenses—all while you’re planning for long-term goals, like retirement. Wealth Management How Morgan Stanley Helps New Investors Like You Wealth Management Make investing easier with Core Portfolios Wealth Management Morgan Stanley Virtual Advisor NOT ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL JURISDICTIONS OR COUNTRIES.

 

1E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley charges $0 commission for online US-listed stock, ETF, mutual fund, and options trades. Exclusions may apply and E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley reserves the right to charge variable commission rates. The standard options contract fee is $0.65 per contract (or $0.50 per contract for clients who execute at least 30 stock, ETF, and options trades per quarter). The retail online $0 commission does not apply to Over-the-Counter (OTC) securities transactions, foreign stock transactions, large block transactions requiring special handling, futures, or fixed income investments. Service charges apply for trades placed through a broker ($25). Stock plan account transactions are subject to a separate commission schedule. All fees and expenses as described in a fund's prospectus still apply. Additional regulatory and exchange fees may apply. For more information about pricing, visit etrade.com/pricing.

The Annual Advisory Fee is 0.30%, or as low as $1.50 for $500 in assets, and is the direct fee charged to any client in the advisory program. The advisory fee does not cover underlying management fees and expenses of any mutual fund or ETF investment held in the portfolio. 

 

An investment in an exchange-traded fund involves risks similar to those of investing in a broadly based portfolio of equity securities traded on exchange in the relevant securities market, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. The investment return and principal value of ETF investments will fluctuate so that an investor’s ETF shares, if or when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

Alternative investments often are speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors could lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for eligible, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time. They may be highly illiquid and can engage in leverage and other speculative practices that may increase the volatility and risk of loss. Alternative Investments typically have higher fees than traditional investments. Investors should carefully review and consider potential risks before investing.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a mutual fund and exchange-traded fund (ETF) before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the mutual fund and ETF. To obtain a prospectus, contact your Financial Advisor or visit the mutual fund and ETF company’s website. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Portfolios using Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) criteria, also known as sustainable or impact investing, may perform differently than those without such considerations. ESG focused investments may face market limitations, and there is no guarantee they will achieve better financial or sustainability outcomes.

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.

Securities products and services offered by E*TRADE Securities LLC, Member SIPC. Investment advisory services offered by E*TRADE Capital Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. E*TRADE Securities LLC and E*TRADE Capital Management, LLC, are separate but affiliated subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley.

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

© 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

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