Morgan Stanley (MS) is a leading global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. It was founded in 1935 by Henry S. Morgan, Harold Stanley, and their colleagues with a clear vision to provide a unique balance of innovative, client-centric services. With over 60,000 employees in more than 42 countries, Morgan Stanley aims to provide a full range of services to individual, institutional, and government clients, rendering services in investment banking, securities, investment management, and wealth management.
Morgan Stanley operates through various segments, including Institutional Securities, Investment Management, and Wealth Management. Institutional Securities provides capital raising and financial advisory services, including advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, real estate and project finance. Investment Management provides asset management products and services to individuals through a network of intermediaries and Wealth Management provides comprehensive financial advice and services to its clients including brokerage, investment advisory, financial and wealth planning, credit and lending, deposits and cash management, annuities, insurance, retirement and trust.
Morgan Stanley’s wealth management unit is one of its biggest revenue generators, overseeing nearly $2.9 trillion by the end of 2020. The firm is known for its focus on technology and digital innovations and has invested heavily in tools and platforms that appeal to its high-net-worth clientele, such as the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Mobile app, which offers a comprehensive view of an individual's financial life.
Morgan Stanley made a bold move in 2020, acquiring E*TRADE, an online brokerage pioneer, in an all-stock deal worth approximately $13 billion. This acquisition extended Morgan Stanley's client base and provided investors with digital capabilities extended by E*TRADE.
In terms of its social commitment, Morgan Stanley operates the Morgan Stanley Foundation, funding health and education projects aimed at children, particularly kids in poverty-stricken areas. Moreover, Morgan Stanley regularly promotes women in finance and has initiatives such as the Multicultural Innovation Lab, which supports technology and tech-enabled start-ups led by women and multicultural entrepreneurs.
Therefore, considered as one of the "Bulge Bracket" investment banks, Morgan Stanley continues to hold a significant status in the global financial field. It is constantly evolving by adapting to market dynamics, responding to client needs, and upholding high standards for integrity, professionalism, and excellence. Whether pursuing innovative technologies or integrating environmental, social, and governance factors across investment processes, Morgan Stanley seeks to lead and shape the future of financial services.