List of Companies Owned By Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is one of the world’s leading financial services firms, renowned for its expertise in investment banking, wealth management, securities trading, and asset management. This article explores the brands and companies owned by Morgan Stanley.

With a global presence and a reputation for helping businesses, governments, and individuals achieve their financial goals, the company has established itself as a major player in the global financial market.

Operating through a network of subsidiaries, Morgan Stanley provides comprehensive financial solutions tailored to meet the complex demands of today’s economic landscape.

Who Owns Morgan Stanley?

Morgan Stanley is a publicly traded company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MS. Ownership is distributed among institutional and retail investors, with some of the largest stakeholders including mutual funds, pension funds, and asset managers.

Approximately 85% of its shares are held by institutional investors. The diverse ownership ensures accountability and long-term growth while aligning the interests of shareholders and management through corporate governance practices.

Institutional investors hold the largest stakes in Morgan Stanley. These include asset management firms, pension funds, and investment companies. The top institutional shareholders are:

• The Vanguard Group: Approximately 8.5% of Morgan Stanley’s shares.
• BlackRock: Approximately 7.2% of Morgan Stanley’s shares.
• State Street Corporation: Approximately 4.1% of Morgan Stanley’s shares.

Several mutual funds hold significant stakes in Morgan Stanley. These funds pool money from individual investors to invest in large companies like Morgan Stanley. Examples include:

• Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund: Approximately 3.8% of Morgan Stanley’s shares.
• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust: Approximately 1.5% of Morgan Stanley’s shares.
• Fidelity 500 Index Fund: Approximately 1.2% of Morgan Stanley’s shares.

Major Companies Owned by Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley owns and operates a wide array of subsidiaries that support its diverse financial services. Below are some of the key companies under its ownership:

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

One of Morgan Stanley’s flagship entities, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is a broker-dealer that provides investment and trading services.

Known for offering a range of debt and equity underwriting services, this subsidiary supports businesses and governments in raising capital while facilitating trade execution for institutional investors.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

This wealth management firm is a joint venture partner turned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley.

It offers financial planning, investment advice, and brokerage services to high-net-worth individuals and institutions. The acquisition of Citi’s share in 2013 made this one of Morgan Stanley’s largest holdings.

E*TRADE Financial

Acquired in 2020, E*TRADE is an online brokerage that provides retail traders and investors with platforms to trade stocks, options, and ETFs.

This acquisition expanded Morgan Stanley’s reach into the retail trading sector, helping diversify its revenue streams and client base.

Eaton Vance Management

Eaton Vance provides investment advisory services and asset management solutions.

Acquired in 2021, this company strengthens Morgan Stanley’s foothold in the asset management industry while contributing to its sustainable investing portfolio.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM)

MSIM is the firm’s global asset management division. Focused on managing equities, fixed income, and alternative investment portfolios, it serves a range of clients, including pension funds, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds.

Solium Capital

Rebranded as Shareworks by Morgan Stanley, Solium Capital focuses on equity administration and employee share schemes.

This acquisition enhanced Morgan Stanley’s ability to offer workplace financial solutions to clients around the globe.

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners

This division specializes in global private infrastructure investment, funding diverse projects such as energy, transportation, and water systems. It is an integral part of Morgan Stanley’s alternative investment portfolio.

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is one of the largest wealth management divisions in the world. It provides financial planning, investment management, and brokerage services to individual investors, families, and institutions. With over $4 trillion in client assets, this subsidiary is a cornerstone of Morgan Stanley’s business model, offering tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing (MSREI)

MSREI focuses on real estate investments, including direct property acquisitions, development projects, and real estate debt financing. The subsidiary has a global footprint, with investments in commercial, residential, and industrial properties. MSREI plays a critical role in diversifying Morgan Stanley’s revenue streams and capitalizing on opportunities in the real estate market.

Morgan Stanley Private Bank

The Private Bank division provides banking and lending services to high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses. Services include customized lending solutions, deposit accounts, and wealth management integration. This subsidiary complements Morgan Stanley’s wealth management offerings by providing clients with a comprehensive suite of financial products.

Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP)

MSCP is the firm’s private equity arm, focusing on middle-market investments across various industries, including healthcare, technology, and consumer goods. By acquiring and growing businesses, MSCP generates significant returns for Morgan Stanley and its investors, while also fostering innovation and growth in the companies it invests in.

Morgan Stanley UK Group

The UK Group oversees Morgan Stanley’s operations in the United Kingdom and Europe. It includes investment banking, trading, and asset management services tailored to the European market. With offices in London and other major cities, this subsidiary is a key player in the region’s financial services industry.

When Was Morgan Stanley Founded?

Morgan Stanley was founded in 1935 by Henry S. Morgan—the grandson of banker J.P. Morgan—and Harold Stanley.

The company was established following the Glass-Steagall Act, which required commercial banks to separate their investment banking operations.

Since its inception, Morgan Stanley has grown from a modest investment firm in New York to a global financial giant.

Who is the CEO of Morgan Stanley?

James P. Gorman is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley. Joining the company in 2006, Gorman served in various leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2010.

With a background in wealth management and financial strategy, Gorman has overseen numerous transformations, including acquisitions like E*TRADE and Eaton Vance, solidifying Morgan Stanley’s leadership in the global markets.

Where is the Headquarters of Morgan Stanley?

Morgan Stanley’s global headquarters is located in New York City, New York, United States, at 1585 Broadway in the Midtown Manhattan district.

The facility houses its leadership team and serves as a hub for its critical operations. Its location in the financial capital of the world ensures proximity to major institutions and clients.

What is the Annual Revenue of Morgan Stanley?

Morgan Stanley generated an annual revenue of $58.43 billion as of September 2024. The firm’s revenue reflects its strong performance across wealth management, institutional securities, and asset management divisions.

Consistent growth, bolstered by key acquisitions and market expansion, has positioned Morgan Stanley as a leader in the financial sector.

How Many Employees Does Morgan Stanley Have?

Morgan Stanley employs approximately 80,000 people globally. With offices in over 40 countries, the company’s workforce spans multiple cultures and regions, contributing to its reputation for innovation and excellence.

Morgan Stanley is known for fostering an inclusive workplace culture and investing in the professional development of its employees.

Wrapping Up

Morgan Stanley’s strategic acquisitions and growth initiatives have made it a dominant force in the financial services industry.

Through subsidiaries like E*TRADE, Eaton Vance, and Morgan Stanley & Co., the firm delivers a broad spectrum of services to a diverse clientele. Founded in 1935, the company continues to evolve under the leadership of CEO James Gorman.

With its headquarters in New York, a robust global workforce, and annual revenues exceeding $50 billion, Morgan Stanley is poised to maintain its influential position in shaping the future of finance.

FAQs

What is Morgan Stanley known for?

Morgan Stanley is famous for being one of the world’s leading investment banks and financial services firms. It is renowned for its expertise in investment banking, wealth management, asset management, and institutional securities. The firm is also known for its global presence, innovative financial solutions, and strong reputation in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital raising, and trading.

Is Morgan Stanley an MNC?

Yes, Morgan Stanley is a multinational corporation (MNC) with a significant worldwide presence. It operates in over 40 countries and has a network of more than 1,200 offices globally. The company caters to a diverse clientele, including corporations, governments, institutional investors, and individuals, offering services in multiple languages and regions. Its global reach and cross-border capabilities make it one of the most influential financial firms in the world.

Is Morgan Stanley owned by BlackRock?

No, Morgan Stanley is not owned by BlackRock. Both are independent, publicly traded companies. Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm, while BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager. They operate in different segments of the financial industry and are not affiliated in terms of ownership.

Does Morgan Stanley own a bank?

Yes, Morgan Stanley owns a bank. Morgan Stanley Private Bank, a subsidiary of the firm, provides banking and lending services to high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses. It offers customized lending solutions, deposit accounts, and integrated wealth management services.

Which is better, J.P. Morgan or Morgan Stanley?

The choice between J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley depends on the specific needs of the client or investor. Both are leading financial institutions but have different strengths:

• J.P. Morgan is known for its commercial banking, retail banking, and asset management services. It has a larger balance sheet and a broader retail presence.
• Morgan Stanley excels in investment banking, wealth management, and institutional securities. It is particularly strong in serving high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients.

The “better” option depends on whether you prioritize retail banking (J.P. Morgan) or investment and wealth management services (Morgan Stanley).

Who is the majority owner of Morgan Stanley?

Morgan Stanley is a publicly traded company, meaning it is owned by its shareholders. There is no single majority owner. The largest shareholders are typically institutional investors, such as mutual funds, pension funds, and asset management firms. As of recent data, Vanguard Group and BlackRock are among the top institutional shareholders of Morgan Stanley.