Morgan Stanley: Overview and Account Opening Guide

Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1935, it has grown into one of the most prestigious names in investment banking, securities, wealth management, and asset management.

As of 2025, Morgan Stanley is ranked among the top 15 global banks by market capitalization, with strengths in wealth management and private markets following its acquisition of E*TRADE and Eaton Vance. Unlike retail-focused banks, Morgan Stanley primarily serves high-net-worth individuals, corporates, and institutional clients.

Bank Profile

• Founded: 1935
• Headquarters: New York, United States
• Market Cap (2025): ~USD 285 billion
• Global Presence: 40+ countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, London, Tokyo, and Dubai
• Key Services: Investment banking and corporate advisory Wealth management for individuals and families Asset management for institutions Capital markets and trading Online brokerage via E*TRADE (U.S. only)

Why Choose Morgan Stanley?

• Strong reputation in wealth management and private banking
• Expertise in capital markets and corporate advisory
• Expanding global presence with strong Asia footprint
• Access to sophisticated investment products, including alternatives and private equity
• Robust digital platforms (E*TRADE) for U.S. clients

Account Types Available

1. Brokerage & Wealth Management Accounts Through Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Includes investment portfolios, managed accounts, and brokerage services
2. Private Banking Designed for high-net-worth individuals (USD 5–10 million+ in investable assets) Comprehensive financial planning, estate structuring, and investment solutions
3. Corporate & Institutional Accounts Treasury management, capital markets, and corporate advisory services Custody and asset management solutions
4. E*TRADE Retail Accounts (U.S. only) Online brokerage accounts for trading stocks, ETFs, and options Savings and checking accounts (limited to U.S. residents)

Account Opening Requirements

For Individuals (U.S. Residents):

• Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID)
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)

For Non-Residents / Foreign Clients:

• Valid passport
• Proof of overseas residential address (bank statement, utility bill)
• Tax identification number (for FATCA/CRS compliance)
• Minimum investment thresholds for private banking (USD 5M+)

For Corporate Accounts:

• Certificate of Incorporation / Business license
• Articles of Association / Corporate bylaws
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Proof of registered office address
• Identification of directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners

Step-by-Step Account Opening Process

1. Initial Contact Retail brokerage (U.S. only): Apply online via E*TRADE. Private or institutional: Contact Morgan Stanley relationship managers at branches in New York, London, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
2. Document Submission Provide personal or corporate identification and financial records.
3. Compliance Review Morgan Stanley performs strict KYC/AML checks. Additional due diligence applies for cross-border clients.
4. Approval Timeline E*TRADE brokerage: 1–3 business days Wealth/Private banking: 3–5 weeks Corporate accounts: 2–4 weeks
5. Account Activation Access to online trading platforms, investment portfolios, or dedicated advisory services.

Advantages & Considerations

Advantages

• World-class private banking and wealth management platform
• Strong global presence, particularly in Asia and the U.S.
• Access to premium investment opportunities
• Trusted advisor for corporates and institutional clients

Considerations

• High entry threshold for private banking clients (USD 5–10M+)
• Limited retail banking outside the U.S.
• Complex compliance requirements for non-residents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can foreigners open a Morgan Stanley retail account?
A1: Retail brokerage accounts (ETRADE) are only for U.S. residents. Foreign clients can access wealth or private banking services through international branches.*

Q2: What is the minimum requirement for Morgan Stanley Private Banking?
A2: Typically USD 5–10 million in investable assets.

Q3: Does Morgan Stanley operate in Singapore?
A3: Yes. Morgan Stanley Singapore focuses on institutional services, investment banking, and private wealth management.

Internal Link

• Link from Global Top 20 Banks by Market Cap 2025 → “Morgan Stanley” anchor text
• Related banks: [Goldman Sachs Guide], [Citigroup Account Opening], [UBS Private Banking Overview]

Morgan Stanley, account opening, investment banking, private banking, wealth management, U.S. banks

About the Author

Helen Lili – Editor, Research Lead
Helen leads tariff analysis and product change tracking. She maintains the normalized dataset that powers our comparison tables and ensures each claim links back to a dated primary source. Read more articles