Morgan Stanley History Timeline and Biographies

1935

Foundation of Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley was founded in 1935 by Henry Sturgis Morgan and Harold Stanley, both former employees of J.P. Morgan & Co., in response to the Glass-Steagall Act, which required the separation of commercial and investment banking activities.

1941

First Public Offering

Morgan Stanley managed its first public offering, the $100 million bond issue for United States Steel Corporation, marking the firm's entrance into the public securities market.

1962

Introduction of Computerized Financial Analysis

Morgan Stanley became the first investment bank to use computers for financial analysis and modeling, revolutionizing the industry with innovative technology.

1970

International Expansion

Morgan Stanley opened its first international office in Paris, France, marking the beginning of its global expansion.

1986

Initial Public Offering (IPO)

Morgan Stanley went public in 1986, listing its shares on the New York Stock Exchange, which significantly increased its capital base and market presence.

1997

Merger with Dean Witter

Morgan Stanley merged with Dean Witter, Discover & Co., creating one of the largest global financial services firms, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.

2001

Rebranding to Morgan Stanley

The company dropped "Dean Witter" from its name and rebranded itself as Morgan Stanley, simplifying its brand identity.

2004

Morgan Stanley played a pivotal role in the acquisition of Canary Wharf Group, a major real estate transaction in London.

2008

Financial Crisis Response

During the 2008 financial crisis, Morgan Stanley received a capital injection from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, which helped stabilize the firm.

2010

Joint Venture with Smith Barney

Morgan Stanley completed the acquisition of Smith Barney from Citigroup, creating Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, one of the world's largest wealth management firms.

2013

Full Ownership of Wealth Management

Morgan Stanley acquired the remaining stake in Morgan Stanley Smith Barney from Citigroup, gaining full control of its wealth management business.

2017

Morgan Stanley launched its Impact Investing Platform, enabling clients to invest in companies and projects that generate positive social and environmental impact.

2020

Acquisition of E*TRADE

Morgan Stanley acquired E*TRADE, a leading online brokerage firm, enhancing its digital capabilities and broadening its client base.

2021

Acquisition of Eaton Vance

Morgan Stanley completed the acquisition of Eaton Vance, a prominent investment management firm, further expanding its asset management business.

2023

Sustainability Initiatives

Morgan Stanley announced a series of sustainability initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero financed emissions by 2050, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.