Phone:
(312) 453-9180(312) 453-9180
Our Story
The world in which we live and operate is changing at an unprecedented pace. Your financial advisory and consulting firm must be able to adapt quickly to the evolving needs of your family or organization, providing fresh ideas and highly personalized solutions that meet your strategic objectives. Graystone Consulting Chicago’s core principles are simple: putting clients first, leading with exceptional ideas, doing the right thing, and giving back. Prioritizing these principles in everything we do has enabled us to help families and institutions navigate countless iterations of complex financial situations. Our personalized dedication to clients, the breadth of our diverse, multidisciplined team, and our ability to serve as a hub for our clients' financial lives sets us apart.
With over 125 years of combined industry experience, and a partnership that has spanned 30 years, the Graystone team led by Jim Whitney, Michael Sakach, Mary DiChristofano, and Brian Birnbaum, brings an unparalleled level of diversity and sophistication rivaled by few in the Private Wealth Management space.
As one of the most highly accredited teams in the Midwest, these four advisors are supported by ten professionals, with areas of focus ranging from financial analysis to wealth planning. With varying degrees of distinction, including Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designations, the team is divided into sub-teams, with at least two advisors, a financial officer, and an analyst per client relationship.
Prior to Graystone, Jim, Michael, and Mary founded Frye Louis Capital Management, Inc., the first multi-family office business in the Midwest. As a testament to their success, Credit Suisse entered the family wealth management market and acquired the group in 2001 where they remained until joining Morgan Stanley as a Graystone Consulting team in 2016.
Under the Graystone umbrella, the group maintains discretionary flexibility over investment products not typically available to traditional wealth advisory firms. Driven by strong relationships with leading asset managers and a thorough approach to research, the team has sourced and developed opportunities to create bespoke solutions for clients across the entire investable landscape.
Get in touch with Graystone Consulting Chicago using the “Contact Us” link above to speak with a member of the team and learn how we can help you develop a strategy for the financial goals of your family, business, or organization.
With over 125 years of combined industry experience, and a partnership that has spanned 30 years, the Graystone team led by Jim Whitney, Michael Sakach, Mary DiChristofano, and Brian Birnbaum, brings an unparalleled level of diversity and sophistication rivaled by few in the Private Wealth Management space.
As one of the most highly accredited teams in the Midwest, these four advisors are supported by ten professionals, with areas of focus ranging from financial analysis to wealth planning. With varying degrees of distinction, including Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designations, the team is divided into sub-teams, with at least two advisors, a financial officer, and an analyst per client relationship.
Prior to Graystone, Jim, Michael, and Mary founded Frye Louis Capital Management, Inc., the first multi-family office business in the Midwest. As a testament to their success, Credit Suisse entered the family wealth management market and acquired the group in 2001 where they remained until joining Morgan Stanley as a Graystone Consulting team in 2016.
Under the Graystone umbrella, the group maintains discretionary flexibility over investment products not typically available to traditional wealth advisory firms. Driven by strong relationships with leading asset managers and a thorough approach to research, the team has sourced and developed opportunities to create bespoke solutions for clients across the entire investable landscape.
Get in touch with Graystone Consulting Chicago using the “Contact Us” link above to speak with a member of the team and learn how we can help you develop a strategy for the financial goals of your family, business, or organization.
Phone:
(312) 453-9192(312) 453-9192
Managing Director, Wealth Management, Private Wealth Advisor, Lending Specialist, Family Wealth Director
Phone:
(248) 258-1187(248) 258-1187
Phone:
(312) 453-9189(312) 453-9189
Phone:
(312) 453-9181(312) 453-9181
Phone:
(312) 453-9182(312) 453-9182
Phone:
(312) 453-9191(312) 453-9191
Phone:
(312) 453-9188(312) 453-9188
Phone:
(312) 453-9184(312) 453-9184
Phone:
(312) 453-9174(312) 453-9174
Phone:
(312) 453-9183(312) 453-9183
Phone:
(312) 453-9187(312) 453-9187
Phone:
(312) 453-9167(312) 453-9167
Phone:
(312) 453-9137(312) 453-9137
Phone:
(312) 453-9148(312) 453-9148
Contact James Whitney
Contact Michael Sakach
Contact Mary DiChristofano
Contact Brian Birnbaum
Contact Matthew Gurwin
Contact Matthew Jennings
Contact Stephanie Carlisle
Contact Matthew Conway
Contact Margot Craig
Contact Nicole Kuhn
Contact Nicole Stout
Contact Mike Pollard
Contact Lauren Kosten
Contact Saniah Qureshi
Contact Nathan Hicks
Contact Leia Turpeau
Contact Jack Durchin
Our Offices
233 S Wacker Dr
Suite 9390
Chicago, IL 60606
US
Direct:
(312) 453-9184(312) 453-9184
In the News
Mary DiChristofano Named to Forbes "Top Women Wealth Advisors" List
February 24, 2023
Mary DiChristofano Named Member of 2022 MAKERS Class
August 11, 2022
Ready to invest in what matters to you?
Let’s talk. Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
1Investing in the market entails the risk of market volatility. The value of all types of investments may increase or decrease over varying time periods. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable or impact investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability and impact criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria.
This information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and CFP (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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.
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
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Not all products and services are available to clients outside of the United States.
When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers investment program services through a variety of investment programs, which are opened pursuant to written client agreements. Each program offers investment managers, funds and features that are not available in other programs; conversely, some investment managers, funds or investment strategies may be available in more than one program. Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on a client’s specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for the client. Please see the applicable program disclosure document for more information, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV or from your Institutional Consultant.
The Global Investment Manager Analysis (GIMA) Services Only Apply to Certain Investment Advisory Programs. GIMA evaluates certain investment products for the purposes of some – but not all – of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s investment advisory programs (as described in more detail in the applicable Form ADV Disclosure Document for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management). If you do not invest through one of these investment advisory programs, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is not obligated to provide you notice of any GIMA Status changes even though it may give notice to clients in other programs.
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) program provides a discretionary investment management solution for accounts generally in excess of $25 million in assets. The program’s robust investment process includes investment policy statement development and review, customized asset allocation, investment product selection, risk management, disciplined rebalancing and ongoing portfolio monitoring. To learn more about the OCIO program, read the applicable Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ADV brochure and/or brochure supplement, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV. In the OCIO program, accounts are subject to an
annual asset-based fee which is payable quarterly in advance (some account types may be billed differently). In general, the Fee covers all fees or charges of Morgan Stanley (including investment advisory services, brokerage commissions, compensation to Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Morgan Stanley custodial charges) except certain costs or charges associated with the account such as any applicable Sub-Manager fees or certain securities transactions, including dealer mark-ups or mark-downs, auction fees, certain odd-lot differentials, exchange fees, transfer taxes, electronic fund and wire transfer fees; charges imposed by custodians other than Morgan Stanley.
Information contained herein is based on data from multiple sources considered to be reliable and Morgan Stanley makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley.
You should understand the differences between a brokerage and advisory relationship. When providing you brokerage services, our legal obligations to you are governed by the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the rules of self-regulatory organizations such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and state securities laws, where applicable. When providing you advisory services, our legal obligations to you are governed by the Investment Advisers Act, Federal statutes and regulations relating to retirement accounts, and applicable state securities laws. These latter advisory obligations govern our conduct and disclosure requirements, creating a legal standard which is referred to as a “fiduciary” duty to you. We also may have a fiduciary duty to you, with respect to brokerage retirement accounts.
Please reach out to your Institutional Consultant if you have questions about your rights and our obligations to you, including the extent of our obligations to disclose conflicts of interest and to act in your best interest. For additional answers to questions about the differences between our advisory and brokerage services, please consult with your Institutional Consultant or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
©2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIIPC. Graystone Consulting is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
Awards Disclosures
1Investing in the market entails the risk of market volatility. The value of all types of investments may increase or decrease over varying time periods. The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of sustainable or impact investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because sustainability and impact criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria.
This information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and CFP (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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.
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
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Not all products and services are available to clients outside of the United States.
When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers investment program services through a variety of investment programs, which are opened pursuant to written client agreements. Each program offers investment managers, funds and features that are not available in other programs; conversely, some investment managers, funds or investment strategies may be available in more than one program. Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on a client’s specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for the client. Please see the applicable program disclosure document for more information, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV or from your Institutional Consultant.
The Global Investment Manager Analysis (GIMA) Services Only Apply to Certain Investment Advisory Programs. GIMA evaluates certain investment products for the purposes of some – but not all – of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s investment advisory programs (as described in more detail in the applicable Form ADV Disclosure Document for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management). If you do not invest through one of these investment advisory programs, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is not obligated to provide you notice of any GIMA Status changes even though it may give notice to clients in other programs.
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) program provides a discretionary investment management solution for accounts generally in excess of $25 million in assets. The program’s robust investment process includes investment policy statement development and review, customized asset allocation, investment product selection, risk management, disciplined rebalancing and ongoing portfolio monitoring. To learn more about the OCIO program, read the applicable Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC ADV brochure and/or brochure supplement, available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV. In the OCIO program, accounts are subject to an
annual asset-based fee which is payable quarterly in advance (some account types may be billed differently). In general, the Fee covers all fees or charges of Morgan Stanley (including investment advisory services, brokerage commissions, compensation to Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Morgan Stanley custodial charges) except certain costs or charges associated with the account such as any applicable Sub-Manager fees or certain securities transactions, including dealer mark-ups or mark-downs, auction fees, certain odd-lot differentials, exchange fees, transfer taxes, electronic fund and wire transfer fees; charges imposed by custodians other than Morgan Stanley.
Information contained herein is based on data from multiple sources considered to be reliable and Morgan Stanley makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley.
You should understand the differences between a brokerage and advisory relationship. When providing you brokerage services, our legal obligations to you are governed by the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the rules of self-regulatory organizations such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and state securities laws, where applicable. When providing you advisory services, our legal obligations to you are governed by the Investment Advisers Act, Federal statutes and regulations relating to retirement accounts, and applicable state securities laws. These latter advisory obligations govern our conduct and disclosure requirements, creating a legal standard which is referred to as a “fiduciary” duty to you. We also may have a fiduciary duty to you, with respect to brokerage retirement accounts.
Please reach out to your Institutional Consultant if you have questions about your rights and our obligations to you, including the extent of our obligations to disclose conflicts of interest and to act in your best interest. For additional answers to questions about the differences between our advisory and brokerage services, please consult with your Institutional Consultant or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
©2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIIPC. Graystone Consulting is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
Awards Disclosures
CRC # 3958844 (11/2024)