Sarah Norman

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. (MLPFS) is a global investment banking firm, SEC-registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, and futures commission merchant headquartered in New York City. The firm is a subsidiary of BAC North America Holding Co., ultimately held by Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC). MLPFS provide investment advisory services to individuals, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, banks, insurance companies, thrift institutions, pension and profit-sharing plans, corporations and other types of business.

Founded in 2009, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (MSSB) is a registered investment adviser, a registered broker-dealer, a registered futures commission merchant, and a member of the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, MSSB is one of the largest financial services firms in the US with branch offices in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The firm was initially owned by a joint venture company which was indirectly owned 65% by Morgan Stanley and 35% by Citigroup, Inc. On June 28, 2013, Morgan Stanley purchased Citi’s 35% interest in MSSB. As such, the firm is now a direct subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Holdings LLC and they are a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS).