1935 | Laying the Foundation
Morgan Stanley formally opens its doors for business at 2 Wall Street, New York City, on September 16, 1935. In its first year, the firm handles $1.1 billion in public offerings and private placements—a 24% market share.
1940 | Caring for Children
Founding partner Harold Stanley establishes the firm’s commitment to children’s health by raising $1.5 million (equal to nearly $25 million in 2014) for the U.S. Committee for the Care of European Children.
1941-1942 | Reorganizing and Expanding
The firm undergoes a reorganization as a partnership to allow for rapidly expanding activity in the securities business. The following year, Morgan Stanley joins the New York Stock Exchange.
1952 | Rebuilding Countries
As Europe struggles to recover after World War II, Morgan Stanley co-manages the World Bank’s $50 million bond offering to help finance European reconstruction efforts.
1961-1969 | Stronger Starts
The Morgan Stanley Foundation launches in 1961. The following year, Morgan Stanley develops the first computer model for financial analysts. In 1967, the firm establishes Morgan & Cie International in Paris to pursue the growing European securities market.
1970-1979 | Increased Capabilities
Morgan Stanley becomes the first international investment bank to establish a representative office in Tokyo, Japan, in 1970. In the following years, the Sales and Trading, Research, Investment Management, Realty and Private Wealth Management departments launch.
1980-1989 | Going Public
Morgan Stanley develops TAPS, the first automated trade-processing system, in 1984, with the Fixed Income Division launching the following year. In 1986, the firm goes public to raise capital for further growth. Over the course of the decade, the firm opens offices in Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, Melbourne, Milan, Sydney and Zurich, as well as expanding in London and Tokyo.
1990-1999 | Global Impact
In 1995, Morgan Stanley enters China as a cornerstone investor in China International Capital Corporation and establishes the Morgan Stanley International Foundation. The 1997 merger of Morgan Stanley Group Inc. and Dean, Witter, Discover & Co. creates the world’s largest securities firm to date. Over the course of the decade, the firm expands further in Asia and Latin America.
2000-2007 | Community Commitment
In addition to handling some of the largest tech IPOs, security offerings and acquisitions in the world, Morgan Stanley stands firm behind its commitments to community—from a joint effort by the firm and its employees to raise $60 million to build the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, to employee-led relief efforts following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
2008-2013 | Transitions and Strategic Alliances
In 2008, Morgan Stanley becomes a bank holding company and forms a strategic alliance with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG). Morgan Stanley completes the purchase of the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management joint venture in 2013, becoming 100% owner of one of the world’s leading wealth management franchises.
2013-2014 | Dedication to Sustainability
The firm looks to the future by launching the Investing with Impact platform and the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing, a pair of initiatives dedicated to inspiring positive social impact and fostering large-scale global sustainability.
