Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (MSWM) today announced the launch of the Private Markets Transaction Desk, a revolutionary service empowering investors to navigate the complexities of the private secondary market.
This concierge-style platform caters to the growing need for liquidity solutions as private companies stay private for extended periods. MSWM leverages its unparalleled ecosystem encompassing companies, wealth management clients, and institutional investors to offer a distinct range of private market opportunities.
Addressing a Critical Market Gap
The number of growth-stage, venture-backed global companies exceeding $1 billion in value has skyrocketed from 150 in 2015 to over 1,000 today, representing a cumulative valuation of $4.3 trillion. However, the secondary market for these companies’ shares remains fragmented and opaque, hindering investor access.
The Private Markets Transaction Desk bridges this gap by providing clients with:
- Company-Centric Approach: Tailored support for one-off private company share sales, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction.
- Unprecedented Access: Unlocking exclusive investment opportunities typically unavailable through traditional channels.
- Streamlined Transactions: Expert guidance and execution quality through established relationships with leading secondary marketplaces.
Industry Leadership in Private Markets
“As alternative investments like private market shares gain traction for portfolio diversification, MSWM is uniquely positioned to cater to both buyers and sellers,” said Jed Finn, Head of MSWM. “Our comprehensive private markets ecosystem, coupled with our world-class expertise, allows us to deliver exceptional value to our clients.”
Michael Gaviser, Head of Private Markets at MSWM, emphasized the platform’s role in fostering growth: “With a rising share of capital formation and economic activity occurring in the private markets, we remain committed to collaborating with clients to source and facilitate these opportunities, generating long-term value.”
The Private Markets Transaction Desk is led by industry veteran Jeff Urban, with a proven track record in private and public markets distribution and syndication. His expertise ensures the platform operates at the highest standard, delivering exceptional client service.
“The evolving private markets landscape demands a trusted intermediary that offers robust liquidity solutions,” said Kevin Swan, Head of Private Markets Solutions. “The Private Markets Transaction Desk empowers clients to navigate complex transactions while addressing both sides of the market needs, all while ensuring close collaboration with the companies involved.”
MSWM’s commitment to private company solutions extends beyond the new platform. Through the Shareworks equity management platform, MSWM has facilitated over $20 billion in company-led private share liquidity programs since 2020. This launch further expands the types of programs Shareworks can support, empowering companies with automated solutions for secondary transactions while maintaining control of their capital structure.
