Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) has launched Tax Optimized Portfolio Solutions (TOPS), a new tool designed to offer a range of tax management strategies tailored to individual client needs. The platform brings together solutions from MSIM, Eaton Vance, and Parametric Portfolio Associates to help clients address specific portfolio challenges such as managing volatility, increasing total return, generating income, planning legacies, and understanding the tax implications of investments.
Brian Smith, Co-Head of the Wealth Strategies Group at MSIM, explained the approach: “The power of TOPS is bringing together various component pieces and enhancing their individual value by combining them in highly customized ways. Our team uses the TOPS tool to analyze client-specific financial attributes and develop tailored solution sets to align results with complex financial planning, providing better tax outcomes and adding value to advisor client relationships.”
The TOPS tool incorporates features developed by Eaton Vance and Parametric. It assists advisors in allocating assets for maximum tax efficiency, generating alpha and income, addressing complex portfolio concerns, and aligning investments with client priorities. These offerings include direct indexing, long/short extension strategies, custom option overlays, tax optimized ladders, solutions for diversifying concentrated stock positions, and specialized vehicles for charitable giving.
Matt Witkos, Head of North America Intermediary Sales at MSIM, commented on how the platform helps tailor investment strategies: “Each individual’s and family’s set of circumstances require in depth knowledge of their situation, preferences and risk tolerance, and must accommodate a broad range of specifications. TOPS allows our Wealth Strategies Group to identify the most relevant solutions that deliver greater value when combined in a highly customized, results-oriented way, and to provide a continuous glidepath as markets and investor preferences change.” He added: “TOPS is a tool that combined with our expertise, positions advisors to be their clients’ trusted advocate and allows them to generate efficient, customized portfolios.”
Parametric has been providing custom investment solutions for over 30 years. Its experience includes helping investors access market exposure efficiently while designing multi-asset portfolios responsive to evolving needs like tax management. The company also offers systematic alpha strategies alongside its core holdings. Together with Eaton Vance’s focus on tax-efficient investing over several decades, these capabilities form the foundation for TOPS.
As of June 30, 2025 Morgan Stanley Investment Management oversees $1.7 trillion in assets globally through more than 1,400 investment professionals (https://www.morganstanley.com/im.html). The firm serves governments, institutions, corporations and individuals worldwide with a suite of investment management services.
Morgan Stanley operates in 42 countries across the globe (https://www.morganstanley.com/), offering investment banking as well as wealth management services.
MSIM is supported by affiliates including Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited; Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd; Calvert Research and Management; Eaton Vance Management; Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC; and Atlanta Capital Management LLC.
The company advises investors that there are risks involved with any investment strategy. There is no guarantee that any particular approach will work under all market conditions or that profits will be achieved without losses. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult independent legal or financial advisers before making decisions related to investments or taxes.
Eaton Vance and Parametric operate as part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management.