Story perspectives

Morgan Stanley Surpasses $1 Trillion in IRA Assets

3/23/2026

Summary

Morgan Stanley Milestone

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, the wealth-management unit of Morgan Stanley, surpassed $1 trillion in IRA assets as of November 2025.
The milestone shows a 15.8 percent CAGR since 2022, above 13.6 percent industry average, and 49 percent recession risk for 401(k) investments.
Chad Turner, head of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Platforms, attributed the growth to user-friendly tools and guidance.
The firm expanded IRA rollover options via its ETRADE platform.

Summary

Retirement Asset Surge

Morgan Stanley reports over $1 trillion in Individual Retirement Account assets.
Moody's raises 2026 recession risk to 49%, citing weak labor markets and high oil prices.
In 2025, hardship withdrawals from 401(k) plans reached a record, with 6% using funds for urgent needs.
Financial advisers advocate 401(k) protection strategies, emphasizing diversification and stress-testing portfolios.
The gap between Wall Street gains and savers' finances prompts calls for proactive retirement safeguards.

History

Historical Context

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) established Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) in 1974 to promote retirement savings. By 2025, IRA assets surpassed $1 trillion, reflecting a 15.8% annual growth since 2022. This trend underscores the increasing importance of IRAs as financial advisers recommend diversification strategies amid rising recession risks, with nearly half of 401(k) investments facing potential downturns.

1 of 3

Morgan Stanley Milestone

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, the wealth-management unit of Morgan Stanley, surpassed $1 trillion in IRA assets as of November 2025.
The milestone shows a 15.8 percent CAGR since 2022, above 13.6 percent industry average, and 49 percent recession risk for 401(k) investments.
Chad Turner, head of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Platforms, attributed the growth to user-friendly tools and guidance.
The firm expanded IRA rollover options via its ETRADE platform.

1 / 3