James E. Costello Morgan Stanley Smith Barney announced today Financial Advisor, James E. Costello of the Firm’s Garden City office has been appointed as a Corporate Retirement Director (CRD).

James E. Costello earned the CRD designation after advanced training and examination, focusing exclusively on the corporate retirement plan marketplace. The curriculum involves in-depth study of plan design, investment strategy, plan administration, fiduciary issues and other related retirement topics. In addition, Financial Advisors must have $40 million in retirement assets, five years industry experience and maintain a clean compliance record. Of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s 18,000 Financial Advisors, Mr. Costello is among only approximately 150 individuals who have qualified for this prestigious designation.

The CRD designation recognizes Financial Advisors who have dedicated their practice to helping corporate clients manage all aspects of their retirement plans. The services our Corporate Retirement Directors can offer include assistance with: plan evaluation and design, vendor selection, investment review, fee benchmarking and educating participants on critical topics to retirement security such as asset allocation and dollar cost averaging.

“Morgan Stanley Smith Barney is pleased to recognize James Costello for his proven ability to help retirement plan sponsors manage their responsibilities in today’s complicated retirement environment,” said Peter Prunty, Executive Director and National Retirement Distribution Manager for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. “The Corporate Retirement Director represents the backbone of our commitment to the retirement industry. We are confident that through their outstanding leadership, extensive training and commitment to excellence, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney will continue to lead the industry by providing our clients with the highest level of service possible.”

With approximately 40 years in the financial services industry, Mr. Costello joined Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in 2007 as a Senior Vice President. A graduate of St John’s University, Jim earned a BA in 1961. Jim has served as a past Chairman of the Board of St. John’s University’s Alumni Association, and in 1997, he was elected as Director Emeritus. Active in many community affairs, Jim is a member of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce for which he was a two-time past President, and has been on their Board of Directors for nearly 25 years. The Chamber of Commerce named him “Outstanding Citizen” in 1985, as did the Jaycees in 1978, and he served as past President for both the Jaycees and Lions Club.