Updated 2026-03-20
Ascensus vs Morgan Stanley 401(k) Comparison
Compare Ascensus (#18, 6.8/10) and Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Ascensus | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.8/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Rank | #18 | #19 |
| AUM | $800 billion | $6.2 trillion |
| Participants | 12 million | 6 million |
| Plan Sponsors | 100,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Founded | 1975 | 1935 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Ascensus | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.5/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Customer Service | 3.7/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Mobile App | 3.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Ascensus | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by advisor and plan | Varies by plan size and services |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.5% | 0.03% - 1.5% |
| Trading Fees | Plan dependent | $0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade |
| Advisory Fees | Set by financial advisor | 0.50% - 1.5% |
Ascensus Strengths
- Largest independent recordkeeper in the US
- Works through financial advisor network
- Supports 401(k), IRA, 529, and HSA plans
- Strong compliance and administration
Morgan Stanley Strengths
- Access to Morgan Stanley financial advisors
- E*Trade self-directed brokerage window
- Full wealth management integration
- Stock plan and equity compensation expertise
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Ascensus | Morgan Stanley |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Ascensus Portal | Morgan Stanley at Work Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Through financial advisor, Phone (800-345-6363), Plan administrator portal | Online via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Ascensus if you want:
- Financial advisor clients
- Businesses wanting advisor-guided plans
- Multi-plan employers
- Open architecture seekers
Choose Morgan Stanley if you want:
- Companies with stock plans
- Employees wanting full brokerage access
- High-net-worth participants
- Self-directed traders
Our Verdict: Ascensus vs Morgan Stanley
Ascensus wins this comparison with a score of 6.8/10 vs 6.8/10. Ascensus excels with largest independent recordkeeper in the us, making it the stronger choice for most investors in this matchup. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, employer plan availability, and investment preferences.
Other Popular Comparisons
Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Vanguard vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Schwab vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Empower vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
T. Rowe Price vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Principal vs Morgan StanleyCompare these 401(k) providers head-to-head
Ascensus vs Morgan Stanley: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Ascensus and Morgan Stanley at Work for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Ascensus offers largest independent while Morgan Stanley is known for wealth management. In terms of fees, Ascensus charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Morgan Stanley's 0.03% - 1.5%. Ascensus manages $800 billion in assets and serves 12 million participants, while Morgan Stanley has $6.2 trillion AUM and 6 million participants.
Key Differences: Ascensus vs Morgan Stanley
When comparing Ascensus and Morgan Stanley, consider their core strengths: Ascensus excels with largest independent recordkeeper in the us, while Morgan Stanley stands out for access to morgan stanley financial advisors. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Ascensus's customer service rating is 3.7/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 4.1/5. For mobile experience, Ascensus scores 3.3/5 while Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Ascensus if you prioritize financial advisor clients. Choose Morgan Stanley if you're looking for companies with stock plans. Your decision should also consider your employer's plan availability, fee sensitivity, desired investment options, and customer service expectations. For detailed reviews, visit our individual Ascensus and Morgan Stanley provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both providers score 6.8/10 in our rankings. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, while Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Ascensus charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.5% with admin fees of Varies by advisor and plan. Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. Ascensus's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Morgan Stanley's 3.0/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Ascensus and Morgan Stanley. Ascensus uses Ascensus Portal for rollovers, while Morgan Stanley uses Morgan Stanley at Work Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Ascensus offers 401(k) loans. Morgan Stanley offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Ascensus scores 4.0/5 for investment options, while Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Ascensus's investment options include Open Architecture, Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds. Morgan Stanley offers Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Ascensus is best for financial advisor clients, businesses wanting advisor-guided plans, multi-plan employers, open architecture seekers. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Compare admin fees: Ascensus charges Varies by advisor and plan vs Morgan Stanley's Varies by plan size and services.
Pavlo Pyskunov
Managing Director & Investment Fund Director
Pavlo Pyskunov analyzes employer-sponsored retirement plans using IRS publications and DOL Form 5500 filings, helping workers maximize their 401(k) savings through data-driven guidance.
Last updated: 2026-03-20