Updated 2026-03-20
Morgan Stanley vs Employee Fiduciary 401(k) Comparison
Compare Morgan Stanley at Work (#19, 6.8/10) and Employee Fiduciary (#24, 6.2/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.
Overall Comparison
| Feature | Morgan Stanley | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Rank | #19 | #24 |
| AUM | $6.2 trillion | $6 billion |
| Participants | 6 million | 80,000 |
| Plan Sponsors | 15,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Founded | 1935 | 2004 |
Ratings Comparison
| Category | Morgan Stanley | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | 3.0/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Investment Options | 4.5/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.1/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Mobile App | 4.0/5 | 2.5/5 |
Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Morgan Stanley | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fees | Varies by plan size and services | $1,500/year + $30/participant |
| Expense Ratios | 0.03% - 1.5% | 0.03% - 0.15% |
| Trading Fees | $0 for stocks/ETFs via E*Trade | $0 |
| Advisory Fees | 0.50% - 1.5% | Included as 3(38) fiduciary |
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
Employee Fiduciary Strengths
- Full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included
- Among the lowest all-in costs
- Consistently rated best by independent reviewers
- Low-cost Vanguard fund lineup
Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals
| Feature | Morgan Stanley | Employee Fiduciary |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover Platform | Morgan Stanley at Work Portal | Employee Fiduciary Portal |
| Loans Available | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal Methods | Online via Morgan Stanley portal, Phone (800-869-3326), Through Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Branch office visit | Phone (877-401-5100), Online portal |
| Distribution Options | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Systematic withdrawals, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions | Lump sum, Partial withdrawal, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Morgan Stanley if you want:
- Companies with stock plans
- Employees wanting full brokerage access
- High-net-worth participants
- Self-directed traders
Choose Employee Fiduciary if you want:
- Cost-conscious small businesses
- Employers wanting fiduciary protection
- Index fund believers
- Plan sponsors seeking simplicity
Our Verdict: Morgan Stanley vs Employee Fiduciary
Morgan Stanley at Work wins this comparison with a score of 6.8/10 vs 6.2/10. Morgan Stanley excels with access to morgan stanley financial advisors, 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.
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Morgan Stanley vs Employee Fiduciary: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026
Choosing between Morgan Stanley at Work and Employee Fiduciary for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Morgan Stanley offers wealth management while Employee Fiduciary is known for 3(38) fiduciary. In terms of fees, Morgan Stanley charges 0.03% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Employee Fiduciary's 0.03% - 0.15%. Morgan Stanley manages $6.2 trillion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Employee Fiduciary has $6 billion AUM and 80,000 participants.
Key Differences: Morgan Stanley vs Employee Fiduciary
When comparing Morgan Stanley and Employee Fiduciary, consider their core strengths: Morgan Stanley excels with access to morgan stanley financial advisors, while Employee Fiduciary stands out for full 3(38) investment fiduciary services included. Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Morgan Stanley's customer service rating is 4.1/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.2/5. For mobile experience, Morgan Stanley scores 4.0/5 while Employee Fiduciary scores 2.5/5.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Morgan Stanley if you prioritize companies with stock plans. Choose Employee Fiduciary if you're looking for cost-conscious small businesses. 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 Morgan Stanley and Employee Fiduciary provider pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Morgan Stanley at Work scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 6.8/10. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, while Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.
Morgan Stanley charges expense ratios of 0.03% - 1.5% with admin fees of Varies by plan size and services. Employee Fiduciary charges 0.03% - 0.15% expense ratios with admin fees of $1,500/year + $30/participant. Morgan Stanley's fees rating is 3.0/5 compared to Employee Fiduciary's 4.8/5.
Yes, you can roll over between Morgan Stanley and Employee Fiduciary. Morgan Stanley uses Morgan Stanley at Work Portal for rollovers, while Employee Fiduciary uses Employee Fiduciary Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.
Morgan Stanley offers 401(k) loans. Employee Fiduciary offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.
Morgan Stanley scores 4.5/5 for investment options, while Employee Fiduciary scores 3.2/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Morgan Stanley's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Index Funds. Employee Fiduciary offers Vanguard Index Funds, Target Date Funds, Bond Funds.
For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Morgan Stanley is best for companies with stock plans, employees wanting full brokerage access, high-net-worth participants, self-directed traders. Employee Fiduciary is best for cost-conscious small businesses, employers wanting fiduciary protection, index fund believers, plan sponsors seeking simplicity. Compare admin fees: Morgan Stanley charges Varies by plan size and services vs Employee Fiduciary's $1,500/year + $30/participant.
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