Eric Lankin: Why Did Advisor Resign from Morgan Stanley?

Jamestown, Pennsylvania financial advisor Eric Lankin (CRD# 4542289) recently resigned from his former member firm in connection with alleged rule violations. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that the former Morgan Stanley representative is currently registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Purshe Kaplan Sterling.

Mr. Lankin’s BrokerCheck report discloses his separation from Morgan Stanley. Filed in December 2025, the disclosure states that he voluntarily resigned in connection with allegations “related to outside business activities and private securities transaction not reported to the Firm and being named in a customer’s will without notice to the Firm.” The disclosure provides no additional information regarding the underlying alleged conduct.

For reference, FINRA Rule 3280 states that brokers like Mr. Lankin may not undertake private securities transactions—transactions involving investments unapproved by their firm—without first providing written notice to their firm. In cases where they have received or may receive selling compensation for the transaction, they must obtain their firm’s written approval. Private securities transactions can create risks for the investor, given that they involve investments not vetted by the firm. Brokers who recommend private securities transactions may be held liable in the event of losses.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Eric Lankin holds 23 years of securities industry experience. Based in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, he has been registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Purshe Kaplan Sterling since 2026. His past registrations include Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo. His credentials include the passage of five securities industry qualifying exams: the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; and the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, or Series 66. He holds 30 state licenses. (Information current as of January 24, 2026.)

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