Haselkorn & Thibaut has launched an independent investigation into Eric Lankin (CRD# 4542289), a financial advisor from Jamestown, Pennsylvania, currently registered with Purshe Kaplan Sterling. With over 50 years of experience and a 98% success rate, Haselkorn & Thibaut stands ready to help investors nationwide who may be concerned about their investments or seeking guidance on past dealings with financial professionals.
Who is Eric Lankin?
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Eric Lankin has built a career of more than 23 years in the securities industry. Most recently, he has been affiliated as both a broker and investment advisor with Purshe Kaplan Sterling since 2026, operating from Jamestown, PA. His previous roles include a tenure at Morgan Stanley as well as experience with Wells Fargo, all of which has contributed to his broad industry knowledge. Lankin’s credentials include passing demanding industry examinations such as the:
- Securities Industry Essentials Examination (SIE)
- General Securities Representative Examination (Series 7)
- Uniform Combined State Law Examination (Series 66)
Currently, he is licensed across 30 states, expanding his reach to clients nationwide.
Why Has Eric Lankin’s Resignation from Morgan Stanley Raised Questions?
The primary reason Eric Lankin has come under scrutiny is tied to his voluntary resignation from Morgan Stanley. According to FINRA BrokerCheck records, Lankin parted ways with Morgan Stanley in December 2025 under circumstances that investors should be aware of:
- Alleged rule violations involving outside business activities
- Private securities transactions not reported to the firm
- Being named in a customer’s will without notice to the firm
While no further details about the underlying conduct are disclosed, these types of issues are closely regulated within the industry.
Understanding Private Securities Transactions and Outside Business Activities
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) requires brokers to disclose and, when necessary, seek approval for any private securities transactions or outside business activities. FINRA Rule 3280 clearly outlines that brokers must provide written notice to their firm before engaging in investments not vetted internally. This process helps protect investors, as such investments could otherwise present unassessed risks. If compensation is involved, written approval from the firm is also required.
Alleged failures to follow these rules, such as those accompanying Mr. Lankin’s resignation, may raise red flags for investors—even if they stopped short of triggering official charges, lawsuits, or customer complaints.
Current Record: Complaints and Regulatory Actions
For those researching Eric Lankin, the good news is that his official regulatory record, as of the latest review, does not show any disciplinary actions, customer complaints, or civil matters:
| Category | Status as of Jan 2026 |
|---|---|
| Customer Disputes | None reported |
| Regulatory Actions | None reported |
| Criminal/Civil Judicial Actions | None reported |
| SEC Actions/Investigations | None reported |
| Termination for Cause | No firm-reported terminations for cause |
Additionally, searches of the SEC, federal, and state court databases, as well as media outlets, revealed no instances of regulatory penalties, lawsuits, or adverse headlines. This transparency is critical in helping investors make informed decisions.
What Should Investors Watch For?
Even in the absence of active complaints or lawsuits, the circumstances of a financial advisor’s resignation may be important to note. Investors are advised to:
- Understand the nature of outside business activities and why disclosure matters.
- Be cautious about any investments or transactions that were not documented through the primary brokerage firm.
- Ask pointed questions about compensation, potential conflicts of interest, and the advisor’s disclosure practices.
- Check for ongoing licenses and any new disclosures by monitoring the advisor’s BrokerCheck profile regularly.
Summary of Reported Issues and Complaints
At the time of this report, Eric Lankin’s record is free of customer complaints, arbitrations, or formal regulatory actions. However, the details surrounding his voluntary resignation raise important considerations for investors seeking the utmost in transparency and ethical conduct from their trusted financial professionals.
Next Steps: Protecting Your Investments
If you have ever invested with Eric Lankin—whether at Morgan Stanley, Purshe Kaplan Sterling, or elsewhere—it is wise to proactively review your investments and practices for any signs of undisclosed or risky transactions. Remember, private securities transactions and unreported outside business activities may not be regularly monitored by the firm, potentially increasing your investment risk.
Haselkorn & Thibaut offers free, confidential consultations to investors who have questions or concerns about their experience with Eric Lankin or pursuing claims related to brokerage or investment advisor misconduct. With a decades-long track record, millions recovered for clients, and a strict “no recovery, no fee” policy, you have nothing to lose by seeking your personalized case review from experienced investment fraud lawyers.
Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut Today
If you have concerns about investments with Eric Lankin or any other financial advisor at Purshe Kaplan Sterling, don’t wait. Get guidance from skilled professionals who know how to uncover hidden risks and protect your financial future.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut now at 1-888-885-7162 for your free, confidential consultation. Our team is here to help you find answers and pursue the best outcome for your situation.
