Haselkorn & Thibaut has launched an investigation into recent regulatory actions and investor complaints involving Eric Kleiner, a former Morgan Stanley advisor based in New York, NY. If you have concerns about your investment accounts or suspect possible losses due to recent events, read on for a thorough, investor-friendly review of Mr. Kleiner’s background, the allegations at hand, and steps you can take. As always, Haselkorn & Thibaut offers a free and confidential consultation to all investors—call 1-888-994-8066 today.
Overview: Eric Kleiner, Former Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor
Table of Contents
Eric Kleiner, CRD# 4135180, is an experienced financial professional with a career spanning over twenty-five years in the securities industry. His most recent registration was as a broker with Morgan Stanley in New York City, where he worked from 2016 until he was terminated in 2025. Prior to his tenure at Morgan Stanley, Mr. Kleiner was affiliated with Wells Fargo Advisors and Prudential Securities, building a considerable resume in the financial services sector.
According to his public BrokerCheck profile, Mr. Kleiner successfully passed several key securities industry qualifying examinations throughout his career, including:
- Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
- Series 7 – General Securities Representative Examination
- Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
- Series 65 – Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination
However, his once-strong record has come under scrutiny due to a series of regulatory actions and investor complaints in 2025.
Recent Regulatory Action: FINRA Bar and Termination from Morgan Stanley
In October 2025, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued a decisive sanction against Eric Kleiner. According to the official Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC), Mr. Kleiner was barred from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity. This severe penalty followed his refusal to provide key documents and information that FINRA requested during their investigation into the circumstances surrounding his separation from Morgan Stanley.
| Regulatory Action | Details |
|---|---|
| FINRA Bar | Refusal to cooperate with FINRA’s request for documentation and information led to a permanent bar from FINRA member firms (AWC No. 2024084330501, October 2025). |
| Termination from Morgan Stanley | Fired in March 2025 amid allegations of recommending non-approved and restricted investments, failure to disclose outside investments, and unauthorized sharing of confidential firm information via personal device. |
Key Takeaway: A FINRA bar is one of the most serious regulatory outcomes a financial advisor can face and typically follows a finding that the advisor failed to comply with important industry standards or investigations.
Investor Complaints: What Are the Allegations?
Publicly disclosed customer complaints regarding Eric Kleiner focus largely on alleged recommendations of outside, unapproved investments—actions that are strictly prohibited under most major broker-dealer policies. Here’s a brief summary of the known complaints as of November 2025:
- June 2025 – Client alleges Mr. Kleiner recommended an outside investment not authorized by Morgan Stanley. The case is pending; specific damages are unspecified.
- May 2025 – Investor claims Mr. Kleiner recommended an unapproved investment product while at Morgan Stanley. This complaint is also pending, contending damages of $400,000.
Although earlier reviews of online databases and courts indicated no customer complaints, FINRA’s updated records as of November 2025 now reflect multiple pending allegations. It’s important to note that even a single unresolved investor complaint can be a significant red flag for current and prospective clients.
Red Flags: Key Issues for Investors
As an investor, it is crucial to recognize warning signs that may indicate potential risks with a financial advisor. Here are some specific red flags that have emerged in the case of Eric Kleiner:
- Refusal to cooperate with regulatory investigations—An advisor’s unwillingness to provide documents or answer regulator inquiries is a significant cause for concern.
- Termination due to policy violations—Being dismissed from a major broker-dealer such as Morgan Stanley for recommending unauthorized investments and failing to disclose outside activities signals a breakdown in compliance with basic fiduciary duties.
- Allegations of recommending outside and unapproved investments—This can expose investors to unsanctioned, high-risk, or even fraudulent products that have not undergone appropriate firm review.
- Active, unresolved complaints alleging large damages—Pending arbitration claims, especially those seeking significant restitution, can affect both client confidence and an advisor’s ability to provide credible advice.
What Should Investors Do Next?
If you invested with Eric Kleiner, formerly of Morgan Stanley in New York, or if you have received statements or investment recommendations you now question, it’s crucial to act proactively. Protecting your financial future requires diligence and professional guidance. If you notice any of the following, consider seeking immediate legal counsel:
- Received recommendations to invest in products not listed on your firm’s official offerings
- Experience unexplained account losses or suspect unauthorized trading
- Communicated with your advisor via personal phone or email for “side” investments
- Received notification of an advisor’s termination or regulatory bar
Your Partners: Haselkorn & Thibaut
Haselkorn & Thibaut is a national securities fraud law firm with over 50 years of collective attorney experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for their clients. If you are concerned about your accounts or want to understand your rights, their team offers a free, confidential case evaluation. There are no fees unless you recover lost funds.
Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-994-8066 today for a confidential discussion regarding your situation. Protect yourself and your loved ones—experienced attorneys are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Act now to safeguard your retirement and investments. The call is free. The consultation is confidential. And your financial peace of mind is worth it.
