Eric Benjamin Lankin (CRD #4542289) Has an Employment Separation Disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck

Eric Benjamin Lankin (CRD #4542289) was previously registered as a broker and has an employment separation disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on February 9, 2026. It reflects one employment separation. If you invested with Eric Benjamin Lankin and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Employment Separation

Eric Lankin’s FINRA BrokerCheck Report reflects one employment separation disclosure. A summary is below:

According to Eric Lankin’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney reported that he voluntarily resigned on December 15, 2025. The firm reported allegations related to outside business activities and a private securities transaction that were not reported to the firm. It also reported that he was named in a customer’s will without notice to the firm. The report states no customer complaint was identified. FINRA BrokerCheck lists the product type as Direct Investment-DPP & LP Interests and Promissory Note.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 3270 (Outside Business Activities of Registered Persons)

FINRA Rule 3270 requires registered persons to give their member firm prior written notice before engaging in most outside business activities. Termination disclosures may raise questions about whether the firm received notice and had a chance to supervise the activity.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 3280 (Private Securities Transactions of an Associated Person)

FINRA Rule 3280 governs private securities transactions outside the regular course or scope of an associated person’s employment with a member firm. It requires written notice and can require firm approval and supervision, depending on the circumstances.

Why This Matters to Investors (Regulation Best Interest)

Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) is a U.S. securities regulation. It strengthens the standard of conduct that broker-dealers owe to retail investors. It applies when they recommend securities transactions or investment strategies. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Reg BI. It became effective on June 30, 2020. Reg BI aims to protect investors while preserving access to brokerage products and services.

Reg BI requires broker-dealers and financial advisors to act in a retail customer’s best interest at the time of a recommendation. They must not place their own financial or other interests ahead of the customer’s. This standard is higher than the older “suitability” rule. Suitability meant a recommendation only had to be appropriate. It did not have to be the best option or free of conflicts.

Reg BI has four key obligations:

Disclosure Obligation – Broker-dealers must disclose material facts about the relationship and the recommendation. This includes fees, the scope of services, and conflicts of interest.

Care Obligation – Broker-dealers must use reasonable diligence, care, and skill. They must consider costs, risks, and alternatives when making a recommendation.

Conflict of Interest Obligation – Firms must identify conflicts of interest. They must disclose them and mitigate or eliminate them. This includes conflicts that create incentives to favor one product over another.

Compliance Obligation – Firms must maintain policies and procedures. Those policies should be designed to ensure compliance with Reg BI as a whole.

Reg BI applies to each recommendation. It is not a continuous duty like the fiduciary standard for registered investment advisers. Even so, it narrows the gap. It puts more focus on costs, conflicts, and investor-focused decision-making.

Overall, Regulation Best Interest promotes transparency. It also aims to improve the quality of investment recommendations. It is designed to reinforce trust between retail investors and broker-dealers in the U.S. securities markets.

Background Information (from BrokerCheck)

Based on His FINRA BrokerCheck report, Eric Lankin:

Is not currently registered.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. He has also passed Series 31, Series 7, and Series 66.

Was previously registered with firms that include Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Eric Lankin and you have concerns about his activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate your legal options. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Selling Away | Securities Attorney

For nearly 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated for investors and helped hold financial professionals accountable. Our firm represents clients nationwide in securities arbitration and related disputes. If you believe a broker or firm mishandled your account, an attorney can review the facts and explain possible next steps.