Morgan Stanley Seeks to Stop Two Departing Advisors from Transferring Inherited Accounts

Posted on May 9th, 2022 at 2:59 PM
Morgan Stanley Seeks to Stop Two Departing Advisors from Transferring Inherited Accounts

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

Morgan Stanley is seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) in an effort to block two of its former New-Jersey based advisors from soliciting clients whom they inherited via the firm’s Former Advisor Program (FAP). 

Joseph Hutchinson and Robert Gibbs allegedly violated their employment agreements by misappropriating confidential client information because of their success in transitioning clients inherited from a retired advisor, according to Morgan Stanley. Hutchinson and Gibbs, who recently joined RiversEdge Wealth partners, have transferred nearly $20 million of the $175 million book they inherited from the former advisor, Leo Russomanno. According to Morgan Stanley, Hutchinson and Gibbs agreed to a one-year solicitation ban in the event they were to depart the firm. 

Morgan Stanley sent demand letters to each advisor after their departure on April 19 prior to filing its lawsuit, but each denied misappropriating the firm’s confidential client information or soliciting the clients. According to the complaint, the $175 million in assets constituted nearly 85% of the advisors’ total client book. Hutchinson and Gibbs have been “depriving” Russomanno, who retired in 2019, of his retirement income, according to Morgan Stanley. 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, regulatory and disciplinary matters.

 
 

Tags: eccleston law, morgan stanley, tro

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I just wanted to say thanks again for preparing and executing my case in such a professional manner. It was a pleasure to watch two professionals take such pride in their work, as well as becoming personally in tune with your client (Me). I would personally recommend you and your firm to anyone.

John O.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

February 4, 2026
Investor Redemptions Rise in Nontraded BDCs Amid Credit Concerns

Financial advisors and their clients have increased redemptions from nontraded business development companies (BDCs) following a series of high-profile corporate bankruptcies, according to InvestmentNews. The surge highlights growing investor concern about liquidity and credit exposure within these high-yield but often risky investment ...

February 3, 2026
FINRA Accuses Spartan Capital of Widespread Churning That Allegedly Harmed Customers

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has brought a disciplinary complaint against Spartan Capital Securities and several senior leaders of the New York City–based broker-dealer, alleging that the firm facilitated excessive trading that generated millions of dollars in revenue while causing substantial losses to customers.

February 2, 2026
California Investors Allege Unsuitable DST Recommendations in FINRA Arbitration

Two investors from the San Francisco Bay Area have filed a FINRA arbitration claim against brokerage firm Realized Financial and its financial advisors.