Wells Fargo Advisors Adds Financial Advisor in Naples

The firm recruited Eric Smith, a veteran advisor who previously managed $400 million in client assets at Morgan Stanley.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Financial Planning

A close-up view of a modern building's glass facade reflecting bright sun and tropical foliage in a coastal city. — Wells Fargo Advisors expanded its Florida wealth management branch in Naples, Florida, following the recruitment of veteran financial advisor Eric Smith. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Wells Fargo Advisors has expanded its Naples branch by hiring Eric Smith, an experienced financial advisor. Smith brings over 20 years of industry expertise and managed more than $400 million at Morgan Stanley.

Why it matters

This move highlights the ongoing competition among major wealth management firms to capture experienced talent and their high-net-worth client portfolios. It represents a significant expansion of professional resources for the Florida Gulf Coast market.

Eric Smith brings over 20 years of total professional experience and managed $400 million in client assets during his 12-year tenure at Morgan Stanley.

The players

Eric Smith

An experienced financial advisor with over two decades of professional practice who moved from Morgan Stanley to Wells Fargo Advisors.

Wells Fargo Advisors

A major financial services firm that provides investment advice and wealth management solutions to individual and institutional clients.

Morgan Stanley

A multinational investment bank and financial services company that serves as a leading provider of wealth management services.

UBS Financial Services

A global financial services firm that operates wealth management divisions, including teams that recently expanded the Naples office.

The details

Smith joins the Naples branch as part of a recent hiring push within the Florida Gulf Coast market. His addition follows the recruitment of a separate team from UBS Financial Services that oversees $410 million in client assets.

Early October 2026: A team of advisors from UBS Financial Services joined the Naples branch.
October 15, 2026: Eric Smith officially joined the Wells Fargo Advisors branch.

Market Dynamics

This recruitment reflects a broader industry trend where major wirehouses actively compete to acquire seasoned advisors and their substantial client books. It underscores the intense consolidation and talent acquisition race currently defining the regional wealth management landscape.

Clients moving with or engaging with these advisors can expect changes to their account management practices and access to different platform resources. Retail investors should review their current fee structures and investment mandates to ensure alignment with the new firm's policies.

The takeaway

Clients evaluating their own advisory relationships should prioritize stability and service continuity during firm transitions. It is essential to confirm that an advisor's new firm offers the specific investment products and custody services that match your financial goals.