FINRA is the U.S. self‑regulatory organization that oversees brokerage firms and individual brokers, setting and enforcing rules to protect investors and keep markets orderly. Think of it as a referee and rulebook keeper for the broker industry: it licenses brokers, monitors their behavior, enforces standards, and runs complaint and arbitration systems, so investors can check records and have a path to resolve disputes.
A Series 7 is a regulatory exam and license required for financial professionals who sell a broad range of investment products, such as stocks, bonds and options. For investors it matters because it signals that the person advising or handling trades has passed standardized testing and meets industry rules—think of it like a driver's license that shows someone is qualified to operate across many types of investment transactions, improving trust and accountability.
series 63financial
A Series 63 is a licensing exam that tests a financial professional’s knowledge of state securities laws, rules, and ethical obligations; passing it is often required for someone to legally sell or advise on securities within a state. Think of it as a state-level “driver’s license” for securities activity—investors benefit because it helps ensure the person handling their money understands local legal protections and basic conduct standards.
series 66financial
Series 66 is a U.S. licensing exam that certifies a financial professional to act as both a securities agent and an investment adviser representative in states that accept it. Think of it as a driver’s license for giving investment advice and selling certain securities: it shows the advisor has passed a standardized test about laws, ethics, and suitability, which helps investors know the adviser is subject to regulatory standards and oversight.
series 79financial
Series 79 is a regulatory exam administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) that certifies professionals to advise on and execute complex investment banking transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity offerings, and private placements. For investors, seeing a professional hold Series 79 is like seeing a specialized driver’s license for deal work: it signals that the person has passed industry standards and is authorized and trained to handle sophisticated corporate financing activities.
cfafinancial
A CFA is a professional credential awarded to financial analysts and investment managers who pass a series of rigorous exams and meet experience and ethical standards. It signals that a person has demonstrated advanced knowledge of investing, portfolio management and financial analysis—think of it like a pilot’s license for someone who manages money. For investors, seeing a CFA can make it easier to judge a professional’s training and credibility, though it is not a guarantee of performance.
cfpfinancial
A CFP is a Certified Financial Planner, a professional credential awarded to individuals who have completed education, passed a comprehensive exam, and met ethical and experience requirements in personal financial planning. For investors, a CFP signals that an advisor is trained to create and coordinate plans for saving, investing, taxes, insurance and retirement—think of them as a trusted architect who helps design a practical roadmap for your financial goals.
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Firm Continues to Expand its New York Headquarters
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Fiduciary Trust International, a global wealth manager and wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Templeton, announces that Harrison Laing has joined the firm as a wealth director based in its headquarters in New York, NY.
Mr. Laing joins Fiduciary Trust International from Bessemer Trust in New York, where he was vice president of business development and helped identify, source, and execute opportunities to grow firm assets under management. He previously worked in investment banking focused on mergers and acquisitions and activism defense at Bank of America. Earlier in his career, Mr. Laing was an associate in the private wealth management division at Merrill Lynch, where he led client engagement and portfolio strategy for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families within The Kelley Group.
“Our high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients in the Greater New York region have come to expect fiduciary wealth management services that provide better alignment, greater tax efficiency, and more informed decisions across their financial lives,” said Anne Fitzpatrick Donahue, regional managing director for Fiduciary Trust International’s New York office. “Harrison shares our commitment to delivering financial clarity and peace of mind which strengthens client relationships from generation to generation. He is an ideal addition to our firm as we continue to expand the expertise we can offer.”
Mr. Laing graduated from the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a minor in finance. He holds licenses for FINRA Series 7, 63, 66, and 79.
“Fiduciary Trust International has established an impressive track record of providing holistic wealth and investment management advice, enabling clients to better understand how their decisions shape their overall financial picture,” said Mr. Laing. “I was particularly drawn to the strength of Fiduciary and Franklin Templeton’s investment platform, as well as the depth of its resources and capabilities and look forward to working with my new colleagues to empower clients and their families to improve their financial outcomes.”
Fiduciary Trust International remains committed to expanding its roster of experienced and talented wealth management professionals across the country, including its headquarters in New York. In April 2026, Tim Herpertz, CFA joined the firm as a portfolio manager in the New York office. In addition, Kevin F. Flood, CFP®, SE-AWMA™ began as a senior relationship manager in the firm’s New York office in August 2024, while Erica B. Landeros joined as a New York-based trust counsel in June 2024.
About Fiduciary Trust International
Fiduciary Trust International, a global wealth management firm headquartered in New York, NY, has served individuals, families, endowments and foundations since 1931. With over $108 billion in assets under management and administration as of March 31, 2026, the firm specializes in strategic wealth planning, investment management and trust and estate services, as well as tax and custody services. The New York-based firm and its subsidiaries maintain offices in Coral Gables, FL, Boca Raton, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, West Palm Beach, FL, St. Petersburg, FL, Radnor, PA, Lincoln, MA, Los Angeles, CA, San Mateo, CA, Washington, DC, Wilmington, DE, Reston, VA, and Atlanta, GA.For more information, please visit fiduciarytrust.com, and for the latest updates, follow Fiduciary Trust International on LinkedIn and X: @FiduciaryTrust.
About Franklin Templeton
Franklin Templeton is a trusted investment partner, delivering tailored solutions that align with clients’ strategic goals. With deep portfolio management expertise across public and private markets, we combine investment excellence with cutting-edge technology. Since our founding in 1947, we have empowered clients through strategic partnership, forward-looking insights, and continuous innovation – providing the tools and resources to navigate change and capture opportunity.
With more than $1.74 trillion in assets under management as of April 30, 2026, Franklin Templeton operates globally in more than 35 countries.
